Thinking about career advancement? Have you ever noticed that if someone does something wrong on the job or is disliked, everyone is going to hear about it – but if someone does their job well and is really well liked, you don't hear about it as often. Why is that? People are more apt to actually voice when they are dissatisfied than when they are satisfied. With this in mind, how does a medical practitioner go about boosting their reputation and getting the recognition and opportunities they deserve for a job well done?

In a guide called "The Nurse's Etiquette Advantage: How Professional Etiquette Can Advance Your Nursing Career" created by Kathleen D. Pagana, PhD, RN, the idea of etiquette from a nursing perspective is discussed. Simply stated in her introduction, "Nursing education focuses on leadership, management, and professional issues, while etiquette is the "missing link" for success in the workplace." Everything from introductions, interviewing for a new position, proper networking with other professionals and enhancing established relationships is addressed important to help you manage your reputation and get ahead in the nursing field.

An example of poor nursing etiquette:

Approaching someone and saying, "Do you remember me?" Be considerate. Put out your hand and state your name.

Source: The Nurse's Etiquette Advantage: How Professional Etiquette Can Advance Your Nursing Career.

Check Your Professional Image

Chances are that as a professional nurse you are dressed like the others in your clinic or hospital. Scrubs, lab coats, uniforms, and other recognizable clothing are expected and part of your everyday attire. So how do you make yourself stand out and be memorable on the job? Here are some tips:

• Make sure your clothing, whatever it is, is impeccably clean and well fitted.
• Make sure your name tag is clearly showing.
• Keep your hair tidy at all times.
• If you wear makeup, make sure it is applied properly and with good taste.
• Make sure your personal hygiene is perfect.
• If you want to stand out among the drab uniforms, wear a more colorful scrub top or something brighter, but again, always make sure you are within the boundaries of good taste.
• While many hospitals and clinics don't allow body piercings other than earrings, some do. It's surprising how many patients, particularly the elderly, do not like nor understand body piercings. If you have odd piercings, check to ensure your workplace will accept your unique attire, you may have to remove them when you're on shift.

Watch What You Say To and Around People!

Believe it or not, each and every day you are making an impression on the people around you. The scary part? You just never know who is watching or listening to your every word.

Take for example the true case of an elderly man who was brought into a hospital, suffering from congestive heart failure and problems breathing. While his prognosis was not good, his family tried to stay positive for the patient's sake, as well as their own, by telling him that in a few days he would be better and back home. Imagine their dismay when the patient says, "I heard the nurses talking and one said I'd be 'gone' in a few days." Not only did those nurses upset the family and upset the patient, the nurses were reported to their supervisor.

While chatting with co-workers on the job is normal, inappropriate conversations can have dire consequences. Here are some other practical tips for watching your words:

• Avoid airing your family gossip at work. Do people need to be dragged in to the news about your fight with the in-laws? Complainers are viewed as people who are unable to manage their problems and, as a result, viewed as people who may not make good managers.
• Avoid swearing or off-color remarks. This shows a lack of maturity and a disrespect for people around you.
• Do you have a boisterous or high-pitched laugh? While life is full of reasons to giggle, keep your laughter levels down. To some it can appear that if you're laughing, you're not working hard.
• In a bad mood? Don't let the patients see it. You are there to help create a positive and healing environment. People will pick up on your mood when you enter the room.
• Avoid gossiping about or bad-mouthing co-workers. If you have a valid complaint about a co-worker, take it up with your supervisor. Constant gossiping and chattering about what another nurse did, how she looks, or what she said is unprofessional.

Suggestions for Workplace Etiquette

Many people agree that one of their pet peeves is bad manners. While the days of bowing and curtsying when introductions are made are long gone and saved only for meeting royalty or Presidents, the basics are always in fashion, even in hospitals.

• Remember to say "Thank-You" and "Your Welcome". The habit of saying "Uh-Huh" instead of "Your Welcome" is a small issue but not appreciated by a lot of people.
• Look people in the eye. Stopping for 5 minutes to let someone ask you a question, even if you are writing something down on a chart, shows you are attentive to what they have to say.
• Don't interrupt or talk over people.
• Speak concisely and clearly. Chattering away at 100mph is not cute, not necessary, and certainly not helpful when you are talking to a patient or family member who is trying to understand what you are saying.
• Introduce yourself by name to people. Do not ask them if they remember who you are.
• Do not talk down to patients. While it may be tempting and habit forming to refer to elderly patients as "dear", remember that they have dignity and should not be talked to like little children.
• Cover your mouth when yawning. Sneeze in your elbow...:P
• Say excuse me or pardon me when going past someone.
• Apologize if you bump into someone.
• Don't roll your eyes when someone says something you do not agree with or you believe to be incorrect.
• Spit out your gum! You're not on a playground!
• If your job entail returning phone calls then do it! Even if it is from a patient or a patient's family member with a question. While you may not have the answer, just returning the call is important and will influence how people perceive you.

Strive for Excellence – It WILL Be Noticed!

If you want to get ahead in your career, letting your supervisor know that you are interested in advancing is always a good idea. Look for ways to be part of the larger health care team in your unit. Showing an interest in how the administration is running, getting involved in planning groups, and attending workshops and seminars, will show your superiors that you do want to get ahead and that you do take your career very seriously.

Jim Ball, president of The Goals Institute is the author of a book called "Professionalism Is For Everyone." Ball created what he calls "Professional Reminders and Tips for Nurses". Here are a few of his tips:

• A professional nurse does not lie or mislead individuals in any way.
• A professional nurse is concise, polite, kind, and respectful.
• A professional nurse completes assignments on time and without complaining.
• A professional nurse offers suggestions and takes steps to improve business and nursing care processes, procedures, and techniques.
• A professional nurse seeks out new responsibilities and personal growth opportunities.

(Source: Professional Reminders and Tips for Nurses)

The Power of Workplace Networking

Although it is not always necessary to be the 'sheep' and follow around your colleagues after working hours at every opportunity, however, the power of the network is crucial for developing your career.

Opportunities to develop a relationship with your managers or with their managers are chances you should take. Take the rules listed above and apply them to your department and after hour socials. Although the stats vary, most employment opportunities aren't even posted, and most positions are filled through 'who you know' and not your resume.

This may change depending on the type of job you have, many nursing departments are unionize and there are additional rules that stipulate there must be competition for new job openings. Other times, that promotion is really about who you know and less about who is highly qualified on paper.

Managers are more likely to hire based on relationship rather than the unknowns of a new person. However, they are also more likely to know more about you in case you require a favorable recommendation if you change jobs.

The bottom line is when it comes to crafting your career image and reputation there are several factors ranging from your job performance, the way you look, the way you act and interact with people, who you know, that contribute to increasing your stature at your workplace for the present and your future moves.

Article © 2009 My Nursing Uniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated