This is the newest theme for the March of Dimes, an organization supporting healthy beginnings for children and programs for children’s health. They are hosting their largest fundraising event in Charleston this Sunday, April 25th at 2pm. The 2010 March for Babies Walk will be held at the State Capitol complex.
The West Virginia Junior College student body has formed a team to participate in the walk and the WVJC Medical Club raffled off two baskets of goodies with proceeds donated to the March of Dimes.
Come be a part of this wonderful event with the West Virginia Junior College. Bring your family and friends and bring your ‘sneaks’ and a rain jacket and join us, rain or shine!
Blessings,
Cindy Campbell
WVJC Medical Program Coordinator
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How Can I make my Scrubs look Professional?
Scrubs…You can’t exactly toss them on with a pair of heels, throw your hair back and walk out of the house in the morning, can you? While they seem casual and simple enough, here are a few tips in making sure your scrubs meet the “Professional Dress” criteria.
1. Make sure they are wrinkle-free and neatly pressed
You might read this and think to yourself…”Are you serious?” The truth is that, yes…a neatly pressed pair of scrubs look much more professional than something you pulled out of your closet or grabbed out of the floor that morning. You don’t have to do much to wear scrubs, so make sure what you do makes them as professional as possible!
2. Shoes
Yes, they matter. Many organizations have strict shoe guidelines, but until you know exactly what the rules are, focus on covering your feet entirely with clean shoes. Do not wear any sandals, flip-flops or open-toed shoes with your scrubs and make sure they are clean of any noticeable dirt.
3. Haircut / Hairstyle
When working in the medical field, you need to make sure you choose an appropriate hairstyle that can stay out of your face. Watch bangs and layers that can come in your face and distract you from doing your job correctly. Make sure you keep your hair pulled-back while in the working environment in a neat ponytail or style.
4. Make-up
Be sure to keep make-up minimal, neutral and professional. Do not wear wild colors in eye make-up or lipstick that can be distracting to patients. Your job is to make patients feel comfortable during their visit to the doctor, so natural make-up is always the best idea.
5. Hands & Fingernails
You are going to be working with your hands in the medical field, so you need to make sure they are always neat, clean and manicured. Do I mean you need to go out and get a $40 manicure? Absolutely not. A manicured look on your nails can start at home by ensuring your nails are clean underneath and around the nail bed and are free of bright polish. You also need to make sure, if your nails are polished, you use a neutral color that is fully covering the nails. Don’t go to work with your polish peeling halfway off your fingernails.
A tip on fake nails, too: Typically, they are not allowed in offices or during your clinical training in school. Make sure you know the rules in the environment in which you are studying and working and follow them. Fake nails can harbor germs and bacteria that can be unsafe for the medical environment and your job is to help reduce the spread of germs…not become part of it.
6. Jewelry
Your jewelry should follow the rest of your appearance and should be kept neutral and minimal. Make sure you follow any rules regarding jewelry at your place of employment or at your school and leave the cheap jewelry at home. You want to look professional and employable at all times, even during your training, so keep jewelry classy and simple.
-JT
1. Make sure they are wrinkle-free and neatly pressed
You might read this and think to yourself…”Are you serious?” The truth is that, yes…a neatly pressed pair of scrubs look much more professional than something you pulled out of your closet or grabbed out of the floor that morning. You don’t have to do much to wear scrubs, so make sure what you do makes them as professional as possible!
2. Shoes
Yes, they matter. Many organizations have strict shoe guidelines, but until you know exactly what the rules are, focus on covering your feet entirely with clean shoes. Do not wear any sandals, flip-flops or open-toed shoes with your scrubs and make sure they are clean of any noticeable dirt.
3. Haircut / Hairstyle
When working in the medical field, you need to make sure you choose an appropriate hairstyle that can stay out of your face. Watch bangs and layers that can come in your face and distract you from doing your job correctly. Make sure you keep your hair pulled-back while in the working environment in a neat ponytail or style.
4. Make-up
Be sure to keep make-up minimal, neutral and professional. Do not wear wild colors in eye make-up or lipstick that can be distracting to patients. Your job is to make patients feel comfortable during their visit to the doctor, so natural make-up is always the best idea.
