Professional etiquette goes a long way in ensuring a successful career as a healthcare provider or nurse. Etiquette means more than simply having good manners because it cultivates good relationships. As an assistant, your professionalism is characterized by how you relate to patients in different situations. The healthcare courses online provide learners with integrated knowledge on how to best cultivate such relationships.

There are some proven professional etiquette tips and you can learn more about it as part of healthcare courses online that will allow you to sharpen your communication skills while strengthening your relationship with colleagues, patients, and even family.

Here is a brief overview:

Introduce Yourself

Always be ready to introduce yourself because it will make the introduction less awkward. You don’t have to wait to be introduced, but instead, take the initiative to keep things rolling with your patients. You can do this by putting out your hand as you say your name with a confident tone.

Firm Handshake

People often judge others by the quality of their handshake, which is why you should practice having a confident handshake. Making a positive first impression will mostly depend on your handshake, so make it a good one. You can do this by standing up, leaning forward, making eye contact with the patient, and finally smiling. You should, however, consider the cultural differences that impact a handshake, so it is always advisable to be sensitive to such situations.

Conversations Build Relationships

Connecting with your patients and colleagues can be done through having a conversation. You should be careful to stay away from sensitive topics that revolve around religion, politics, or medical problems. You can talk about the weather, tv shows, and travel.

Body Language

Non-verbal communication is a critical component of professional etiquette. As much as you invest in your words, you should take care of your body language as well. Always maintain eye contact when talking to someone and pay attention to your hands by not moving them around aimlessly. Move with confidence and avoid dragging your feet.

Be Polite

Always be kind and considerate to new patients you meet regardless of how stressful your day turns out. Be respectful because when you are attentive, then patients feel valued, and this contributes to team building and a positive working environment. During the start of the day, you can greet colleagues with a delightful smile, and as you leave for home, say goodbye. Always use polite language and offer to help others when you can.

Appearance is Important

Your dressing can have a positive or negative effect on how others judge you. Your professional image can either support or detract you from the message you want to portray. The perception that others have of you will depend on how you present yourself in the workplace. It is best to dress in formal wear since being too casual might make others question your professionalism.

Professional Image

While at work, ensure that your uniform and shoes are clean. Your name tag you should be in the right place, and your overall appearance should be formal. This will make it easier for patients to identify you and even build a rapport with them.