Review Questions

Review Questions

1. What are five important things a new employee should do and learn when starting a job?

A new employee should:

* Tour the facility
* Learn the location of items in his or her own department
* Learn the location of the lunchroom and restrooms
* Learn the location of supplies and the procedure for securing supplies
* Learn where to store personal belongings
* Learn the safety rules and security precautions
* Learn how to operate the equipment
* Meet coworkers
* Review his or her schedule
* Review his or her job description

2. What is the difference between a policy and a procedure?

Policies are the rules established and followed by an organization. Procedures are the specific steps followed to perform particular tasks.

3. How does the probationary period benefit both the employer and the health care worker?

The employer is given a period of time to find out if the new employee performs as needed, gets along with other personnel, and is a desired workforce addition. The employer has unlimited authority to terminate any employee in the 60-, 90-, or 120-day probationary period.

The employee can decide if the job is appropriate, if he or she has the required skills, if the job requirements and stress level are about as expected, and if relations with the coworkers and supervisor are comfortable.

4. What are seven behaviors that contribute to professional success?

To achieve professional success:

* Act with integrity.
* Demonstrate loyalty.
* Observe the chain of command.
* Give a full day’s work.
* Become part of the team.
* Go beyond the minimum.
* Learn from role models and/or mentors.

5. What is the purpose of each of the following laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination.

The Equal Pay Act prevents wage discrimination for jobs that require equal skills, effort, and responsibility.

The Family Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees up to 12 months of unpaid leave to meet family needs; the same or equivalent job must be given upon return.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act prevents unsafe working conditions.

6. What is a grievance? What action should an employee with a grievance take?

A grievance is a formal complaint about a circumstance considered to be unfair or potentially harmful. An employee has the right to take grievances to his or her employer. The employee should first try to resolve the issue informally with the employer. If it cannot be resolved in this way, the employee may choose to fill out the necessary paperwork and follow the steps to file a formal grievance.

7. What is the definition of sexual harassment, and what steps should a victim take?

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome actions that are sexual in nature. It is a form of sexual discrimination as defined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If unwelcome sexual behavior is encountered, the victim should first speak with the harasser. If the harassment continues, the victim should complain to the designated person at the facility. If the harassment still continues, a formal complaint can be filed with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

8. What actions should an employee take when leaving a job?

When leaving a job, an employee should:

* Give adequate notice, such as 2 to 4 weeks
* Submit a letter of resignation
* Not list complaints or grievances in the letter of resignation
* Notify the supervisor first before telling others at the workplace
* Complete all tasks and assignments
* Not slack off during the last days on the job
* Leave everything in order
* Offer to train the replacement

9. How can an employee who is fired learn from the experience?

Being fired requires taking a hard look at oneself. It is necessary to be totally honest and examine why the firing took place. Only by accepting responsibility can a plan for positive change be developed and implemented.

Taking charge, being completely frank, and making needed changes contribute to an empowering and positive experience.

10. Why are professional development activities important throughout the career of the health care worker?

Professional development means continually striving to improve your abilities and performance. Medicine advances and changes every day. Staying professionally “state of the art” allows you to provide high-quality service. Professional development activities (whether through self-improvement activities, networking, joining professional organizations, or continuing formal education) add to a health care worker’s career, productivity, and lifelong satisfaction.