5. Hands & Fingernails
You are going to be working with your hands in the medical field, so you need to make sure they are always neat, clean and manicured. Do I mean you need to go out and get a $40 manicure? Absolutely not. A manicured look on your nails can start at home by ensuring your nails are clean underneath and around the nail bed and are free of bright polish. You also need to make sure, if your nails are polished, you use a neutral color that is fully covering the nails. Don’t go to work with your polish peeling halfway off your fingernails.
A tip on fake nails, too: Typically, they are not allowed in offices or during your clinical training in school. Make sure you know the rules in the environment in which you are studying and working and follow them. Fake nails can harbor germs and bacteria that can be unsafe for the medical environment and your job is to help reduce the spread of germs…not become part of it.
6. Jewelry
Your jewelry should follow the rest of your appearance and should be kept neutral and minimal. Make sure you follow any rules regarding jewelry at your place of employment or at your school and leave the cheap jewelry at home. You want to look professional and employable at all times, even during your training, so keep jewelry classy and simple.
-JT
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Basic Tips for the Beginning Receptionist
1.UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE THE “HUB” OF COMMUNICATIONS.
Remember that this is very often an “entry level” position, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is not important. It is actually a very demanding job in most offices, and how you handle it will solidify your position as an “up and comer” in the company. You will have ample opportunity to use this position to your benefit, such as:
a. You’ll gain a deeper insight into all areas of the company and how they work (which will help you determine “where” you want to go in the company).
b. You’ll eventually meet everybody who is anybody both within and outside the company (which will give you a chance to get to know the people who can get help you into your next position).
c. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of what is going on in the company, and, if you are observant and forthcoming, you can position yourself as the “go to” person when others in the company feel “the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.”
d. You’ll be in a unique position to creative-problem-solve in a way that will make everyone’s lives easier. Most “systems” are developed by default. If you come up with a quicker, more efficient and/or more sensible way to move information and/or get a task done, you’ll be appreciated by everyone whose life you have made easier as a result.
2.DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT, NOT THE JOB YOU HAVE.
You ARE the FIRST IMPRESSION MAKER for the company, and your bosses have likely had to “have a talk” with your predecessors about their appearance at one point or another. It WILL BE NOTICED that you are always dressed appropriately. When in doubt, always dress “above your pay grade” for the first week until you get a sense for the “style” of the office.
3.NEAT AS A PIN.
As important as and sometimes harder to do than dressing for success, keeping your workspace neat is another “first impression DO.” Make no mistake, you’re going to have piles, and you’re going to have lots of projects in various stages of completion. Whatever you can do to organize them and create the appearance that you’ve “got it all under control,” you should do. Make lists. Use post-it notes. Utilize any computer programs your office provides. Learn to prioritize. Find places to store “projects in progress” that are out of sight, BUT NOT OUT OF MIND, while you are awaiting the next piece of the puzzle. Sometimes you’re going to feel like it’s all spinning out of control. But LOOKING LIKE all your ducks are in a row is sometimes half the battle.
4.PROJECT SELF-CONFIDENCE.
Let’s face it; we’re all intimidated the first day at a new job. When in doubt, watch the bosses and employees around you, and select the most comfortably confident (not overbearing) person as a role model and work on emulating their behavior. Take note of how they greet both familiar faces and fresh introductions.
5.ASK FOR HELP.
Sometimes you’re just going to be overwhelmed. All of your co-workers have been new and can sympathize with your position. Most of them will be eager to share their wisdom and to hop in and show you the ropes just to get out of their daily rut for a bit. Jealous co-workers can often be “toned down” with an oblivious plea for access to their wisdom, (although it’s got to be a believable and sincere request.) Remember, nobody expects you to “get it” day one or even week one.
6.WHATEVER YOU CAN DO TO MAKE THE BOSSES (and co-workers) LIVES EASIER.
