PROPER PROFESSIONAL

ETIQUETTE:AS A NURSE AND A STUDENT

D. D. Millett, RN, BS

ETIQUETTE, WHAT IS IT?

Noun

The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular

profession or group.

PROFESSIONAL, WHAT IS IT?

“A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime. The traditional professions were doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and commissioned military officers.

Today, the term is applied to nurses, accountants, educators, scientists, technology experts, social workers, and many more.”

PROFESSIONAL NURSE, WHO IS IT?

A nurse must have high a standard of professional ethics, behaviors and work activities while performing one's profession.

The professional owes a higher sense of duty to his or her patient, often including the privilege of confidentiality, as well as a duty not to abandon a genuine client because he or she may not be able to pay or remunerate the professional.

Generally, the professional nurse is required to put the interest of the client ahead of his or her own interests.

PROFESSIONAL NURSE, WHO IS IT?

Appropriate treatment of relationships with colleagues.

Consideration should be shown to elderly, junior or inexperienced

colleagues, as well as those with special needs. An example must be

set to perpetuate the attitude of one's business without doing it harm.

A PROFESSIONAL who is an expert, is also a master in a specific field.

STUDENT NURSE, WHO IS IT?A person who is training to become a PROFESSIONAL NURSE at a nursing

school or hospital.

A student nurse is trained by patient, gifted, highly educated, experienced, and wise, PROFESSIONAL NURSES, who have earned and who deserve the nursing student’s respect, courteous behavior, integrity, and gratitude.

And, if the nursing student does everything that is they are instructed to do by the PROFESSIONAL NURSING INSTRUCTORS, the nursing student might JUST be lucky enough to become a PROFESSIONAL NURSE themselves one day.

WHAT IS UNPROSSIONAL ETIQUETTE

of a nursing student?

“Have a seat, student nurse, and we’ll discuss your concern for my

lack of respect.”

Other etiquette or behaviors that are NOT acceptable from nursing students

towards instructors or patients:Do not use disrespectful language, demeaning and insulting behaviors,

or criticize a peer in front of a patient, the patient’s family or a co-worker. No use cell phones, texting, or talking in class, lecture or clinical. No angry outbursts or throwing items. No smoking. Never violate HIPPA regulations. Never put a patient in harm’s way…SAFETY FIRST! Do not go off course when speaking. Avoid topics like religion, politics,

salary, personal problems, and distasteful jokes/banter.

HIPPA VIOLATIONS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

The nursing student should constantly show respect and

courtesy towards their Professional Nursing Instructors, the hospital staff, and each other.

STUDENT NURSES EXPECTED ETIQUETTE:

Introduce yourself to others and offer to shake their hand.

Be polite, enthusiastic, eager to help, and positive.

Dress properly for class and clinicals.

Smile! Act according to hospital protocol.

Wear Your Name Badge at all times.

Being a nursing student is a privilege and an honor and can be a wonderful experience. Yes it can be hard, yes you may struggle, but every moment is worth it. As you will learn in time…Thanks to your Professional Nursing Instructors.