Professionalism Ellen Bowser MS RD LD RN Susan

Professionalism Ellen Bowser, MS, RD, LD, RN Susan Horky, LCSW

How we became interested: • Ellen… • Susan…

Professionalism… • …is often context-based • But there also constants: – Respect – Responsibility – Boundaries – Normative behaviors

What IS professionalism? ? • Meeting deadlines • Answering emails • Coming to class • Participating in group projects • Respectful interactions • Responsibility • Clear, direct communication • Appearance • Not answering for others • Not monopolizing • Not belittling • Paying attention

Why does professionalism matter? • As a student – Research opportunities – References – Internships • As a working professional – – Respect Pay increase Safety of boundaries Referrals

Is professionalism intuitive? • For some, not others • Why is this?

What feelings are evoked when someone is told to act professional? • Anger/rebellion – Don’t tell me how I have to act • Fear – I don’t know how to act – I won’t be good enough • Sadness – I don’t want to grow up!

In what ways is professionalism both visible and invisible? • Appearance – Dress – Eye contact – Tone of voice • Attitude – – Respectful Responsible Interested Boundaried

In what ways does professionalism also involve ethics? • • • Not fabricating data Not cutting corners Not showing favoritism Not being prejudiced Not submitting same article to several journals

Professional behavior: • How do you demonstrate respect? • How do you demonstrate responsibility? • How do you earn respect?