This is more of a long-term strategy, really. From day one, however, you can be on the lookout for these opportunities. And, being the person who “mans the phones” will give you ample opportunity once you know your job. Here is a good example of opportunities you’re looking for:
a.KEEP UNSOLICITED SALES PEOPLE OUT OF THE BOSSES OFFICE. How will you know? Sales people generally don’t want to identify themselves or their companies. Always, always, get the name and company (if applicable) of the caller before passing it along. If a caller declines to identify, then the person they want is “unavailable” but “I’d be happy to take a message.” When in doubt, ask the caller, “Will so-and-so know the nature of your call?” Then, at least, when you buzz the boss, you can say, “It’s April May from June Associates about your Doctor’s appointment tomorrow.” Remember NEVER TO BE SHORT OR RUDE, even if you think it is a sales call. Always be courteous and kind, but firm and insistent. “I understand, Mr. Jones, but Ms. Smith expects me to screen her calls and I will be chastised if I give her a call and don’t identify the caller and company. “
b.CATCH THE QUESTIONS “YOU CAN ANSWER” AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. Sometimes, people are asking for the “person they know” at the office, because they don’t know who will be able to answer their question. Sometimes, they have no idea who to ask for. Sometimes, the person with the answer they need is you, but they just don’t know it yet. This is another example of why it is so important to ask who is calling and the nature of their call. The staff will come to know (because their clients and associates will tell them) and will definitely appreciate that you’ve weeded these unnecessary and time-stealing exchanges from their day. Just be careful you don’t give any sensitive, private, or proprietary information out in your desire to be helpful.
7.KEEP YOURSELF BUSY.
There will be times when you are overwhelmed with projects and deadlines. There will also be times when you are all caught up. As much as you’d like to reward yourself with a Vogue magazine article and manicure minute, you’ll be doing yourself a service if you do one of two things:
a. Ask your co-workers if there’s something you can help them with. Maybe they are overwhelmed and there is some research or clerical task they usually do themselves that they would really appreciate you for right now. Maybe there is something they could train you on as they work on it so that you can be familiar with it in the future. Even if there’s nothing you can do, you’ve still earned brownie points, and they are like currency in an office.
b. Take up a pet project. Make sure it benefits the office in some tangible way. Ideas: Old form that’s been copied and re-copied and recopied again because it’s not on anybody’s computer anymore? Be the person who designs a new one. Noticed that there could be a better protocol for an office system? Write up a memo to the boss detailing your ideas for a better one.
8.TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.
You’re going to have ideas. You’re going to share them. Some of them will be accepted and some of them will not. It’s ok to ask, “why?” if you’re asking it to better your understanding of a situation, but ask it only once, and accept it. Trust that the boss has been there long before you, has seen a few things go down and has his or her “reasons” for the response.
9. SMILE.
It bears repeating that you are the FIRST IMPRESSION MAKER for your office. Don’t just reserve your pearly whites for visiting dignitaries; a friendly greeting opens minds AND doors with clients, vendors, staff, AND supervisors.
-RW
Remember that this is very often an “entry level” position, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is not important. It is actually a very demanding job in most offices, and how you handle it will solidify your position as an “up and comer” in the company. You will have ample opportunity to use this position to your benefit, such as:
a. You’ll gain a deeper insight into all areas of the company and how they work (which will help you determine “where” you want to go in the company).
b. You’ll eventually meet everybody who is anybody both within and outside the company (which will give you a chance to get to know the people who can get help you into your next position).
c. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of what is going on in the company, and, if you are observant and forthcoming, you can position yourself as the “go to” person when others in the company feel “the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.”
d. You’ll be in a unique position to creative-problem-solve in a way that will make everyone’s lives easier. Most “systems” are developed by default. If you come up with a quicker, more efficient and/or more sensible way to move information and/or get a task done, you’ll be appreciated by everyone whose life you have made easier as a result.
2.DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT, NOT THE JOB YOU HAVE.
You ARE the FIRST IMPRESSION MAKER for the company, and your bosses have likely had to “have a talk” with your predecessors about their appearance at one point or another. It WILL BE NOTICED that you are always dressed appropriately. When in doubt, always dress “above your pay grade” for the first week until you get a sense for the “style” of the office.
3.NEAT AS A PIN.
As important as and sometimes harder to do than dressing for success, keeping your workspace neat is another “first impression DO.” Make no mistake, you’re going to have piles, and you’re going to have lots of projects in various stages of completion. Whatever you can do to organize them and create the appearance that you’ve “got it all under control,” you should do. Make lists. Use post-it notes. Utilize any computer programs your office provides. Learn to prioritize. Find places to store “projects in progress” that are out of sight, BUT NOT OUT OF MIND, while you are awaiting the next piece of the puzzle. Sometimes you’re going to feel like it’s all spinning out of control. But LOOKING LIKE all your ducks are in a row is sometimes half the battle.
4.PROJECT SELF-CONFIDENCE.
