professional. This text stresses the idea that professional recognition isn’t automatically bestowed upon a person when he or she completes an educational program, obtains a degree or certificate, or secures a license to practice. Recognition as a healthcare professional has to be earned and maintained each and every day. Professionalism is a state of mind, a way of “being,” “knowing,” and “doing” that distinguishes "exceptional" workers from the "ordinary".  Enhancing professionalism has become a major challenge for healthcare educators, employers, and personnel. This text helps meet that challenge by describing the professional standards that apply to all health care workers–the “common ground” that everyone shares in providing the quality care and service excellence that today's patients deserve and demand.

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