Patients put their trust and well-being in the hands of medical professionals and, because of that, they also tend to hold those in the medical profession to a high standard. Patients and colleagues alike want to see that you're taking things just as seriously as they are, no matter how well-educated or experienced you may be. That's ultimately why professionalism is so important in the field—how you dress, talk, act, and display judgment all go a long way toward letting everyone know they can rely on you.
In this article, we will explore several ways in which health care professionals can showcase their professionalism. By embracing the following strategies, health care professionals can build trust and confidence with their patients while upholding the highest standards of care.
What Is Professionalism?
Broadly speaking, professionalism can most simply be defined as "the competence or skill expected of a professional." But in reality, it's so much more than that.
In a health care context, professionalism is the skills and experience you bring to inherently challenging and often life-threatening situations. It's also the solid judgment that you practice in both big moments with patients and the little ones that no one else ever sees. It has to do with the respectful behavior you demonstrate toward everyone around you, both patients and peers.
Especially in the world of health care, you can't just "declare" yourself a paragon of professionalism—it really is more about how others perceive you and how you treat them. And it's not just about what you say, it also comes down to what you do and the manner in which you do it.
Why Is Professionalism in Health Care Important?
Especially in health care, professionalism is essential for several reasons. Health care is an environment that requires collaboration built on deeply rooted trust and respect, which are best cultivated through professionalism.
Professionalism is also essential in health care because it speaks to so many of the qualities that patients and peers look for in a health care organization professional. Patients and families want to know that you're prioritizing and promoting their own safety first and foremost. They need you to communicate well to help them understand what is happening and what steps to take next. They must be confident that you're honest, that you respect those around you, and that you will preserve their confidentiality.
How to Show Professionalism in the Health Care Field
Ultimately, showing professionalism in the health care field is less about any one major thing that you can do and is more about a series of smaller, perhaps more meaningful actions. They may not look like much individually, but when taken together, they paint a picture of a medical professional who is deserving of both trust and respect from those around them.
Here are just a few of the steps you can take to show professionalism in the health care field.
1. Encourage teamwork
Most health care professionals have a knowledge and background that is so specialized that they could never be expected to serve all the needs of a particular patient. They will need help from colleagues. Even a surgeon doesn't perform a procedure alone: they rely on help from those around them. Being a medical professional isn’t a solo act, it’s more like a sports team. How well you work with others can significantly impact patient outcomes, whether providing patient care at the bedside, or behind the scenes as a health care leader supporting the business side of health care. Effective teamwork requires communication, collaboration, and cooperation. By working as a team, health care professionals can ensure that patients receive timely, coordinated care that is tailored to their unique needs.
2. Be punctual
Another one of the most important things you can do to show professionalism in a health care environment is to be punctual. Colleagues and patients are relying on you to show up when you’re needed.
This also means you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to handle your commitments. Practice proper time management so that you are where you need to be, exactly when you need to be there, rather than rushing things at the last minute.
3. Deliver top quality work
Naturally, one factor that contributes to the way people perceive you professionally has to do with the quality of your work you deliver on a daily basis. health care professionals are entrusted with the health and well-being of their patients, and as such, they must adhere to the highest standards of care. This requires not only technical proficiency but also a commitment to ongoing learning, improvement, and best practices. By consistently delivering top-notch work, health care professionals can earn the trust and confidence of patients and colleagues. A reputation for excellence can also lead to increased patient satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and greater job satisfaction for health care professionals.
4. Be empathetic and compassionate
Remember that as a health care professional, you're often dealing with people who are going through some of the most stressful situations of their lives. Empathy and compassion are crucial qualities for health care professionals to possess to foster genuine human connection while building trusting patient relationships. Patients may feel vulnerable, anxious, scared, or confused, and you need to be able to draw upon your empathy and compassion to alleviate their fears and help them feel more comfortable.
5. Be accountable for your actions
In situations where things go exactly right, don't be afraid to celebrate those victories. When you make mistakes or can't solve a problem, own up to it. Being accountable is the hallmark of both a professional and someone worth following. Being accountable means acknowledging mistakes, taking steps to correct them, and being transparent about any errors or issues that arise. By being accountable, health care professionals can build trust and credibility with patients, colleagues, and the wider community. Accountability can also lead to improved patient safety, better communication and collaboration among health care providers, and a more positive work environment.
6. Be respectful
Respect is an essential value for health care workers to embody in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and the wider community. Respect involves treating others with dignity, empathy, and understanding, regardless of their background or circumstances. In the health care profession, respect means acknowledging and valuing the autonomy, diversity, culture, and preferences of patients and caregivers, including their right to make informed decisions about their care.
It also means recognizing and appreciating the contributions of colleagues and collaborating effectively to provide the best possible care for patients. By demonstrating respect, health care workers can build trust, foster positive relationships, and create a supportive, inclusive environment that promotes healing and well-being.
7. Adhere to high ethical standards in the workplace
The very nature of the health care profession makes it crucial that health care professionals maintain a high ethical standard. The work of doctors, nurses, and staff can significantly impact their patients’ lives, and whether that’s for the better or worse largely hinges upon the kind of ethical standards these professionals adhere to. Patients rely on you to act in their best interests to provide accurate and high-quality information and treatment. Health care business leaders work to promote high ethical standards to ensure clinicians and health care providers act with integrity, honesty, and transparency and that they uphold the trust that patients and families place in them.
8. Practice effective communication
In the health care field, how effectively you communicate could literally mean life or death, so the importance of this skill set cannot be overstated. Your daily responsibilities will heavily involve communicating with patients, their families, and your health care team. Miscommunication can result in errors, misunderstandings, and delays in treatment, potentially compromising patient safety and outcomes. Conversely, effective communication can promote patient engagement, trust, and satisfaction and enable health care professionals to build strong relationships with patients and their families, facilitating informed decision-making and optimal care.
9. Keep working to improve yourself and your skill set
The moment that you think you've "learned enough" or "accomplished enough" or "are the absolute best there is" is the moment you stop growing. There is always room for improvement. Always.
10. Stay positive
Finally, regardless of how challenging things can get, it's always best to remain positive. It's the hallmark of a true leader and it will show people how to persevere even in the face of difficult situations.
Learn More Today
In the end, professionalism is just one of the many qualities that you need to excel in the health care field. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health services management, health and wellbeing sciences, or a related specialty will help ensure you have the educational foundation you need to thrive in this type of environment.
If you'd like to find out more information about opportunities in the health care field, or if you have any additional questions you'd like to go over with someone in more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us.
