commensurate
corresponding in size, amount, extent or degree; equal in measure
connotation
an implication; something suggested by a word or thing
credibility
the quality or power of inspiring belief
demeanor
behavior toward others; outward manner
detrimental
obviously harmful or damaging
discretion
the quality of being discrete; having or showing good judgement or conduct, especially in speech
disseminated
to disburse, to spread around
initiative
to cause or facilitate the beginning of; to initiate something into happening
insubordination
disobedience to authority
morale
the mental and emotional condition, enthusiasm, loyalty, or confidence of an individual or group with regard to the function or task at hand
persona
an individual's social facade or front that reflects the role in life the individual is playing; the personality that a person projects in public
professionalism
the conduct or qualities characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession; exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
reproach
an expression of rebuke or disapproval; a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
Why is professionalism important?
Patients expect medical personnel to be professional.
Patients place their trust and confidence in those they deem to be professional.
Attitudes are conservative in the medical field, mandating professionalism.
Characteristics of Professionalism
Loyalty
Dependability
Courtesy
Initiative
Flexibility
Credibility
Confidentiality
Attitude
Obstructions to professionalism
Personal Problems and Baggage
Rumors and "the Grapevine"
Personal Phone Calls and Business
Office Politics
Procrastination
Personal problems and baggage
Situations medical assistants face outside of work may be difficult to leave at home.
These situations can interfere with the ability to perform at work.
Take a moment to discuss the situation with supervisors.
Use discretion when talking about the issues
Rumors and the "grapevine
Rumors and gossip must be avoided in a professional medical facility.
These issues cause negative employee morale.
Rumors often become more exaggerated with each telling.
Medical assistants must be friendly and cordial to everyone.
Never take part in rumo
Personal Phone Calls and Business
Avoid receiving personal calls at work unless a serious emergency occurs.
This rule includes both the office phone and personal cell phones.
Do not conduct any type of personal business during working hours.
Use personal time to check personal email.
Office Politics
Office politics can be positive or negative.
Positive office politics can lead to promotions and wage increases.
Negative office politics can lead to dissention and low employee morale.
Procrastination
Procrastination is a sign of the fear of failure.
Never put off duties that can be done immediately.
Stop procrastination by doing something now.
Divide projects into small segments.
Professional attributes include:
Teamwork
Time Management
Prioritizing
Goal Setting
Teamwork
Possibly one of the most important attributes to develop.
Staff members must work together for the good of the patients.
Cooperate with co-workers.
Teamwork promotes good employee morale.
Never say, "That's not my job.
Time Management
Use time efficiently.
Plan tasks that must be done.
Key to time management is prioritizing.
Prioritizing
Prioritizing is deciding which tasks to do first.
Make a list of tasks.
Decide what must, should, and could be done today.
Place each task in numeric order within the "must," "should," and "could" categories.
Assign letters and numbers to categorize tasks
Goal Setting
Goals should be:
Reasonable
Measurable
Written down
Monitored for progress
Set for all areas of an individual's life
Celebrated when reached, even if it is a small accomplishment
Documentation
write legibly.
be complete.
state facts, not opinions.
never use sarcastic language.
make corrections as directed.
Note Taking
Always have pen and paper ready for note taking in meetings and seminars.
Keep a small pad and pen in a pocket for quick notes.
A person with a good work ethic:
A person with a good work ethic:
arrives on-time.
is rarely absent.
has a strong work output.
is honest.
is able to solve ethical problems.
has a character that is above reproach.
Communication
The success of any business is related to its ability to communicate effectively.