Professional Courtesy Archives - Page 9 of 10

Women Judged More Severely than Men With Their Dress

November 19, 2013 by procourtesy

Women Judged More Severely Than Men With Their Dress

Research has shown us that women are judged much more severely than men, when it comes to how they dress. And in case we forgot that fact, it was recently proven again, in the media a week or so ago with a news piece about Duchess Kate. She and her husband, Prince William, were taking public transportation on one of the red buses in London to get a perspective of what the morning commuters deal with on their way to work every day.

However, what did the media focus on, with a long angle lens, no less? A few errant gray hairs popping up in Princess Kate’s hair. No mention of the good deeds of the day, just speculation as to whether she was letting herself go since she has become a mother. Now, there was no mention of the fact that Prince William is getting a little thin on top or whether he might be letting himself go.

Remember Hillary Clinton being criticized for stepping out without her make-up? Horrors! Who would dare do that. And then we had national news coverage of Mrs. Obama’s new bangs. Are these things worthy of being lead stories in the news? Well, I guess some people think so.

Not fair, but true and another reason women should take care in what they wear to work. It is important to choose wisely so you are taken seriously in your particular field of work.

So here are some of my tips for professional women in regard to their dress.

Follow corporate guidelines. Check out your employee manual and dress accordingly. Not following the guidelines can make you appear non compliant.

Leave sex out of it. Leave the low-cut tops, tight pants and short skirts in your closet when picking your work wardrobe. There should be no cleavage, bare midriffs or bottom cleavage, when bending over, seen at work. Dressing in a sexy manner sabotages how people feel about you as a professional.

Pay attention to details. Make sure your shoes are polished and your purse is not bulging with too much stuff in it. People do notice the little things and if you are not attentive to those things it may cause them to wonder if pay attention to little things in your work.

Err on the side of formality. When in doubt about what to wear, dress up versus down. And if you ever wonder if something is appropriate for work…it’s probably not. You never want to have to apologize for something you have on.

Be well-groomed. Take the time to dry and style your hair and put on a little make-up. You’ll probably feel better and you will look better for sure.

Keep jewelry simple. Accessories are important, but should be kept subtle for work. No noisy bracelets or too many rings. Less is more in the professional world.

Dress for the job you want. If you want to move up in the company, look at what the people above you are wearing and mimic their style.

Calling Patients to the Exam Room Politely

November 14, 2013 by procourtesy

Calling Patients to the Exam Room Politely

I am often taken aback when I am in a physician’s office waiting area and hear the staff call back their patients to the exam rooms. Many times there is this abrupt voice that comes from a half opened door announcing loudly, HARRY! Nothing else is said and the poor patient gathers themselves up following the nurse or medical assistant down the hall to their designated exam room in silence…no smile, no warm greeting or introduction. Then, if you are lucky, you get to stop in the hall to get weighed on the community scale. One office that I was in recently, even took blood pressures in the hall before directing the patient to the actual exam room. Not too private, at a time when there is so much emphasis on HIPAA privacy guidelines.

I appreciate that practices may want to cut down on expenses by having one or two communal scales instead of one in every room, but getting weighed in public can be pretty humbling. Surely, there is a better way to do this. Gathering patient information should be done in the privacy of the exam room with a closed door, not in the hall leading to the exam rooms.

So, here are some suggestions on how to call a patient back to the exam room politely:

To assure you can be seen,walk out into the waiting area as close to the patient as possible to call them back.
Smile and greet the patient warmly.
Address the patient formally by Mr. Mrs. or Ms. (this is not a privacy violation)
Direct the patient as to what room they will be going to. For instance, “third door on the right or room 6.”
Don’t ask any medical questions in the hall where answers can be over heard by others.
Don’t weigh people in the hall unless the scales are set up for privacy. And take into consideration as to how coats, purses and other extra clothing will get in the way of an accurate weight.
Consider taking blood pressures in the exam room, only
To identify patients in the waiting area try having the receptionist put a sticky note on the front of the chart using some sort of identifying comment as to who is who. For instance, “red sweater or blue coat.” This then allows you to walk right up to the patient and let them know you are ready to take them back to the exam room.
Be prepared to assist older patients or patients who have limitations or obvious injuries back to the room by taking their coats or other personal items.
Once the patient is in the room, close the door and keep them apprised of their waiting time.
Keep conversations in the hall to a minimum so patients don’t over hear private or inappropriate information.

Trying all of these simple suggestions will leave a much better impression on your patients.

Are You A Real Health Care Professional?

July 19, 2013 by procourtesy

Are You a Real Health care Professional?
The healthcare arena today, has workers with many different levels of education. However, regardless of the letters after your name, there are certain skills that everyone should have in order to be perceived as a “professional” health care worker. While the technical skills are necessary to deliver competent care to a patient, the soft skills are the skills that set you apart. Not developing those skills can make you less effective as a caregiver and co-worker and tarnish the title, “professional.”

