Until recently I had never given much thought to my professional identity as something separate from my personal identity. Many of my personal values carry into my professional persona and I have always considered them one and the same. As I dive into some of the first discussion topics in my Masters program, I have started to examine my values, my professional identity, where I fit in the Canadian Healthcare system and how I might use social media to promote myself.
As a professional, I'd like to be known as a fair and consistent leader that works hard and values problem solving via a collaborative process. I want to be known as someone who puts patients and families first, demonstrates compassion and ensures that anyone who arrives at our hospital has equal access to quality health care. Moyo et al. (2016) noted values such as these in other healthcare practitioners after a literature review with altruism, equality and capability standing out as most common. Expanding on these three values, compassion, caring, empathy, human dignity, respect and social justice as well as competency and knowledge also stood out (Moyo et al., 2016).
As a Manager, I wish to embody these values when leading people and teams. I try to employ compassion, fairness and employee well being when making decisions that impact the team. When talking through difficult and complex patient cases, I always keep the patient and their wishes at the forefront of the conversation. As discussed in Economy's (n.d.) 7 Remarkably Effective Ways to Lead with Your Heart, he describes creating meaning and putting people first as making the difference. In my experience, the patient is the common meaning the entire team can usually agree on. I strive to ensure that anyone working with me feels free to approach me and express ideas. I truly believe we are better, smarter and more creative together.
As a Manager employed by a large health authority, I consider myself a steward of the Canada Health Act and the forward face of the values of my organization. Respect, caring and trust in relationships are listed as our organizational values (Fraser Health Authority, n.d.). My role requires me to practice equity to ensure that patients have access to the healthcare they require. The Canada Health Act (n.d.) states it's primary purpose is "to protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers." Ensuring access to care at Langley Memorial Hospital is the main objective of my current role.
Another important aspect of my role is to effectively manage a budget. I take this very seriously as health care in British Columbia is a publicly funded system and I am also a taxpayer (Government of BC, n.d). The Government of BC (n.d) lists it's health priority as ensuring accessible and responsive care that is driven by patients and also demonstrates value for money. Many of the initiatives I design and implement have both a quality and budgetary component. For example, decreased length of stay increases access to services and lessens the changes of a hospital acquired infection or injury. This serves the patient to move forward in their recovery without additional complications and also reduces overall costs to the system.
Throughout this discussion and reflection, I have been thinking about how to use social media as a tool in my work. Up until now, I have limited my social media use to my personal life as a way to connect with family and friends. I also felt that my personal life should be keep separate from my professional life, never considering that many of my personal values mirror my professional values. Gagnon and Sabus (2015) discuss that social media adaptation is not only necessary in today's digital age but perhaps a professional obligation and a professional competency worth investing in. A thoughtful social media presence can be an opportunity to provide correct health care information and connect with patients (Gagnon & Sabus, 2015). Walden University (n.d.) reminds students and professionals to behave on social media as you would in person at a social gathering.
Brooks (2019) and Lowe (2016) consider a LinkedIn account a necessity for Professionals. Lowe (2016) advises that increasing your google searchability and credibility as some of the reasons why a LinkedIn account is important. Prospective employers gather important information you and your professional identity from your LinkedIn profile (Brooks, 2016). Brooks (2016) considers LinkedIn to be a valuable professional networking tool. Thinking about the current COVID 19 pandemic and the limited opportunity to connect in person with other professionals at conferences or business events, this discussion is timely and highlights another way to network. I wonder if I can link my new e-portfolio and blog to my LinkedIn profile to enhance what those viewing my profile can learn about me.
The past four weeks have me thinking and stretching. I have grown from a personal use only social media girl to considering how I may connect with other professionals, and even recruit using LinkedIn and other social media platforms. I have a new e-portfolio that highlights my work history and showcases my personal and professional values. I have reconfirmed that my personal and professional identities are not very far apart and that my professional identity mirrors the values at the core of who I am. I predict the future will have me creating and investing in my online professional presence.
References:
About Fraser Health - Fraser Health Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.fraserhealth.ca/about-us/about-fraser-health#.YBd2BuhKhPY
Brooks, Beth. (2019). LinkedIn and Your Professional Identity. Nurse Leader. 17. 173-175. 10.1016/j.mnl.2019.03.001.
Canada Health Act - Canada.ca. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/canada-health- care-system-medicare/canada-health-act.html
Gagnon, K., & Sabus, C. (2015). Professionalism in a Digital Age: Opportunities and Considerations for Using Social Media in Health Care. Physical Therapy, 95(3), 406–414. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20130227
Health Priorities - Province of British Columbia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/health- priorities
How to Use Social Media Professionally | Walden University. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/how-to-use-social-media- professionally?v=amp
Moyo, M., Goodyear-Smith, F. A., Weller, J., Robb, G., & Shulruf, B. (2016). Healthcare practitioners’ personal and professional values. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 2, 257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-015-9626-9
Why LinkedIn Matters to Your Professional Identity | LinkedIn. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-linkedin-matters-your-professional-identity-rob- lowe/
7 Remarkably Effective Ways to Lead With Your Heart | Inc.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-ways-to-lead-with-your-heart.html
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