Let’s face it; we’re all intimidated the first day at a new job. When in doubt, watch the bosses and employees around you, and select the most comfortably confident (not overbearing) person as a role model and work on emulating their behavior. Take note of how they greet both familiar faces and fresh introductions.
5.ASK FOR HELP.
Sometimes you’re just going to be overwhelmed. All of your co-workers have been new and can sympathize with your position. Most of them will be eager to share their wisdom and to hop in and show you the ropes just to get out of their daily rut for a bit. Jealous co-workers can often be “toned down” with an oblivious plea for access to their wisdom, (although it’s got to be a believable and sincere request.) Remember, nobody expects you to “get it” day one or even week one.
6.WHATEVER YOU CAN DO TO MAKE THE BOSSES (and co-workers) LIVES EASIER.
This is more of a long-term strategy, really. From day one, however, you can be on the lookout for these opportunities. And, being the person who “mans the phones” will give you ample opportunity once you know your job. Here is a good example of opportunities you’re looking for:
a.KEEP UNSOLICITED SALES PEOPLE OUT OF THE BOSSES OFFICE. How will you know? Sales people generally don’t want to identify themselves or their companies. Always, always, get the name and company (if applicable) of the caller before passing it along. If a caller declines to identify, then the person they want is “unavailable” but “I’d be happy to take a message.” When in doubt, ask the caller, “Will so-and-so know the nature of your call?” Then, at least, when you buzz the boss, you can say, “It’s April May from June Associates about your Doctor’s appointment tomorrow.” Remember NEVER TO BE SHORT OR RUDE, even if you think it is a sales call. Always be courteous and kind, but firm and insistent. “I understand, Mr. Jones, but Ms. Smith expects me to screen her calls and I will be chastised if I give her a call and don’t identify the caller and company. “
b.CATCH THE QUESTIONS “YOU CAN ANSWER” AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. Sometimes, people are asking for the “person they know” at the office, because they don’t know who will be able to answer their question. Sometimes, they have no idea who to ask for. Sometimes, the person with the answer they need is you, but they just don’t know it yet. This is another example of why it is so important to ask who is calling and the nature of their call. The staff will come to know (because their clients and associates will tell them) and will definitely appreciate that you’ve weeded these unnecessary and time-stealing exchanges from their day. Just be careful you don’t give any sensitive, private, or proprietary information out in your desire to be helpful.
7.KEEP YOURSELF BUSY.
There will be times when you are overwhelmed with projects and deadlines. There will also be times when you are all caught up. As much as you’d like to reward yourself with a Vogue magazine article and manicure minute, you’ll be doing yourself a service if you do one of two things:
a. Ask your co-workers if there’s something you can help them with. Maybe they are overwhelmed and there is some research or clerical task they usually do themselves that they would really appreciate you for right now. Maybe there is something they could train you on as they work on it so that you can be familiar with it in the future. Even if there’s nothing you can do, you’ve still earned brownie points, and they are like currency in an office.
b. Take up a pet project. Make sure it benefits the office in some tangible way. Ideas: Old form that’s been copied and re-copied and recopied again because it’s not on anybody’s computer anymore? Be the person who designs a new one. Noticed that there could be a better protocol for an office system? Write up a memo to the boss detailing your ideas for a better one.
8.TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.
You’re going to have ideas. You’re going to share them. Some of them will be accepted and some of them will not. It’s ok to ask, “why?” if you’re asking it to better your understanding of a situation, but ask it only once, and accept it. Trust that the boss has been there long before you, has seen a few things go down and has his or her “reasons” for the response.
9. SMILE.
It bears repeating that you are the FIRST IMPRESSION MAKER for your office. Don’t just reserve your pearly whites for visiting dignitaries; a friendly greeting opens minds AND doors with clients, vendors, staff, AND supervisors.
-RW
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Importance of Building AND Maintaining your Professional Image
A professional image involves not only how we look on the outside with our professional attire and appearance, but also our demeanor, problem-solving strategies, communication skills and confidence. Here are a few reasons why you need to make sure you are portraying your professional image in each area of your life.
1. A First Impression may be your Only Impression
Many times the image we first give to others is our only opportunity to ensure they want to see us again. This is why when we head to school, work, interviews, social events or even when we are running errands, it is important to dress appropriately, treat others with respect and to always remember that people are watching what we do. Portray an image to others in your daily lifestyle that shows you are a professional.
