Module 3

[Audio] Welcome to the Career Readiness & Externships: Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technician's Professional Appearance presentation. This module presents an overview of how to project a professional appearance at work or while seeking employment. Some of the topics addressed include assessing personal versus professional appearance, adopting good personal hygiene, professional attire, wearing pharmacy identification, and checking your body language..

[Audio] In this module, you will: Explain the importance of first impressions. Identify the meaning and importance of a professional image in the pharmacy. Identify the professional appearance expectations for pharmacy technicians. Identify examples of the impact of appearance on your career as a pharmacy technician. Identify your hygiene needs and standards. Dress appropriately for different pharmacy settings. Demonstrate professional eye contact and facial expression. Recognize proper posture and its importance for professional appearance..

[Audio] Career Readiness & Externships: Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technician's Module 3, Section 3.1: Professional image In this module, you will learn about the importance of cultivating a professional image, how to create a professional image specifically in the workplace, and how self-perception can affect how others perceive you..

[Audio] Maintaining a solid professional image will be important throughout your career. Professional image is defined as "the way you present yourself while at work, while representing your employer, or while seeking employment." Several factors can influence the way an employer or potential employer perceive you. This can include: the choices in you make in the clothes you wear, the behavior or attitude you use in conversation, the language and intonation you communicate with, your stance or other bits of body language, and your personal hygiene. These elements all combine to help you make a first impression on potential employers, patients, or customers. But whether that's a good or a bad impression depends on how hard you work to present yourself in the best possible manner..

[Audio] Giving yourself a professional image requires thought and depends largely on the choices you make. When faced with a decision on how to present yourself, remember that the image you project can affect how you interact with people (such as co-workers, employers, or customers) on a daily basis. This can directly affect the success you have in the future. Poor daily interactions can have a negative affect on your career. But positive dealings with the people around you can lead to success. Your professional image is influenced by three factors: The way you perceive yourself. Others are more likely to feel confident about you if you project an air of confidence. How others perceive you. This might be how you are dressed or how friendly you appear. The impression you leave with others. This is a combination of self-perception and how others perceive you. Strong self-perception and projecting a good appearance can leave a good impression and make people want to interact with you regularly..

[Audio] For each statement, answer "always," "sometimes," or "rarely." Respond to statements as honestly as possible. When considering my own personal traits… I feel confident. …I am comfortable in my own skin. …I take pride in my appearance. …I believe I have strengths. …I understand my weaknesses. …I do not compare myself to others. …I reflect on experiences and their effects in my life. …I reflect on choices I have made and their effects in my life. Take a moment to tally and total your scores..

[Audio] For every Always, give yourself 5 points For every Sometimes, give yourself 3 points; And for every Rarely, give yourself 1 point Now, Tally Your Score: If you scored 31 to 40 points: You have a strong self-perception. If you scored 26 to 30 points: Your self-perception is satisfactory but could be improved. If you scored 16 to 25 points: Your self-perception has areas that can be worked on for improvement. If you scored Below 16 points: Your self-perception is more negative than positive and could be improved. Consider what you might do to improve these areas..

[Audio] Creating a Positive First Impression can go a long way toward advancing your career. It's also important when dealing with new customers and patients. It only takes seven seconds or less for someone to take in your appearance and make an assessment. Therefore, it's vital that the first impression is the best impression. Pharmacy technicians are often the first point of contact in a hospital or community pharmacy setting. This could be in person or on the phone. The image projected in this first contact will set a tone for all future interactions..

[Audio] Career Readiness & Externships: Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technician's Module 3, Section 3.2: Personal and Professional Appearance In this module, you will learn about the factors that influence your personal and professional appearance, such as hygiene, grooming, and how you dress. You'll learn about how the choices you make can directly impact how a potential employer sees you..

[Audio] When you're around the house or out with friends, your personal appearance includes the choices you make about how to present yourself. These are often very conscious and frequently reflect your personality. Your choices might include: personal hygiene, such as wearing deodorant or brushing your teeth Grooming, such as how you wear your hair or to what extent you shave clothing, such as t-shirts and jeans in more casual settings and body adornment, such as jewelry, piercings, and tattoos Sometimes, these choices can either help or hinder the professional image you want to project. Remember that how you present yourself, even in your personal life, can make a lasting impression..

[Audio] Therefore, it's important to make wise decisions when making choices that affect your professional appearance, or how others see you in the workplace. Many times, your professional appearance will be dictated by the policies of your employer. There will be certain expectations for how you dress—which may or may not include an official uniform How you groom yourself, which often means keeping a neat and tidy appearance and maintaining a good sense of hygiene And how you carry yourself, meaning the attitude you present. Is it friendly and inviting?.

[Audio] Think It Through: Assess Your Appearance Think about your current clothing and grooming practices—specifically what you engaged in when you last left your house. If you had to introduce yourself to a prospective employer right now, how might the person describe your appearance? What impression might you make on a stranger? Would you have wanted to make any changes to your appearance before interacting with a prospective employer? If so, what would they be?.

