More Tips: A 4-Step Guide to Professional Dress in the Medical Office

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While proper attire is important in any office, professional dress in the medical office is crucial. Maintaining a professional appearance is the key to patient comfort and trust. Below is a 4-step guide to help navigate the pitfalls of dressing for the medical office.

Professional Dress in the Medical Office

First off, medical office personnel deal with patients at a very personal level. They have contact with the patient physically and they have general access to highly sensitive information such as health history and social security numbers. By presenting themselves professionally, office staff provide an environment that ensures patient confidence. Patients need to feel safe in the office and that their information is being handled respectfully and professionally.

  1. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It is important to have a clean and well-maintained appearance. Cleanliness is paramount in a medical office. Unclean bodies and hair can be alarming for patients, but even simple things like ripped clothing, wrinkled clothing or improperly fitting clothing can project an environment that fails to take patient health and safety seriously. Meanwhile, meticulous dress and appearance help project the idea that cleanliness, orderliness and professionalism are important and therefore, so are patient health and safety.
  2. Accessories. Understated accessories including hair, nails, make-up and tattoos keep the focus on the patient and not on the staff. Drawing attention with large jewelry or visible tattoos can unintentionally project the idea that the patient is secondary. Also, extreme hair, excessive make-up and long nails can give patients the idea that their health and safety is not the primary focus in the office.
  3. Shoes. While many medical professionals spend hours on their feet, they should exercise care when selecting footwear. Especially for medical professionals in scrubs, shoes can stand out to patients so, it is important to make sure they are not only comfortable, but maintain a professional appearance. Dansko-style clogs are good examples of acceptable shoes, while snow boots, slipper-style shoes, Converse or other athletic shoes, Uggs, cowboy boots, and high heels are examples of shoes that should not be worn in a medical environment.
  4. Clothing. A medical professional should wear clothing that is classic, professional, and well-fitted. It should allow the employee to project confidence and professionalism, which will in turn provide patients with reassurance that their lives are in good hands. Clothing that is revealing, offensive (as in t-shirts with messages on them), or made of any material that either sheds (like sequins or glitter) or is not considered professional (like jeans, leather or spandex)should not be worn.

By dressing in a professional and timeless fashion, the employee allows for the focus to remain where it belongs, on the patient. Employees in the medical office should consistently review their attire to make sure it projects the idea, from the patient’s perspective, that the primary focus in the office is on the safety and comfort of its patients.

If you are interested in learning more about how to be a professional in healthcare, enroll in the course entitled, “How to Learn Professionalism in Healthcare (with REAL-WORLD Examples!)” offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy. Click here to learn more about this course.

Professional Dress in the Medical Office: A quick guide

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A big part of any job is appropriate dress. While some companies will provide uniforms, many office jobs leave it to the employee’s discretion. Sometimes knowing what is appropriate is difficult, especially when you are trying to add some color or style to your daily wardrobe. Avidity Medical Design understands that success comes from both knowledge and appearance, and want to provide you with a clear list of things to avoid when selecting an outfit for the office. Even though they specialize in course creation for the medical field, they also offer advice on maintaining professionalism and other challenges in the workplace. Check out their blog for other great informative pieces!

professional dress in the medical office

Your clothes should fit you properly, match, and be clean.

Your outfit says a lot about you, especially when you are at work. If your clothes are don’t fit, have clashing colors, or obvious stains and smells, it lets people know work was probably not a priority for you. So when you’re evaluating clothes, avoid items that your are either hanging out of, swimming in, or are otherwise unflattering. Don’t forget that the sales staff are there to help you select items that fit and match appropriately. Take advantage of this if you are unsure! Likewise, the cleanliness of your clothing is just as important as your own personal hygiene, and even more so in a medical setting. Taking the extra step to clean and maintain your clothes sends a strong message to your employer and your clients.

Avoid clothes designed for working out or relaxing.

You’re work clothes need to be comfortable. Don’t be distracted by ill-fitting or otherwise uncomfortable clothing when youshould be focused on work. However, some items are just a bit too comfortable. Workout clothes are great for working out and everyone should have some comfy sweats for after work or the weekends. But when you dress like this at work, you’re sending a message similar to the previous point; that you don’t want to be there. If you could run a marathon or watch a marathon in what you’re wearing, don’t wear it to work.

