Professionalism

[helpinghands93]

Right now I am working as a MA in a family practice and its a small office and one physician in the building so you can imagine we don't see a ton of patients at most 22 per day. When I finish rooming patients and waiting at my desk (all other tasks completed) I will text people. Other workers do it all day and one makes personal phone calls a lot each day. Would you say I am still being unprofessional even if others doing it? Does it look bad on me?

[ceebeejay]

If patients can see you, I would say it is unprofessional. But, I am old.

[helpinghands93]

When patients are around my phone is away and I make sure its not in sight too

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Aren't there any job-related tasks you could do at these times? Even re-filling supplies, tidying up the work area, or cleaning off the phones (pet peeve of mine) would add value. I'm really old fashioned, but I don't think it is fair to expect an employer to pay you for time spent in personal activities.

[helpinghands93]

I do all of that in the morning before first patient arrives re stocking exam rooms, vacuuming, checking expiration dates making sure my lab area is clean and etc. So I am doing all possible things before using my phone.

[helpinghands93]

I never make personal phone calls :) alot of others do.