Professionalism

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Professionalism is defined as the active demonstration of the attributes of a professional.  These attributes include but are not limited to: commitment to self-improvement of skills and knowledge, pride in the profession, consciousness and trustworthiness, and building relationships with patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals. Professional socialization is the process by which an individual develops the attitudes, values and beliefs of a professional.  The goal of professional socialization is to develop professionalism as described below and this process must begin at the beginning of an individual’s professional education.   Therefore, as consistent with expectations of the practice environment, professional behavior and attitudes are expected for all students enrolled in the School.   

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a set of emotional and social skills that collectively establish how well we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way. It is proven that emotional intelligence accounts for leadership success more than cognitive intelligence. The expected professionalism attributes are linked to emotional intelligence elements below. (EQ-i 2.0) 

Emotional Intelligence Elements per EQ-I 2.0 Professionalism Assessment Area 

Self-Actualization 

The ability and tendency to want to grow, to stretch and to strive—to see your full potential, set meaningful goals and work toward your betterment and fulfillment. 

  • Student is self-motivated (is an active learner –seeks knowledge; asks questions, searches for information, takes responsibility for own learning)
  • Student accepts constructive criticism and modifies behavior if necessary
  • Student demonstrates a desire to exceed expectations (goes “above and beyond the call of duty”, attempts to exceed minimal standards and requirements for
    tasks/assignments/responsibilities)

Self-Regard 

The ability and the tendency for you—in light of both your positive and negative qualities—to both like and have confidence in yourself. 

  • Student demonstrates confidence (acts and communicates in a self-assured manner, yet with modesty and humility)
  • Student maintains good hygiene and grooming habits (refer to dress code policy)

Independence 

Your ability and tendency to be self-directed in your thinking, feeling, and actions—to go at it alone when needed. 

  • Student utilizes time efficiently (allocates and utilizes appropriate amounts of time to fulfill responsibilities; utilizes others’ time wisely)
  • Student is punctual (arrives to class/practice setting and meetings on time, meets deadlines, etc.)
  • Student takes responsibilities for one’s own actions (does not try to blame others for insufficient or untimely work)
  • Student is reliable, dependable and follows through with responsibilities (can be counted on; if task is left incomplete or problem is left unresolved, student seeks aid)

Interpersonal Relationships 

Your ability and tendency to give and receive trust and compassion, and to establish and maintain satisfying personal relationships. 

  • Student is respectful (demonstrates regard for patients, peers, superiors, other personnel and property)
  • Student is cooperative (non-argumentative; willing and helpful)
  • Student displays honesty and integrity in all interactions with patients and other health care professionals (truthful and straightforward; behaves in an ethical manner)

Empathy 

Your ability and willingness to take notice of and be sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings.  

  • Student is non-judgmental (demonstrates an attitude of open-mindedness towards others and situations; does not “stereotype” others or prejudge situations)
  • Student is compassionate and empathetic
    (demonstrates appreciation of others’ positions; attempts to identify with others’ perspectives; demonstrates consideration towards patients and others)

Social Responsibility 

Your ability and tendency to cooperate and contribute to the welfare of a larger social system, to have and act in accordance with a social conscience and to show concern for the greater community.

  • Social awareness and responsibility (takes responsibility for adapting and providing quality patient care to diverse patient populations)

Impulse Control 

The ability to resist or delay a drive or temptation to do or say something or to decide too quickly or rashly. 

  • Student is diplomatic (fair and tactful in all dealings with patients, superiors, peers, and other personnel; Avoids inappropriate comments and gestures)
  • Student displays self-control (thinks through thoughts before speaking; control emotional responses)

Stress Tolerance 

Your ability and tendency to live your life effectively in the face of stress.  

  • Student appropriately handles stress (remains calm, levelheaded, composed in critical or difficult situations)

Optimism 

Your ability and tendency to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. You are hope and are enabled to see the future as a positive, inviting place. 

  • Student leads the profession to promote safe medication use and to improve health care; Student maintains professional competence (advocates for the profession; promotes life-long learning)

Students who violate any part of the professionalism policy as determined by the session /course instructor will incur a 1.0-point deduction from the final course grade for each occurrence within a course. Faculty member have the prerogative of including additional penalties. All violations of the professionalism policy that incurs a penalty will also be filed in the Office of the Dean.  

In addition, any violations of behavioral standards (as stated in the School of Pharmacy Handbook) that occur while the student is matriculated in the School of Pharmacy is also a violation of the professionalism policy.  Such violations can result in disciplinary action by the School of Pharmacy.  

School Dress Code for Classes, External Events Sponsored by the School, School Functions and Experiential Education 

All student pharmacists represent the School and the profession’s future practitioners. Therefore, your appearance should be that of a professional student. Professional attire is required at all times (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or later if class ends later). Dress requirements for experiential rotations are delineated in the experiential education manual. The dress code policy is in effect even when participation is via technology.  Faculty members and preceptors have the prerogative to require students in their class, lab or rotation to meet stricter dress requirements than those stated in the dress code. The following is considered professional attire: 

  1. slacks, collared shirt, dress shoes and socks. A suit coat or sports coat is recommended but not required. Lab coats may be required for courses; students should refer to the course syllabus. Students will be notified when ties are required.
  2. slacks, skirts, dresses, dress shoes
  3. body piercings should have limited visibility and tattoos should be covered.
  4. Color of clothing should be suitable for a work environment

Miniskirts, jeans, sneakers, low-cut dresses, tee shirts, torn clothing, baseball caps, etc. are NOT professional dress.  

The following types of clothing are not allowed at any time: 

  • Hats, caps or other headgear are not to be worn indoors. Head covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are permitted.
  • Tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, spaghetti string or off the shoulder tops
  • Clothes that are shear, low cut, revealing or tops that do not cover to the waist; slacks, skirts or pants that expose skin below the waist
  • Short shorts, miniskirts, pajama bottoms, ‘jeggings’
  • Skin-tight clothing
  • Flip flops, thong sandals, shower shoes
  • Hosiery with designs
  • Neon-colored clothing or colors that are unsuitable for the work environment and inconsistent with a professional image
  • Jeans of any color
  • Clothing with obscene or lewd text or pictures, depictions of alcohol, drugs or other smoking materials

No policy can be all inclusive; it is expected student pharmacists will abide by the spirit of this policy. Violations of the behavioral standards of the University as well as any of the above policies is considered to be a violation of the professionalism policy and sanctions will be enforced.