Professionalism
What is Professionalism?
Who is a Professional?
Cleveland State University
School of Nursing
Convocation
Ron Rock, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC
Nurse Manager WOC Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Cleveland Clinic
Characteristics -Flexner
Essentially intellectual or “ learned”

Based on knowledge not routine

Practical application

Techniques that can be taught
Who are they…
Characteristics
-Flexner-

Working for the good of society

Self-organization and self-regulation

Ethical & moral motivations
Nurses
Social Workers
Lawyers
 Physicians
 Teachers
 Judges
 Pilots
 &…


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Characteristics
of a professional…
GRANTED BY SOCIETY
…earned by YOU!!
Characteristics….
Characteristics….
• Trustworthy
• Act with Integrity
• Courteous
• Competent
• Knowledgeable
• Dependable
• Respectful
• Empathetic
• Cooperative
• Committed
• Accountable

Against expectations or standards

Strongly influenced by culture

Personal value set

May be situational
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Judged by others?
• Your Communication
• Language
Judged by others?
• Your Image
• Facebook
• Your Competence
• Twitter
• Your Demeanor
• Email
• Ring tones
• Body Language
Judged by colleagues?
Judged by yourself...
• Quality of work
• Pride
• Interpersonal skills
• Purpose
• Attitude
• Passion
• Integrity
Work Ethic

Trustworthy

Competent

Empathetic

Respectful

Caring

Safe

Image
• Poise
Performance
• violating the rules or ethical code of a
given profession
• not of, characteristic of, belonging to,
or connected with a profession;
nonprofessional
http://www.yourdictionary.com/unprofessional
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Your thoughts about…
•
Dress
Professionalism is in
the eye of the
beholder…
Body Piercing
Tattoos
Language
Professionalism is in
the eye of the
beholder…
◦ EMR
◦ Social media
◦ Elevators
◦ Hallways
◦ Portable workstations
Where do you start…
What are your boundaries…
Respect Yourself
Relationships
Respect for Others
Communications
Respect for Nursing
Self-disclosure
Accept Personal Responsibility
Exploitation
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What about balance…
Home Stretch…
Start with yourself
Work
School
Colleagues
Family & Friends
Plan of Care…
Schedule your time & activities
Pamper yourself PRN
Embrace interruptions
Leave baggage in parking lot
Determine your values
Pay attention how you communicate
Final Thought
When you are dealing with people at
their lowest, your professionalism
should be at its highest.
It’s a matter of choice
Laugh often
I wish you every success
and hope you enjoy your
journey to becoming a
Professional
Registered Nurse!
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