STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR DOCUMENT

Accountability

1. Take responsibility for themselves by completing tasks assigned to them or finding someone to complete them.
2. Will be self starters and take initiative to assume tasks, complete assignments, and seek help if needed.
3. Accept responsibility for their decisions by being honest in all interactions.
4. Strive to provide excellent care at all times.
5. Honor and respect confidentiality and privacy such as: Knock before entering a room, close curtains and doors, and provide gowns or robes. Never discuss patients/residents in a public area within the facility and never outside of the facility.
6. Adhere to established departmental and facility policies and procedures and to the facility Standards of Behavior Document.
7. Support an alcohol, tobacco, and drug free workplace by adhering to the facility policy.
8. Will be responsible to utilize safe work practices as presented at annual in-services to prevent patient/resident and employee injuries.

Appearance

1. Ensure pride in their appearance by adhering to the facility dress code policy.
2. Will wear their VRMC Name Badge on a lanyard or clipped to the uniform/clothing in the upper torso area with photo and name clearly visible.
3. Will not use excessive perfume, cologne, and/or cosmetics. Mild or light fragrances are acceptable when used in moderation. Cosmetics should be appropriate to the work place.
4. Will not eat in patient/resident service areas or nursing stations. Drinks are allowed provided they are in a proper container (with a lid) and in appropriate work areas only. Refer to Department Infection Control policy.
   

Attitude

1. Realize that attitudes, words, vocal tone and volume, body language, facial expressions and actions have tremendous power. Use this information to influence positive interactions and outcomes.
2. Know patients/residents are their first priority. Recognize our customers and value their time. Customers are not an interruption of our work. They are our reason for being a member of the VRMC team.
3. Work together to create a pleasant atmosphere by treating patients/residents, patient families, visitors, vendors and coworkers in a courteous, calm, considerate and respectful manner.
4. Thank our customers for choosing VRMC.
5. Demonstrate a friendly demeanor by greeting everyone with a warm friendly smile.
6. Do not share personal problems, frustrations or negative comments about colleagues, supervisors or the institution with patients/residents or their families.
   

Sense of Ownership

1. Represent VRMC positively both at work and in the community by taking responsibility for themselves and showing willingness to go beyond in order to assist the entire facility.
2. Take ownership of the physical facility through cleanliness, orderliness, litter control and reporting identified facility needs. Cleanliness is every employee’s responsibility. Pick up litter. Return equipment to its place. Refrain from defacing posted notices or surfaces.
3. Promote a workplace that takes pride in customer service and satisfaction.
   

Communication

1. Introduce themselves to patients/residents and explain what they are going to do before doing it.
2. Use their name and department when answering the phone or leaving a message.
3. Use language and terminology that is easily understood when providing patients/residents with information.
4. Answer all questions directed to them. When unable, they will find out the answer or clearly explain when follow-up may be anticipated. Keep customers informed if there is a delay in finding the answer.
5. Communicate departmental changes to appropriate departments prior to implementation.
6. Use appropriate language in all communication. Do not use profanity, derogatory name calling, racial or cultural slurs, or insults of any kind.
7. Maintain minimum levels of noise in patient care areas, corridors or public spaces. Will keep their voices low and discreet.
   

Teamwork

1. Offer to lend a helping hand to others who may be under pressure or experiencing difficulties.
2. Give positive comments and compliments, rather than being critical or judgmental.
3. Know that if we are sincere about our values then our daily behavior will reflect our commitment to our hospital and the people we serve.
4. Create a positive environment by working together to accomplish great things.
5. Know their roles in all emergency management plans, and are prepared to take prompt action as part of the team.
6. Appreciate and respect all job titles and levels of educational preparation.
7. Welcome new employees and support and participate in their facility and departmental orientation.
8. Stay current in their area of expertise. They will be a teacher and a student every day.
9. Treat patients/residents, and families with respect by demonstrating attentive listening skills, extending compassion, empathy, emotional support and appreciation.
   

Caring & Courtesy

1. Respond to patients/residents, families, and coworkers in a timely manner.
2. Recognize patients/residents and visitors by providing assistance and, if possible, will escort patients/residents to their destination.
3. Demonstrate care and concern on the part of nursing staff by hourly rounding on each patient during awake hours and every 2 hours on night shift to minimize use of call lights and better meet patient needs.
4. Educate and explain in a respectful manner rather than dictate to patients/residents and other staff.

Click Here To Fill Out Our On-line Application And E-Mail It To Us 

Click Here To Download and Print Application