“Professionalism is not the job you do, it’s HOW you do the job.”
Healthcare professionals practicing professionalism prioritise patient well-being, follow industry regulations, and continuously seek opportunities for learning and development.
Maintaining a high standard of competence, which is the ability to do something successfully, and displaying integrity (being honest) in all interactions is extremley important. Whether it’s wearing the right uniform, personal hygiene or relationships with management.
Professionalism is a cornerstone of quality care. Involving a commitment to ethical conduct, maintaining a high standard of competence, and displaying integrity in all interactions.
“A professional is someone who can do their best work when they don’t feel like it”
Your Appearance
In caregiving, your appearance matters a lot, it shows you’re serious about the job and that you care about how you present yourself. So, wearing your professional tunic and complimenting that with clothes (trousers, tights, skirts, socks, shoes etc) that aren’t too revealing, messy or overly casual is important. It makes sure everyone feels respected and safe. And when you look clean, neat and professional, it helps build trust with the people you’re taking care of.
Personal Hygiene
In a care home setting, staff must follow good hygiene practices, for example, staff should regularly wash their hands, especially after touching residents, or handling medication or food; to prevent the spread of germs and adhere to infection control guidance. All medical equipment needs to be properly sterilised – and supplies should ideally be bought pre-sterilised.
Personal hygiene is important to ensure that no germs are brought into a care facility. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal hygiene in care homes is under closer scrutiny than ever – and both staff and visitors may be asked to use hand sanitiser, wear a face mask while on the premises and practice social distancing with their loved ones, if required. And of course, for your own person hygiene, shower or bathe yourself regularly!
Top Tip: Keep nails short and tidy and bring deodorant and fragrances to work
Appropriateness
A big part of being professional is knowing what’s appropriate in different situations. It avoids awkwardness or upset, boosts your credibility, and helps you to feel secure in your role. Appropriateness relates to outward appearances, such as dress, personal grooming and body language. But it also covers the way you speak and write, the topics you choose to discuss, and how you behave with others.
Be mindful of how you come across, body language speaks volumes about you!
Integrity
“Doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching”
Integrity is what keeps professional people true to their word. It also stops them compromising their values, even if that means taking a harder road. Integrity is bound up with being honest – to yourself, and to the people you meet. Your beliefs and behaviours are aligned, and everyone can see that you’re genuine. Your moral principles of knowing right from wrong and making that part of who you are is of utmost importance, especially working in care.
Skills, Training & Continuous learning
Carers serve as the backbone of support for individuals in need, often navigating complex challenges and responsibilities with compassion and expertise. The ongoing development of their skills is paramount for several reasons.
Firstly, continuous learning directly correlates with the quality of care provided. Through regular training sessions and skill-building exercises, carers remain up-to-date with the latest techniques, medical knowledge, and best practices in caregiving. This ensures that they can adeptly address the diverse needs of their clients, fostering better outcomes and overall well-being.
Moreover, the healthcare landscape is dynamic, with advancements in technology, treatments, and methodologies occurring frequently. Carers must remain agile and adaptable to these changes, which is only possible through ongoing education. Whether it’s mastering new assistive technologies or understanding updated protocols for infection control, continuous learning enables carers to stay ahead of the curve and deliver optimal care.
Additionally, continuous learning is instrumental in building trust and confidence among clients and their families. Knowing that their caregivers are committed to improving their skills instills a sense of reassurance and peace of mind. This trust is essential for cultivating strong, supportive relationships between carers and those under their care.
Ultimately, skills development, training, and continuous learning are fundamental pillars of effective caregiving. By prioritising these areas, caregiving facilities uphold standards of excellence, ensure the safety and well-being of their clients, and uphold their commitment to person-centred care.
For more tips, contact us for a copy of our ‘Person-Centred Care Guide!