Logos or other messages aside from work related

Try and avoid clothing that advertises for bands, beverages, designer companies, or have jokes and slogans written on them. It’s distracting, unprofessional, and sends a bad message to the customer. The exceptions are items that have company logos on them, or are related to office events, such as a company sponsored 5k run or picnic. Even then, such items should be reserved for a casual day, if applicable.

Keep your face friendly and approachable!

Your smiling face is your best attribute, letting patients and clients know that they are safe and welcome. While society’s views are changing on the issue of tattoos, piercings, and dyed/extreme hair and makeup, keep in mind that you’re representing your office and therefore have an image to upkeep. The rule is to cover up anything that might make a customer feel uncomfortable. Professional attire covers the majority of your body, giving you more than enough room for tattoos or piercings. When choosing a hairstyle, try to select one that can be tamed during the workday to look presentable. And makeup can be light and subtle in the office, to keep with the theme of a warm and welcoming office to the public. The best rule to keep in mind is to tone it down or cover it up!

Sheila McCray, the person behind Avidity Medical Design, wants to help turn good students into great professionals. She also works to design and create courses in instructional design for medicine and healthcare, medical course analysis and recommendations, and medical subject matter expertise. If you are interested in these services, contact Avidity Medical Design, and follow them on Twitter!

If you are interested in learning more about how to be a professional in the healthcare setting, enroll in the course entitled, “How to Learn Professionalism in Healthcare (with REAL-WORLD Examples!)” offered by Avidity Medical Design Academy. Click here to learn more about this course. If you are interested in purchasing scented candles and soaps to promote health and wellness, visit Avidity Medical Scentations to learn about our current product offerings.

Improve Employee Workplace Performance with Specialized Healthcare Courses

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Employees feel tension being available around-the-clock, according to a recent survey from Randstad. This research shows that employee morale and engagement are on the decline because of a lack of coping skills. The question is: how do you improve employee workplace performance?

employee workplace performance

Training and development form passion and purpose. It’s important that companies make sure employees have access to the proper training which will develop the skills needed to succeed in a competitive employment market.

Our healthcare management courses provide you with the tools you need to achieve a sense of balance. “If you can increase the average level of engagement in your organization, you will likely see the productivity of your entire workforce increase,” explains Michael C. Mankins in Three Ways to Actually Engage Employees.

Take advantage of the specialized healthcare curriculum development services offered by Avidity Medical Design. We design curriculum based on your personal needs, and also teach the courses that we develop.

Avidity Medical Design incorporates one or more instructional design strategies within each course to help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Sheila D. McCray, MS, CCS, CCS-P, is the principal of Avidity Medical Design. She has a M.S. in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University, and certifications in Captivate, Dreamweaver, SharePoint, MS Office, and multiple healthcare-related areas.

Contact us to get started today. If you have any other questions or comments, we’re here to help you. Thanks!

Motivate Slackers in the Office With Positive Reinforcement

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how to motivate slackers in the officeThe problem of how to motivate slackers in the office, whether it is in a health care or any other setting, can be a vexing one. Many managers resort to calling the slacker into the office for a closed door tough love session. If the slacker does not shape up, he or she can be eventually terminated.

There are a number of positive reinforcement measures to try before a manager has to get tough. Very often the problem of lazy staff is being exacerbated by workplace culture. Changing that culture can be crucial for making the slackers into motivated and hard-working employees.

First one should try to create a proper break room that goes beyond a couple of tables and some uncomfortable chairs. Some place to unwind for a few minutes could work wonders for staff morale and be a way of showing appreciation.

Indeed showing appreciation in general is a good motivation maker. Not only should this be done by the manager, but by the employees’ peers, instilling a sense of comradery.

Leading by example is one of those things that is axiomatic in how to be an effective manager. The idea that no one is being asked to do what the leader must also do is a powerful motivation to work harder.

The reasons for advancement should be made clear. Very often people rise in the ranks for reasons that are unclear to other people, leading to suspicions of favoritism. Advancement must always be tied to good work.

Perks should be handed out for all, regardless of position. If an employee has performed well, especially during a crisis, something which hospitals especially are prone to, than he or she should be rewarded in as positive way.

For more information contact us.