AME

Keys to Successful Employment

 

The 'Perfect Medical Employee'... What are their Key Characteristics?

 

Report early to work!  Great employees consistently arrive to work 15-20 minutes early.  They utilize this time to take care of any last minute personal needs - i.e. texts, phone calls, use of restroom facilities, make coffee, etc.  They clock in exactly on time.

 

Keep absenteeism to a minimum!  Many exceptional employees rarely miss work.  Contacting your direct supervisor 24 hours in advance to report an absence or a sick day gives management an opportunity to make arrangements to cover your shift.

**Hint:  Texting your absence, or having a friend or family member contact your employer on your behalf to report your absence is unacceptable (unless you have some sort of crisis).  Depending on the terms of your employment, your employer will have a policy that states a maximum number of days for any unreported absence.  Once that threshhold is met, your employer can claim voluntary job abandonment.

 

Take notes during training periods!  Great employees are those who are conscientious of the time it takes for others to instruct them.  By taking notes it exhibits to your employer and coworkers that you both appreciate and respect the time taken by others to assist you.

**Hint:  As a result, these employees rarely ask repetitive questions thereby reducing the training cycle time.  They become productive employees early on and allow their trainer(s) to get back to their own jobs much quicker.

 

Always stay busy at work!  Exemplary emloyees are never idle.  They ask supervisors for additional work, or they ask coworkers if they can be of assistance.  They embrace the team concept  through action.

 

Every job is your job!  When asked by management to assist in other areas of the practice that are not part of your original job description, great employees accept with enthusiasm.  The demands required in a private practice setting can change dramatically due to patient needs.  Employees must be willing to accept additional responsibility, at times, to maximize the patient experience.

 

Maintain a positive workplace attitude!  Always maintain a positive attitude and converse with management and staff in a mutually respectful manner.  Do not engage in workplace gossip.  Always be the one who exemplifies professionalism.

 

Professional grooming is expected!  Especially when working within close proximity of patients, personal hygiene is paramount (showered, clean shaven, smoke-free, deodorant, etc.).  It is also important that your apparel is clean, wrinkle free, and appropriately fitted (not too tight or too loose).  Electives such as make-up and colognes, etc. should also be very conservative and kept to a minimum.

 

Keep visibility of body art and piercings to a minimum!  Some employers have a very strict policy on body art and piercing, others do not.  When interviewing for a new position it is best to minimize the visibility of body art and piercings until you know the specific policy of the practice.

 

Use of appropriate grammar!  It is important to speak professionally at all times.  Use proper English - use appropriate tenses and avoid slang and profanity at all times.

 

Always give a two week notice when leaving your employer!  When notifying your employer that you are terminating employment it is imperative to give your employer a two week notice.

**Hint:  This gives your employer adequate time to make other arrangements to fill your upcoming vacancy.  Breaking your promise by staying less than the full two weeks leaves your employer with a staffing deficiency problem. 

 

Honesty is the best policy!  Maintaining honest and open lines of communication with your employer is imperative to building a long-term relationship based on mutual trust and loyalty.