For much of my professional and academic life I’ve always been questioned on my plans and career prospects. After receiving my undergraduate degree specializing in gerontology I often got asked “well what are you going to do with that?” Many people tend to associate gerontology with nursing and other regulated medical professions. With our vastly growing aging population we will require professions far beyond regulated and medical oriented health professions. I want to have a professional identity that encompasses my knowledge and interests within health and long-term care as a student and professional working in the field. I am an unregulated/ unlicensed ‘professional’ working in health care. Health professionals use various social media platforms to share and find information, debate issues and to engage, inform, and educate their audience (Ventola, 2014). An appropriate social media presence engages those in the professional network without violating professional policies or sharing any content or discourse that could possibly be damaging to any affiliates. I plan to incorporate my role in health care and aspiration on being a leader of change into my social media platforms in hopes to spark positive discourse about our health care system
My current role in health care does not require me to speak publicly in terms of work purposes. Nonetheless, I am obligated to maintain a neutral and appropriate social media presence that follows ethics to which protect the business, clients, families and other employees of the company. I am committed to presenting myself the same online as I would in the workplace. All posts on social media are to be considered public, even if my account is set to private. Meaning that I strategize on what content I post or share and consider who my audience may be. I plan to have a professional identity that enables me to integrate my individuality and interests both professionally and academically. I believe that as a professional you need to have individuality in order to spark the interest of your audience.
As a Client Service Coordinator (CSC) at Bayshore Home Health I do not belong to a specific organization or membership/registration. Bayshore does however, have a network of accreditations, partners and affiliates such as; Accreditation Canada, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and ISO 9001:2015 to which holds the company and its employees accountable for their actions. Our funding is provincial through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and we operate under the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) in our region. Therefore, we hold mutual contracts and agreements with the NE LHIN which pertains to Bayshore’s accountability as a local operator. Bayshore is a non-unionized employer that protects both clients and employees through various agreements and contracts. If employees felt that they were not protected within these contracts and agreements, they would seek further council from the Labour Board.
Bayshore Home Health has a set of mission, vision and values that envision “being the difference” in home care. All employees of Bayshore can make a difference whatever your role is—we are all a part of the puzzle. In health care everyone plays a role in making a positive change. CIHC (2010) support this model as they believe that interprofessional education and collaboration is the key to optimizing patient outcomes and the foundation of the health care system. I created my own mission, vision and values that demonstrate my professional values in my role within the health care system.
Alex’s Mission, Vision and Values as a Professional
MISSION
Trusting and Empathetic
No matter my role in health care I am committed to be a trustworthy employee, colleague and dependent for clients, caregivers and families. I promise to always have empathy for others and their situations and allow this to guide me in providing quality services.
VISION
Teamwork for a Better Community
It takes an interdisciplinary approach to providing the best services possible in all aspects of care. Teamwork is the key in bringing community together and addressing regional issues. I plan to utilize my interprofessional connections to promote positive change in health and long-term care.
VALUES
Integrity, Innovation, Education
I plan to use my drive and motivation to promote quality improvement while collaborating with other professionals in health care to influence innovation as I further my education to serve as a better leader.
My current position as a coordinator is a key role in the process of providing home care services, facilitating staff and ensuring client and worker safety. I communicate with many health professionals in the process of scheduling and developing appropriate service delivery models. We work together as a team to provide high quality services to those in need. As a coordinator I value the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with field staff as this promotes positive work productivity and increases morale. Edward and Lang (2006) support that one safety concern of home care is that many workers are isolated and work independently, therefore, they do not have a traditional work environment that allows them to communicate with colleagues or follow up on proper safety practice. Client Service Coordinators are the primary contact for the field workers and funnel all issues to the appropriate parties. I play an instrumental role in creating interconnectedness within our service provider. I am also responsible for communicating directly with the funder of our provider (NE LHIN) regarding various updates and needs of the clients and concerns of field staff.
References
Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative:A National Interprofessional Competency Framework. (2010, February). Retrieved May 26, 2019, from https://www.cihc.ca/files/CIHC_IPCompetencies_Feb1210.pdf
Edwards, N., & Lang, A., (2006). Canadian Patient Safety InstituteSAFETY IN HOME CARE: BROADENING THE PATIENT SAFETY AGENDA TO INCLUDE HOME CARE SERVICES. Retrieved May 25, 2019, from http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca//en/toolsResources/Research/commissionedResearch/SafetyinHomeCare/
Ventola C. L. (2014). Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(7), 491–520.
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