UOP Components in The Development & Maintenance of Professional Identity Discussion

Answer the 2 questions below with a minimum of 150 words each and a reference for each.

1. What do you feel is the most important component in the development and maintenance of a successful professional identity? What steps will you take to develop this component in your professional life?

2. How can a professional portfolio be used to convey your professional identity? What do you think would be important to include in your professional portfolio?

Reply to the 3 questions below with a min 150 words each and a reference each.

1. The most important component in the development and maintenance of my professional identity is a clear definition of morals and values that I will hold central in my career growth. When I was a bedside nurse, this was an easy task. I did the right thing for the patient, always. Even if that meant challenging other members of the care team, such as the physician, to advocate for patient safety and experience. Thinking back, that was a relatively easy task. It was simple to know that you are doing the right thing for a patient. However, in leadership and administration, this is much more challenging. Sometimes, I don’t know if I am doing the right thing. Sometimes, decisions are ambiguous and made without knowing what the outcome will be. Therefore, it is vital that I root my professional identify in my core values. One step that I take to develop this component is choosing to work for an organization that has a mission that aligns with my personal values. The mission of my organization is to “extend the healing ministry of Christ to those that are ill while nurturing the health of our community” (Centura, n.d.). This aligns with my core values of providing health care services to those who need it. That way, when we have to make difficult decisions about labor management or supply limitations, I can connect the decisions with the core value of delivering care to as many people as possible in our community.

https://www.centura.org/about-centura/mission-and-…

2. We are all familiar with how resumes are used to concisely convey our professional background to prospective employers. However, as we advance in our careers, a professional portfolio is useful to convey our professional identity, especially in job interviews. A professional portfolio is “a collection of work and other documents that ideally provide a complete picture of a job candidate’s abilities” (Loretto, 2020). This portfolio should include examples of projects or outcomes that represent your professional identity. For example, if your identity is rooted in values that require community involvement, your portfolio should include examples of how you engaged the community in your organization. Personally, my professional identity is rooted caregiving. When I was a bedside nurse, I cared for one patient at a time. As a leader, I care for my department and my entire staff. Therefore, I would include engagement scores and action plans that reflect the work that that reflects my professional identity.

Loretto, P. (2020). What is a professional portfolio? The Balance Careers. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-a-professional-portfolio-

3. According to Schryer, “Professional identity is the personal sense or perception in a particular profession.” Basically, professional identity is developed or upheld by individual beliefs, values, attitudes, motives, and experiences in their anticipated or present career life. Professional identity is vital in the development and maintenance of a successful profession. However, professional identity is crafted over time, and every person should work towards maintaining it so as build a sense of confidence and enthusiasm in the workplace. The most crucial component in developing a successful professional identity includes self-efficient, belief, socialization, experience and skills, attitude, knowledge, and a conducive working environment (Dadich et al. 2015).

I would develop my professional life in healthcare by ensuring that I use good communication with my team and clients. Avoiding toxic behaviors like gossip, to ensure efficiency in my work ensures. Attended all internships required, like seminars, to build and enhance my skills. Networking to ensure that I create good working relations and know what others are doing or the kind of development in my profession. Assessing my skills is what I can offer and how to improve my skills. I will also ensure that I behave and dress well this will improve my indent and people’s perception on me, to positively improving my morale to work in the health industry.

Reference

Dadich, A., Jarrett, C., Robards, F., & Bennett, D. (2015). How professional identity shapes youth healthcare—Journal of health organization and management.

Schryer, C. F., & Spoel, P. (2005). Genre theory, healthcare discourse, and professional identity formation. Journal of Business