Professionalism

Ellen Bowser, MS, RD, LD, RN

Susan Horky, LCSW

How we became interested:

•Ellen…

•Susan…

Professionalism…

• …is often context-based

•But there are also constants:

– Respect– Responsibility– Boundaries– Normative behaviors

What IS professionalism??

• Meeting deadlines

• Coming to class

• Respectful interactions

• Clear, direct communication

• Appearance

• Not answering for others

• Answering emails

• Participating in group projects

• Responsibility

• 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?