Nurse Manager Maintains A Professional Image And Behavior

Author

Institution

Introduction

Professionalism has been one of the most crucial pillars for most institutions. This is especially in the healthcare sector where the credibility of an individual or institution is determined by the image that they create (Kasar & Clark, 2000). It is worth noting that the establishment, as well as maintenance of a professional image goes beyond an individual’s personal appearance. Professional attitude and communication skills are of extreme importance. An individual’s capacity to communicate is fundamental to productive interactions that are profitable to all parties with whom individuals in the profession interact (Kasar & Clark, 2000). In most cases, healthcare providers are held to higher standards than other professional groups as far as professional behavior is concerned. The healthcare industry operates on behalf of families and individuals, in which case unprofessional or unethical behavior is rendered unacceptable. There exists varied ways in which nurses can exhibit professional behavior while interacting with the field staff (McConnell, 2004).

First, it is imperative that one takes care of his or her appearance. It has always been known that people judge others through their personal appearance (Kasar & Clark, 2000). Well-groomed looks complemented by neat hear, clean shoes and clean scrubs make the statement that an individual cares about himself as a person, in which case he has the capacity to take care of other people. It is noteworthy that people who have sloppy looks are perceived as lazy, uncaring and unorganized. In essence, a little attention to how one looks goes a long way to portray one’s professionalism (Kasar & Clark, 2000).

In addition, it is always imperative that nurses strive to maintain confidentiality. Confidentiality tops the list of professional behaviors that nurses are expected to observe irrespective of the individual with whom they are dealing (McConnell, 2004). In most cases, information divulged to them will have implications on the privacy of other people, their families, or even other clinical or hospital staff. In essence, it is imperative that they exercise confidentiality by refraining from divulging personal information obtained from field officers to third parties, as well as avoiding gossip (McConnell, 2004).

Moreover, professional behavior in nurses revolves around demonstrating an appropriate attitude and maintenance of a pleasant disposition regardless of the personal problems or moods. It is imperative that healthcare providers answer concerns and questions of all parties with whom they interact without portraying an unpleasant or negative attitude. It is worth noting that professional behavior revolves around concentrating on other people’s needs, as well as the provision of assistance of the highest quality (Kasar & Clark, 2000).

One of the most crucial professional behaviors in the healthcare sector is maintenance of composure (Kasar & Clark, 2000). Healthcare environments, like other workplaces may be home to conflicts between workers or even emotional outbursts especially in cases where sensitive information has been passed. As much as these problems may often arise, the behavior of healthcare professionals, nurses, physicians and other professionals must never result in violence or even worsen the situations. This, therefore, calls for composure even in cases where any person would be prone to emotional outbursts (Kasar & Clark, 2000).

Lastly, it is imperative that nurses depict some cultural sensitivity while dealing with field officers. It goes without saying that the healthcare industry is composed of people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds (McConnell, 2004). In essence, issues such as political affiliations, religion, race, sexual orientation or sex must never be allowed to interfere with the nurses’ manner of dealing with other people. On the same note, it is imperative that they respect personal boundaries by knowing the topics to avoid and discussions from which to refrain. This revolves around reflection of respect and dignity (McConnell, 2004).

References

McConnell, C. R, (2004). Managing the Health Care Professional. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Kasar, J & Clark E.N, (2000). Developing Professional Behaviors. New York: SLACK Incorporated