Key Takeaways
- Core professional qualities include reliability, accountability, integrity, respect, and empathy
- Professional appearance supports infection control and patient trust
- Avoid gossip, personal phone use, tardiness, and boundary violations
- Ethical principles include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity
- Continuing education and career growth are part of professional development
Last updated: January 2026
Professionalism and Work Ethics
Professionalism reflects your commitment to providing quality care and representing the CNA profession positively. Strong work ethics build trust with patients, families, and colleagues.
Core Professional Qualities
| Quality | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Consistent, dependable | Arriving on time, completing tasks |
| Accountability | Taking responsibility | Admitting errors, learning from mistakes |
| Integrity | Honest and ethical | Truthful documentation, following policies |
| Respect | Valuing others | Treating all patients with dignity |
| Competence | Skills and knowledge | Continuing education, asking questions |
| Empathy | Understanding feelings | Recognizing patient anxiety, offering comfort |
Professional Appearance
Your appearance affects patient trust and workplace safety:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Clean, pressed uniform | Wrinkled or stained clothing |
| Closed-toe, supportive shoes | Sandals or high heels |
| Clean, short nails | Long nails or nail polish |
| Minimal or no jewelry | Dangling earrings or rings |
| Clean, secured hair | Long hair hanging loose |
| Good personal hygiene | Strong perfume or cologne |
| Name badge visible | Missing identification |
Professional Behavior
Maintain professional behavior at all times:
With Patients:
- Knock before entering rooms
- Introduce yourself and explain what you'll do
- Address patients by their preferred name
- Maintain eye contact during conversations
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Protect privacy and dignity
With Families:
- Be welcoming and respectful
- Answer questions within your scope
- Direct complex questions to the nurse
- Maintain confidentiality
- Be honest about care being provided
With Coworkers:
- Communicate respectfully
- Avoid gossip and negativity
- Share information appropriately
- Help others when you can
- Address conflicts professionally
Workplace Behaviors to Avoid
| Unprofessional Behavior | Why It's a Problem |
|---|---|
| Tardiness | Disrupts care, burdens coworkers |
| Absenteeism | Understaffing affects patient safety |
| Personal phone use | Distracts from patient care |
| Gossip | Damages trust and morale |
| Complaining | Creates negative environment |
| Boundary violations | Inappropriate relationships |
| Documentation fraud | Illegal, endangers patients |
| Substance abuse | Impairs judgment, illegal |
Ethical Principles in Healthcare
CNAs should understand these ethical foundations:
| Principle | Meaning | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | Patient's right to make decisions | Respecting refusal of care |
| Beneficence | Doing good | Providing quality care |
| Non-maleficence | Do no harm | Preventing injuries |
| Justice | Fairness | Treating all patients equally |
| Veracity | Truthfulness | Honest communication |
| Fidelity | Keeping promises | Following through on commitments |
Continuing Education
Professional CNAs commit to ongoing learning:
- Mandatory training - Annual updates (abuse, HIPAA, safety)
- In-service education - Facility-provided training
- Certification renewal - State requirements (usually 12-24 hours every 2 years)
- Personal development - Reading, workshops, online courses
Career Growth
CNAs can advance their careers through:
| Path | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialization | Dementia care, hospice, dialysis |
| Advanced CNA | Additional training, expanded scope |
| LPN/LVN | 1-year nursing program |
| RN | 2-4 year nursing program |
| Other healthcare | Phlebotomy, medical assistant |
Building a Positive Reputation
Your professional reputation is built daily through:
- Consistent quality care
- Reliable attendance
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ethical behavior
Test Your Knowledge
Which behavior demonstrates accountability?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Why should CNAs wear minimal jewelry and keep nails short?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which ethical principle means "do no harm"?
A
B
C
D