chapter 3 work ethics all items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by mosby, inc., an imprint of...

Chapter 3

Work Ethics

All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Professionalism

Professionalism involves following laws, being ethical, having good work ethics, and having the skills to do your work.

Ethics deals with right and wrong conduct. Work ethics concerns behavior in the

workplace.How you lookWhat you sayHow you behaveHow you treat othersHow you work with others

2All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Personal Health, Hygiene, and Appearance

Your health You need a balanced diet. Most adults need about 7 hours of sleep daily. You need to use your muscles correctly. Exercise is needed for muscle tone, circulation, and weight

loss. Have your eyes checked and wear needed eyeglasses or

contact lenses. Smoking causes lung, heart, and circulatory disorders. Working under the influence of drugs affects the person’s

safety. Never report to work under the influence of alcohol.


Personal Hygiene

Your hygiene Bathe daily. Use a deodorant or antiperspirant. Brush your teeth often. Shampoo often. Keep fingernails clean, short, and neatly shaped. Practice good hand-washing. Menstrual hygiene is important. Foot care prevents odors and infection.


Getting a Job

Employers want to hire people who: Are dependable Are well-groomed Have needed job skills and training Have values and attitudes that fit with the center

Being dependable is important.


What Employers Look for

Job skills and training Employers need to know that you have the

required job skills. You must meet OBRA training and competency

requirements. Job applications

You must be well-groomed and behave pleasantly when seeking or returning a job application.

How you fill it out may mean getting or not getting the job.

Follow the center’s instructions for completing and sending an on-line application.


Preparing for the Interview

The job interviewType a list of your skills to give to the interviewer.You need to be neat, clean, and well-groomed.Being on time shows you are dependable.Greet the interviewer in a polite manner.Stand until asked to take a seat.Good eye contact is needed.Watch your body language.Avoid distracting habits.Keep your mind on the interview.Give complete and honest answers.


During the Interview

Speak clearly and with confidence. Avoid short and long answers. Share your skills list. You can ask questions at the end of the interview. Review the job description with the interviewer. Ask questions about:

• Pay rate, work hours, and uniform requirements

• The new employee orientation program

• Benefits and career advancement opportunities


Accepting a Job

Accept the job that is best for you.Agree on a starting date, pay rate, and work

hours.Find out where to report on your first day.Ask for and read the employee handbook and

other center information.• Read everything before you start working.


Orientation

New employee orientation The center’s policy and procedure manual is

reviewed. Your skills are checked. You are shown how to use the center’s supplies

and equipment. The center may have a preceptor program. If you do not feel comfortable after the preceptor

program, ask for more orientation time.


Preparing for Work

To keep your job, you must: Function well and work well with others Work when scheduled Get to work on time Stay the entire shift

Absences and tardiness are common reasons for losing a job.


Childcare

You need to plan for childcare: When you leave for work While you are at work Before you get home from work During emergencies

Plan for transportation needs.


Teamwork on the Job

Practice good work ethics. Quality of care is affected by:

How you work with others How you feel about your job

Attendance Report to work when scheduled and on time. Follow the center’s attendance policy. Be ready to work when your shift starts. Attendance also means staying the entire shift. When it is time to leave, report off duty to the

nurse.


Teamwork Standards

Have a positive attitude. Avoid gossip. Privacy and confidentiality are resident rights

protected by OBRA. Center and co-worker information also is

confidential. Personal hygiene and appearance are

important. Your speech and language must be

professional.


Teamwork Standards (Cont’d)

Courtesies are needed. Personal matters cannot interfere with the

job. Leave for and return from meals and breaks

on time. You must protect residents, families, visitors,

co-workers, and yourself from harm. Plan your work to give safe, thorough care

and to make good use of your time.


Managing Stress

Stress affects the whole person. Prolonged or frequent stress can threaten

your health. Dealing with stress is important.

Stress affects you, the care you give, the person’s quality of life, and how you relate to co-workers.


Harassment

Harassment can be sexual. Harassment can involve age, race, ethnic

background, religion, or disability. Harassment is not legal in the workplace. Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual

behaviors by another. Victims of sexual harassment may be men or

women. If you feel that you are being harassed, report

the matter to your supervisor and the human resources officer.


Resigning from a Joband Losing a Job

Resigning from a Job Whatever the reason for leaving a job, you need to

tell your employer. Do not leave a job without notice. An exit interview is common practice.

Losing a Job You must perform your job well and protect

residents from harm.• No pay raise or losing your job results from poor

performance.


Drug Testing

Drug and alcohol use affects resident and staff safety. Quality of care suffers.

Some centers have drug testing policies. Review your center’s policy.


Quality of Life

Your job as a nursing assistant is important. Your work ethics have an impact on quality of

life.


chapter 3 work ethics all items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by mosby, inc., an imprint of...

Documents