Types of rules:
(1) Professional behavior.
(2) Showing respect for the patient.
(3) Be careful discussing confidential information.
(4) Be careful displaying criticism.
Professional behavior:
(1) Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor in the clinical setting.
(2) Introduce yourself to the patient and family by name and by role.
Show respect for the patient:
(1) Do not call the patient by his or her first name without permission.
(2) Be attentive to the patient's modesty.
(3) Do not invade the patient's space (sitting on bed, placing a foot on the bedframe, other) without permission.
Be careful discussing confidential information:
(1) Do not talk about or make fun of a patient in the elevator or cafeteria.
(2) Do not discuss sensitive issues in front of the patient as if he or she were not there.
Be careful displaying criticism:
(1) Do not argue in front of the patient.
(2) Do not criticize other health care providers where this can be overheard by the patient or family.
(3) Keep the patient's charts free of disagreement and criticism.
