This document outlines the key aspects of professionalism expected of students participating in shadowing externships. It defines professionalism as demonstrating character strengths, sound judgment, business acumen, and problem-solving skills. The document provides guidance on appropriate appearance including dress code, appearance, self-respect, respecting others, responsibility, time management, telephone etiquette, confidentiality, and signing a contract acknowledging the professionalism policies.

1. Professionalism in theProfessionalism in the
workplaceworkplace
For students participating in theFor students participating in the
Shadowing ExternshipShadowing Externship

2. What is professionalism?What is professionalism?
• A set of internalized character strengths andA set of internalized character strengths and
values directed toward high quality service tovalues directed toward high quality service to
others through one’s workothers through one’s work
• Inner-strengthInner-strength
• Sound judgmentSound judgment
• Know-howKnow-how
• Business savvyBusiness savvy
• Mature responsibilityMature responsibility
• Problem solving perseveranceProblem solving perseverance
• IngenuityIngenuity
• classclass

3. AppearanceAppearance
• Well-groomedWell-groomed
• NeatNeat
• Proper attireProper attire
– NoNo jeans, shorts, revealing tops, sleeveless tops, etcjeans, shorts, revealing tops, sleeveless tops, etc
– Guys: slacks and polo/button-down shirtGuys: slacks and polo/button-down shirt
– Ladies: slacks, skirts (knees or below)Ladies: slacks, skirts (knees or below)
– Comfortable closed toe dress shoes (no sneakers orComfortable closed toe dress shoes (no sneakers or
sandals)sandals)
– Scrubs may be ok, ask the Health care professionalScrubs may be ok, ask the Health care professional
• Solid color, matching top and bottomSolid color, matching top and bottom

4. Self-RespectSelf-Respect
• Be conscious that your work reflects yourBe conscious that your work reflects your
inner characterinner character
• Strive for excellenceStrive for excellence
• Do not view it as just “a job”Do not view it as just “a job”
• Be task-oriented and service-orientedBe task-oriented and service-oriented

5. Respect the experienceRespect the experience
• Learn from itLearn from it
• Improve yourself and skillsImprove yourself and skills
• Seek out adviseSeek out advise

6. Personal ResponsibilityPersonal Responsibility
• Respect others rightsRespect others rights
• Know your boundaries/limitsKnow your boundaries/limits
• Do not meddle in others affairsDo not meddle in others affairs
• No gossipNo gossip
• Do not handle personal interests at “work”Do not handle personal interests at “work”
• No drinking on the “job”No drinking on the “job”
• No foul languageNo foul language
• No sexual harassmentNo sexual harassment
• Turn off cell phones and pagersTurn off cell phones and pagers

7. Time-ManagementTime-Management
• SHOW UP ON TIME (Be Punctual)SHOW UP ON TIME (Be Punctual)
– Leave enough time for trafficLeave enough time for traffic
– Arrive earlyArrive early
– Call immediately if you cannot make-itCall immediately if you cannot make-it
• Make efficient use of resources and timeMake efficient use of resources and time
– Ask questionsAsk questions
– Take notesTake notes
• Meet all deadlinesMeet all deadlines

8. Telephone etiquetteTelephone etiquette
• Speak with a normal, pleasant, courteousSpeak with a normal, pleasant, courteous
voicevoice
• Identify yourselfIdentify yourself
• Leave brief, clear messagesLeave brief, clear messages
• Return phone calls promptlyReturn phone calls promptly
• No personal callsNo personal calls

9. ConfidentialityConfidentiality
• All patients, cases and files are to be keptAll patients, cases and files are to be kept
strictly confidential if you have accessstrictly confidential if you have access
• Do not discuss patient status/well-beingDo not discuss patient status/well-being
with others (friends, family, etc), especiallywith others (friends, family, etc), especially
at the health care facilityat the health care facility
• Make sure you ask about theMake sure you ask about the
confidentiality policies within the facilityconfidentiality policies within the facility
• Do not discuss/reveal any diagnosis withDo not discuss/reveal any diagnosis with
the patients or family members…YOUthe patients or family members…YOU
ARE NOT THE HEALTH CAREARE NOT THE HEALTH CARE
PROVIDER!PROVIDER!

10. Mandatory: Copy and paste into aMandatory: Copy and paste into a
word document. Print , sign andword document. Print , sign and
return to SC 136return to SC 136
Professionalism Workshop ContractProfessionalism Workshop Contract
I ____________________________ clearlyI ____________________________ clearly
understand the terms and conditions of theunderstand the terms and conditions of the
Professionalism Workshop and will actProfessionalism Workshop and will act
accordingly during my shadowingaccordingly during my shadowing
Externship.Externship.
SignatureSignature DateDate