Patients assume you know how to do your job in the clinical sense, but it is how you deliver that care that makes all of the difference in their perception of the care they receive.

Take a step back and ask yourself some questions about how you conduct yourself when caring for patients and working with others.

Am I giving my patients my undivided attention immediately upon seeing them?
Do I introduce myself and state my position with every new patient encounter?
Do I shake hands with the patient and their family members?
Do I give good eye contact when speaking and listening to a patient? Can I note the color of their eyes?
Do I connect with the patient personally before starting to chart on the computer?
Do I look at the patient when I ask a question and return to the keyboard to enter data?
Am I respectful by addressing patients formally, especially older patients?
What message does my body language convey? Do I have my hand on the door knob and one foot out the door before I close the conversation with the patient?
Am I well-groomed from top to bottom? Do I have on clean shoes and a pressed uniform?
Do I chew gum in public?
Am I sensitive to the needs of my co-workers? Do I offer help before being asked?
Do I manage up my co-workers and the physicians?
Do I pull rank on team members?
Do I recognize the value of everyone on the team?

Don’t just let the letters behind your name define you as a professional. If you answered no to many of these questions it may be time to review some professional courtesy skills to improve the perception others have of you as a “professional” and to become a genuine professional.

The Importance of a Patient Advocate

April 21, 2013 by procourtesy

The Importance of a Patient Advocate

While dealing with my late husband’s illness and hospitalizations I soon realized the importance of taking on the role of his “patient advocate.” During several hospitalizations for a surgery, a head injury, that put him the ICU after a fall, and other ongoing care until he died, I felt the need, and was able to be his voice and protector. Even though, much of the time during his illness, he was able to make decisions and ask the appropriate questions, I too, could step in and ask, observe and trouble shoot. The fact that he was a physician and I was a nurse, didn’t hurt. However, having a medical background is not essential to be an effective patient advocate for your friends and family members.

When people are ill, in the hospital, or in a crisis situation, their ability to evaluate what is going on around them may be compromised. If they are seriously injured, coming out of anesthesia, on pain medication, bedridden or just feeling lousy, they may not have the energy or those critical thinking skills required to make informed decisions. That’s where a personal patient advocate can help tremendously.

I assumed that role again, on a recent vacation with good friends. One of my friends was injured from a fall at the airport curb as we were getting ready to leave for home. The stool that she stepped onto as she was getting out of the cab slipped as she put weight on it and she fell face and head first smacking the concrete curb. To say the least, a very scary situation for everyone involved. As we got her up and I looked at her, she was bleeding from a laceration to her left temple. A wheel chair was summoned, medics called and before we knew it, we were on our way to the University of California, San Diego Trauma Center, Hillcrest instead of going home.

She had not lost consciousness and had no confusion (worrisome signs for a head injury), but she was on blood thinners; a risk when you have an injury and are bleeding. It was, indeed, appropriate for her to be evaluated by a physician to make sure she was not bleeding inside her head. Remember actress, Natasha Richardson? She died two days after a head injury on a ski slope from a brain bleed that went undetected because she thought she was okay and didn’t have it checked out.

As we arrived at the trauma unit, my friend was whisked away into a trauma room where things happen pretty quickly with lots of people working on you at the same time…it was a well oiled machine. I was sent to a waiting area and was told that they would come and get me when they got her evaluated and some tests done. Fortunately for us, as close friends, I knew much of her medical history, what medications she was on and could have answered important questions if she couldn’t. She too, is a nurse and was able to do some of her own advocating. However, we were in a city that was not our home, dealing with a medical system and people we did not know. We were at the mercy, so to speak, of those taking care of her. And trusting them is part of the deal in this kind of situation.

Not too much time had passed after she had been assessed and had some tests when I was invited back to sit with her in the trauma room while we waited for those test results. At that point we learned that they wanted to admit her to be able to observe her overnight and so they could do another C.T. of her head, later in the day, to make sure that there wasn’t a slow bleed in her brain.

While in the waiting area I was able to call her husband, a physician, and tell him what had happened and keep him apprised throughout the day. When the test results came in we got her husband on the phone so the physician could talk to him directly and her husband could ask any questions of concern that he might have. This is “professional courtesy” in the medical business, but I would not hesitate to ask a physician to speak with anyone close to a patient who might not be there physically.

The staff at U.C.S.D. couldn’t have been nicer. They were able to get her a private room so I could stay with her through the night. They commandeered a lounge chair from another floor that turned into a cot so I could sleep in something other than a straight chair. I was very grateful and I think my friend was happy to have me close by. And she would have done the same for me.

As her advocate, I made sure that I got the names of everyone we encountered, what their role was in dealing with her. Getting names of those taking care of you or your family and friends is important. In crisis situations, it is nice to have a name to refer back to. Healthcare workers should always introduce themselves to the patient and family, but sometimes, that step is missed, especially in an emergency situation.

