11 Objectives To achieve the objectives for this section, you must successfully • identify the qualities and professional behaviors needed to deliver safe, quality care • demonstrate professional behaviors and • describe the personal and professional boundaries of a nursing assistant. Key Terms Learn these key terms to better understand the information presented in the section. attitudes boundaries Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) competence culture integrity positive regard professional unethical values work ethic Questions to Consider • Being professional means having knowledge and skills that show others you are competent to do a particular job. Being professional also means demonstrating behaviors and attitudes that are positive and supportive of others. Have you ever been in a position where you were asked to be professional? Maybe this happened at a job or at a special meeting you attended. • What was the experience of being professional like? Did you have to act and dress differently? • How comfortable are you acting professional? Is acting in a professional manner something you can do every day, even if it feels uncomfortable? What Professional Qualities, Attitudes, and Behaviors Are Expected from a Nursing Assistant? Being professional requires the constant, daily demonstration of very specific qualities, attitudes (ways of thinking or feeling), and behaviors. These are very important when delivering safe, quality care. Because working as a nursing assistant can be challenging, being professional is very important. You may work long hours to provide care for ill residents, but the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else’s life can make up for feeling tired and frustrated. To know that your professionalism and work are appreciated and valued is priceless (Figure 1.7). Professional qualities, attitudes, and behaviors that make a difference in providing holistic care are those that show you are a thoughtful, caring person. These qualities, attitudes, and behaviors demonstrate your respect for the healthcare facility where you work and for the staff with whom you work. They also help you support and promote the independence and well-being of residents. Having the qualities, attitudes, and behaviors discussed in this section will help you deliver safe, quality care keep your skills up-to-date and make sure the needs of those in your care are met. The healthcare facility’s employee handbook may also include specific expectations and guidelines. Competence Competent nursing assistants are able to do their jobs well. When you have competence, you have learned everything you need to know to feel comfortable completing required procedures safely and appropriately. You also work on keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date. 1.2 section Professionalism and Boundaries Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock.com Figure 1.7 Being a nursing assistant gives you the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. You can provide the best care possible by acting professionally. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.