Professionalism in Health Care

1. Professionalism in Health Care HLTH 2125 OrganisationalBehaviour

2. Professionalism in Nursing • Purpose: students will have an overview of nursing professionalism in practice. You will • explore the idea of nursing professionalism • consider how to advance professionalism in an organisation • explain what is meant by professionalism for health administrators

3. Objectives: • Define the meaning of professionalism. • Describe three factors which develop professionalism.

4. To be a nurse is a calling and difficult to describe in words. Who can say why a person would want to do a nurse’s work, but those who do will tell you there is nothing as fulfilling or rewarding. Nurses stay by the side of those they serve through the worst times and celebrate with patients and families in the best times.

5. There is an intimacy nurses and patients share which is understood. The essence of nursing is an unconditional love for mankind.

6. Founder of Nursing • Florence Nightingale is called the mother of modern nursing • She was born in 1820 • She cared deeply about the care of British soldiers injured in a war

7. In 1859, Florence Nightingale wrote: “No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this – “devoted and obedient” “ This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse. It would not do for a policeman” (Nightingale, 1860).

8. Famous Al Ain nurse • Gertrude Dyck came from Canada to work in the Oasis Hospital from 1962-2001 • She was known by Emirati people as Dr Latifa – what is the meaning of that name? • It means kindness and mercy

9. Dr Latifa’s view on professionalism • “You spend your whole life and you work hard at what you do and you put your heart and soul into it.” • Dr Latifa felt honoured to treat Sheikh Zayed, but it was the local people of Al Ain that she loved

10. A profession is defined as a calling or vocation, especially one that involves some branch of advanced learning or science. Professionalism is both having a unique or special knowledge and the self-motivation to serve the community. What is professionalism?

11. Professionals are expected to show: • the ability to learn knowledge and develop skills • the desire to work in the best way and self-sacrifice in their dealings with the rest of the community

12. How to increase professionalism in all staff? • Staff should observe daily activities to look for ways to improve their work and systems • Managers should evaluate the performance of staff and systems • All staff should seek self-improvement

13. ProfessionalPersonal • Knowledge Respect for others • Competence (ability) Integrity (honesty) • Appearance Positive Attitude • Teamwork • Mentor new staff Compassion (caring)

14. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded (unknown author).

15. Use this information to explain professionalism in administration • Your task: • Work with 2 or 3 other students to prepare a presentation about professionalism for administration staff. • Include the following: • Knowledge • Skills • Appearance • Attitude to other healthcare professionals and staff – internal customers • Attitude to patients – external customers