Professionalism - 0 views

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  #1 christenhopkins on 12 Aug 15

   

  According to Wood (2004), professionalism can considered as "an ideal that encompasses widely held expectations of, and objective standards for evaluating, any field that calls itself a profession" (pg. 249). In order to promote this professionalism, Wood (2004) emphasizes professionalism being of the heart, mind and soul. "Heartfelt desires to perform good works not only characterize professionals, they also characterize professional societies because both place the greater good of the people and groups they serve above self-interests" (Wood, 2004, pg. 250). Contributing to something greater than oneself through good work is a call of the heart. Mary Reilly (1980) once observed, occupational therapy "won't be put out of business by any budget change or any malice from any other group or any kind of neglect on the part of society but because we…fail to realize the enormous nature of the work that we do…for [others]" (Wood, 2004). An OTs heart is considered big and compassionate, but also tender. And when one despairs, the mind of professionalism to convince us that our work is right for ourselves and good for the world is required.
  
  Any field claiming professional stature must be just as dedicated to cultivating its mind as it is to nourishing its heart, according to Wood (2004). Therefore it is important that all healthcare professions evolve their practices in response to their fields expanding knowledge. If this does not occur there would never be any progression within this practice. This article describes examples of the author not evolving her practices, as well as improving treatments through expanding her knowledge. While not evolving her practice she had a young client not feel as if her techniques were effective and would not approach her in passing. Wood (2004) explains this is practicing as if you are 'decapitated' because she was disconnected from the larger scholarly happenings that were occurring within the field. The other instance she described was of a teenage boy who felt as if his occupational therapy treatments were of success and this was due more towards her not being disconnected from the field and becoming knowledgeable of current happenings that have credible evidence of their efficacy. This is what it means to be mindful of professionalism.
  
  The soul of professionalism is when "professionals connect with one another in ways that are honest, critically evaluative and dedicated toward realizing a greater good" (Wood, 2004, pg. 255). In order to keep the soul of professionalism, the individuals within the profession must work together by regularly interacting to ensure that their practice is being conducted at the highest standard of excellence.
  
  Each professional within this profession has a unique contribution to make in occupational therapy's professionalism. It takes all individuals, as well as the heart, mind and soul, in order to enhance occupational therapy's professionalism.
  
  References
  Wood, W. (2004). The heart, mind, and soul of professionalism in occupational therapy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(58). Pg. 249-257. Retrieved from http://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1868376.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">According to Wood (2004), professionalism can considered as "an ideal that encompasses widely held expectations of, and objective standards for evaluating, any field that calls itself a profession" (pg. 249). In order to promote this professionalism, Wood (2004) emphasizes professionalism being of the heart, mind and soul. "Heartfelt desires to perform good works not only characterize professionals, they also characterize professional societies because both place the greater good of the people and groups they serve above self-interests" (Wood, 2004, pg. 250). Contributing to something greater than oneself through good work is a call of the heart. Mary Reilly (1980) once observed, occupational therapy "won't be put out of business by any budget change or any malice from any other group or any kind of neglect on the part of society but because we…fail to realize the enormous nature of the work that we do…for [others]" (Wood, 2004). An OTs heart is considered big and compassionate, but also tender. And when one despairs, the mind of professionalism to convince us that our work is right for ourselves and good for the world is required. <br /> <br /> Any field claiming professional stature must be just as dedicated to cultivating its mind as it is to nourishing its heart, according to Wood (2004). Therefore it is important that all healthcare professions evolve their practices in response to their fields expanding knowledge. If this does not occur there would never be any progression within this practice. This article describes examples of the author not evolving her practices, as well as improving treatments through expanding her knowledge. While not evolving her practice she had a young client not feel as if her techniques were effective and would not approach her in passing. Wood (2004) explains this is practicing as if you are 'decapitated' because she was disconnected from the larger scholarly happenings that were occurring within the field. The other instance she described was of a teenage boy who felt as if his occupational therapy treatments were of success and this was due more towards her not being disconnected from the field and becoming knowledgeable of current happenings that have credible evidence of their efficacy. This is what it means to be mindful of professionalism. <br /> <br /> The soul of professionalism is when "professionals connect with one another in ways that are honest, critically evaluative and dedicated toward realizing a greater good" (Wood, 2004, pg. 255). In order to keep the soul of professionalism, the individuals within the profession must work together by regularly interacting to ensure that their practice is being conducted at the highest standard of excellence. <br /> <br /> Each professional within this profession has a unique contribution to make in occupational therapy's professionalism. It takes all individuals, as well as the heart, mind and soul, in order to enhance occupational therapy's professionalism. <br /> <br /> References <br /> Wood, W. (2004). The heart, mind, and soul of professionalism in occupational therapy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(58). Pg. 249-257. Retrieved from <a href="http://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1868376" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1868376</a>.</div>

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