What does it really mean to be professional as a patient care technician? Professionalism isn't just about adhering to certain guidelines. As a patient care technician, professionalism means embodying the values and behaviors that reflect positively on you and your healthare team. It's crucial because it builds trust with patients, ensures effective teamwork, and also upholds the reputation of the healthcare facility. Let's take a look at some attributes of professionalism in the workplace and I'll give you some examples for my own workplace. First, loyalty. Loyalty means being committed to your patients, your team, and your workplace. Patients rely on you for care, and co-workers depend on you to do your part. A reliable and supportive team creates a better healthcare environment for everyone. For example, when I commit to checking in on a patient at the end of my shift, and I do even after a long workday, that shows loyalty. Next, courtesy. Simple acts of kindness like a smile, a warm greeting, or listening patiently helps ease a patient's worries. Healthc care can be stressful, and patients and co-workers respond better to someone who is optimistic, patient, and respectful. For me, I show courtesy by greeting everybody with a good morning, good afternoon, or good evening when I first interact with them. Another key trait is taking initiative. Great PCTs step in and help. If a patient needs assistance, offer a hand. If supplies are running low, restock them. Small actions can make a big difference. A small way I try to take initiative is whenever I have a patient being moved, I make sure to adjust their bed ahead of time as it's something I notice they typically struggle with. Health care is fast-paced and unpredictable. Some days are routine, others are hectic. Being flexible and adjusting to unexpected changes like assisting a new patient or handling an urgent request keeps everything running smoothly. In my role, I've had to be flexible in moving rapidly to assist with a medical emergency, even if it means holding off on other less urgent tasks. Credibility is all about honesty and reliability. If you're unsure about something, ask. If you make a mistake, own it and correct it. Patients trust you to care for them, and your co-workers rely on you to do your part with integrity. I remember when I forgot to check in on a patient and had led them to miss a bath for the day. I messed up, owned it, and made sure to not make the same mistake by keeping a checklist of tasks that I make sure to do before the end of my shift. Confidentiality is critical in healthcare. Always protect patient privacy, whether it's medical records, personal conversations, or information shared in confidence. And remember, never post about work or patients on social media. For me, I only ever record medical information on hospital devices that are encrypted and protected. Managing time and prioritizing urgent patient needs is crucial, but don't neglect other tasks. Staying organized helps reduce stress and ensures all responsibilities are completed efficiently. Remember earlier when I said keep a checklist of tasks for each shift? That's a great way to help time management and prioritization. No one works alone in healthcare. Teamwork ensures patients receive the best care. Communicate clearly, assist your co-workers, and be willing to help when needed. I always look to help colleagues when it comes to moving patients in and out of beds as it's something that makes life easier for everyone involved. Setting professional boundaries is important. Keep relationships professional and avoid oversharing personal details. Also, be open to feedback. Constructive criticism helps you grow and improve. Some things can disrupt professionalism like workplace gossip, personal distraction, or negative attitudes. Excessive phone use or personal problems can take the attention away from patient care. Stay professional by keeping your focus on your responsibilities. Professionalism isn't just one thing. It's about how you carry yourself, how you interact with others, and how you commit to your role as PCT. By maintaining professionalism, you make a real difference in patient care and your healthare team.