So, here are some guidelines for anyone who is assisting with family and friends in a medical setting:

If people do not introduce themselves to you, politely ask, “please tell me your name and what do you do here?”
Be another set of ears for the patient. Listen to the information given and ask questions if the patient is unable to ask for themselves or if they have forgotten something.
Take notes. Ask for clarification of medical terms in lay language.
Inquire as to when physicians might be making rounds so you can speak with them directly. Ask if you can make an appointment to meet with them while they are in the hospital.
While traveling with friends, have an idea of any health risks they may have and share yours.
Everyone should carry a brief medical history in their wallet or in their phone, that contains a list of medications, pertinent current and past medical information, allergies and contact numbers of friends and family members (ICE, in case of emergency)
If family members or friends are hospitalized, staying with them through the night is a huge comfort for them, but also, in these times of short staffing, you can be a great help in doing some of the small things that a patient needs.
When medication is dispensed, the patient and/or the advocate should always ask what the medication is and why it is being given, before taking it. Med errors do happen and another check is never a bad idea.
If someone you are with is injured in an emergency situation, stay as calm as possible. Take in the entire situation and get the names and contact information of those who assisted.
Keep track of the injured persons valuables and personal items.
Let medical people involved know who you are and your relationship to the patient. But do stay out-of-the-way of the medical people, especially in an emergency situation and let them do their job.
Do ask when you will be able to see the patient and what number to call if you have questions. Most special units have a direct line that family members can call to speak with someone in the unit and get an update.
Be polite, but if you feel the need to assert yourself do it in a respectful way. You will get better results than if you are angry or accusatory.
Check the I.D. bracelet of the patient to make sure the information on it is correct. In emergency and trauma units a fictitious name and patient I.D. number and date of birth may be assigned to a patient due to the fact that many people arrive without any identification. The patient’s real name with be added later.
If tests are done, it is okay to ask when you might get the results. Also, don’t be afraid to ask again. Nurses get busy and getting timely test results can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
Do ask about comfort issues, like when they can eat,have something to drink, get up, wash up, brush their teeth, etc.
Upon dismissal, be sure to ask questions on what may be an issue after the patient leaves the hospital. Go over discharge information with the discharge nurse and get details about future appointments… who makes them. Ask about medications and where you can pick them up. And lastly, what should you do if a problem arises after dismissal.

My Top Courtesy Tips for Healthcare Workers

August 17, 2012 by procourtesy

The medical market is very competitive today. Make sure your office staff is practicing good manners along with good medicine. Here are my top 20 tips for a more polite staff.

1. Send thank you notes to new patients and referring physicians for choosing your practice. Handwritten thank you notes are never out of style and are a mark of distinction…they say you took the time to show your appreciation. Always add a personal line or two to a preprinted message.

2. In the business world, respond to your work E-mails within 24 hours or with an auto responder message.

3. Acknowledge that you received an E-mail even if it does not require much of a response.

4. Title your E-mails in the subject line.

5. Don’t send other people’s e-mail addresses when forwarding or sending info without their permission. Use the BCC line when sending e-mail to multiple recipients.

6. If you are crafting a response before the other person is done speaking, you are not listening fully to what they have to say.” Pause before responding.

7. Always excuse yourself before leaving a patient in the exam room, on the telephone, or in any conversation. We call this “taking your leave.”

8. Never return rudeness with rudeness.

9. Smiling comes through in the tone of your voice on the telephone. Over 70% of the message is conveyed in the sound of your voice.

10. Smile! It takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile.

11. Pause for a moment before answering the telephone. This will allow you to shift gears and focus on the caller.

12. Sitting down and making eye contact while interviewing patients leaves a more favorable impression than standing and you are perceived to spend more time with the patient.

13. Eye contact should be made 40-60% of the time in conversation. Less than that suggests you’re not paying attention… more than 60 % makes people feel uncomfortable.

14. Acknowledge the special events in your patient’s lives with a note. Send sympathy notes when patients or their family members die.

15. What Not to Wear in the workplace…crocs, flip-flops, cleavage; on the top or the bottom and no bare midriff.

16. Avoid “tramptastic” skirt lengths. More than 1 -2 “above the knee is too short for work.

17.“Imagine yourself in the patient’s position… how would you feel?”

18.“Create a friendly atmosphere, but avoid a party atmosphere in your office.”

19.“Never let a patient hear you complain.”

20.“Avoid using superlatives such as, “the doctor never” does something. Better to say, “doctor prefers ,“ this leaves room for the exception to a rule.”

Women Judged More Severely than Men With Their Dress

Calling Patients to the Exam Room Politely

The Importance of a Patient Advocate

My Top Courtesy Tips for Healthcare Workers

Company Profile

From the Blog

Contact Us