2. A Lasting Impression is what others will Remember
So, you landed your chance for an interview or a meeting…What now? It is important to remember that the impression you leave on others determines your future. Is this person comfortable enough with your professional image that they are willing to give you a shot for the position? Are they going to refer you to others?
A good test is to pretend you are in the other individual’s position. Pretend you are a manager for a department in your field and that you have agreed to meet with someone entering the job market for a position. What kind of characteristics would you look for in the individual? Are you portraying these in your own professional image?
3. It’s all about WHO you know in this Job Market
During this day and age, networking is huge. There are so many ways to network, whether it is meeting others through groups or clubs, asking friends and family for contacts, joining social media sites or simply taking the old-fashioned ‘cold calling’ approach. Knowing others in your field is a vital part of getting your foot in the door.
This is why it is important to always maintain your professional image. In a previous blog on our site, you will see an article regarding how word travels fast in a small town. This is why it is so important that you learn how to control anger, problem solve effectively, communicate well with others and have respect for all others you come into contact with.
An excellent example of this is a student in the classroom. Our facility hires very well-trained and mastered professionals to give our students the best possible education and preparation for positions in their field when they leave our school, so naturally, these instructors know many other people in the area. If you get upset in the classroom and mouth-off or storm out of the room, what kind of reputation is this going to give you in the area? Is that instructor going to be someone that gives you a good referral for a position? Will they give a good recommendation if someone they know asks about you? Chances are, they are not going to take the chance on ruining their relationship with another professional by sending them someone who did not treat them with respect. You could be one of the best workers in your field with the best qualifications, but with one bad recommendation, you can ruin your chances for potential relationships with professionals or job opportunities.
Maintaining a professional image is not always easy. It is easy to slip into old ways of handling situations, but always remember: You made the decision to further your education at a place that will work hard to place you in a career in your field when you graduate. You are mature adult now and have to start taking responsibilities to act in a professional manner that you can be proud of. Remember the key elements of a professional image and work on portraying that image…starting today!
-JT
1. A First Impression may be your Only Impression
Many times the image we first give to others is our only opportunity to ensure they want to see us again. This is why when we head to school, work, interviews, social events or even when we are running errands, it is important to dress appropriately, treat others with respect and to always remember that people are watching what we do. Portray an image to others in your daily lifestyle that shows you are a professional.
2. A Lasting Impression is what others will Remember
So, you landed your chance for an interview or a meeting…What now? It is important to remember that the impression you leave on others determines your future. Is this person comfortable enough with your professional image that they are willing to give you a shot for the position? Are they going to refer you to others?
A good test is to pretend you are in the other individual’s position. Pretend you are a manager for a department in your field and that you have agreed to meet with someone entering the job market for a position. What kind of characteristics would you look for in the individual? Are you portraying these in your own professional image?
3. It’s all about WHO you know in this Job Market
During this day and age, networking is huge. There are so many ways to network, whether it is meeting others through groups or clubs, asking friends and family for contacts, joining social media sites or simply taking the old-fashioned ‘cold calling’ approach. Knowing others in your field is a vital part of getting your foot in the door.
This is why it is important to always maintain your professional image. In a previous blog on our site, you will see an article regarding how word travels fast in a small town. This is why it is so important that you learn how to control anger, problem solve effectively, communicate well with others and have respect for all others you come into contact with.
An excellent example of this is a student in the classroom. Our facility hires very well-trained and mastered professionals to give our students the best possible education and preparation for positions in their field when they leave our school, so naturally, these instructors know many other people in the area. If you get upset in the classroom and mouth-off or storm out of the room, what kind of reputation is this going to give you in the area? Is that instructor going to be someone that gives you a good referral for a position? Will they give a good recommendation if someone they know asks about you? Chances are, they are not going to take the chance on ruining their relationship with another professional by sending them someone who did not treat them with respect. You could be one of the best workers in your field with the best qualifications, but with one bad recommendation, you can ruin your chances for potential relationships with professionals or job opportunities.
Maintaining a professional image is not always easy. It is easy to slip into old ways of handling situations, but always remember: You made the decision to further your education at a place that will work hard to place you in a career in your field when you graduate. You are mature adult now and have to start taking responsibilities to act in a professional manner that you can be proud of. Remember the key elements of a professional image and work on portraying that image…starting today!
-JT
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