[Audio] Being able to transition into the workforce quickly after you've completed your studies will improve your chances of finding a job. To aid with that transition, it will be beneficial to begin developing a professional appearance while you're still a student. Some programs and instructors may require professional attire in the classroom in an effort to get you thinking about what you'll need to do and how you should act in a business setting. If you're fortunate enough to get an externship where you are paired with a mentor, think of the entire experience as a job interview. By maintaining a professional appearance during your externship, you are showing a potential long term employer that you are capable of projecting the kind of image they want associated with their business. If you search online for examples of professional attire, you'll get a few ideas on how best to present yourself and what may be expected of you in a pharmacy setting..

[Audio] For each statement, answer "always," "sometimes," or "rarely." Respond to statements as honestly as possible. When preparing for my day, I bathe or shower. … I use deodorant. … I avoid strong-smelling perfume or cologne. … I keep my hair clean and groomed. … I make sure my fingernails are clean and trimmed. … I brush my teeth. … I wear clothing that is conservative in style. … I wear clean clothing free of wrinkles. … I wear clothing that fits comfortably and appropriately. … I wear clothing that is free from tears, rips, and stains. … I choose clothing and jewelry that align with the pharmacy technician industry..

[Audio] For every Always, give yourself 5 points For every Sometimes, give yourself 3 points; And for every Rarely, give yourself 1 point Now, Tally Your Score: If you scored 31 to 40 points: You have a strong self-perception. If you scored 26 to 30 points: Your self-perception is satisfactory but could be improved. If you scored 16 to 25 points: Your self-perception has areas that can be worked on for improvement. If you scored Below 16 points: Your self-perception is more negative than positive and could be improved. Consider what you might do to improve these areas..

[Audio] Think It Through: Self-Expression. It can be difficult for some people to balance the expectations of their employer with their own needs of self-expression and self-perception. Your overall appearance and attire can affect your mood, health, confidence, self-esteem, and productivity. Consider the last time you had to wear something that didn't align with your personal preferences. It's likely that you didn't feel comfortable and were perhaps distracted by your discomfort. Consider the challenges you might face as you build your professional image for your externship, job interviews, and future job..

[Audio] Although wardrobe choices are a key part of developing a professional appearance, professional clothing or accessories cannot make up for poor hygiene. An ill-fitting jacket or shirt could be overlooked, but an unpleasant smell (whether body odor or perfume) is more likely to not be ignored. Unpleasant smells could be related to hygiene choices (failing to bathe regularly or brushing your teeth after eating) or grooming choices (wearing strong perfumes or cologne). Maintaining good personal hygiene is an expectation you'll find across nearly every industry..

[Audio] Following basic hygiene practices will help you present yourself professionally at work. These practices include: Showering or bathing daily. Brushing your teeth daily. Using deodorant daily. Washing your hands thoroughly after every trip to the restroom. Keeping your hair clean and styled neatly. In some pharmacy settings, fad hairstyles and unnatural hair colors may not be allowed, especially if you are expected to interact with the public..

[Audio] Keeping your fingernails clean and trimmed. Trimming and grooming facial hair. Avoiding the use of products that have a strong fragrance. Use perfume or cologne sparingly (if at all). Some companies are scent free and do not allow you to wear perfume or cologne in the workplace. Using mouthwash and/or breath mints after every cigarette (if you smoke)..

[Audio] Hygiene practices are important for any profession, but working in a pharmacy requires additional consideration in relation to hygiene. Behind the counter, you will be handling the medication that will be ingested by your patient. You will also be one of the first people with whom the customer engages. The customer may have a weaker immune system, and maintaining cleanliness helps to prevent the spread of illness in both directions. Your proper hygiene and grooming choices will ensure that your colleagues and customers can interact with you without hindrance..

[Audio] When determining how to dress for work, it's best to consult your employer's dress code. A dress code is a policy that describes the standard of acceptable attire and grooming in a specific workplace. This policy will usually be addressed during orientation after employment or before externship. The dress code typically addresses a range of appearance issues, such as required attire, uniforms, shoes, jewelry, makeup, body art, and—in some workplaces—hairstyles. Pharmacists may create dress code policies to ensure a unified professional appearance and to protect the health and safety of employees and customers. For instance, there is no makeup allowed while compounding sterile preparations, as it can contaminate the product. Sometimes scrubs or business casual are acceptable attire. This promotes patient trust in the pharmacy as healthcare professionals who will handle their prescriptions safely. Scrubs are standard attire in hospital settings..

[Audio] Nearly every pharmacy has a dress code. It may be a uniform or uniform smock, scrubs, or business casual attire. Invest in two or more uniforms or outfits to clean and rotate. Scrubs can be purchased both online and at local uniform stores. No matter the uniform, the clothes you wear for work should be kept clean and wrinkle free. The most common footwear will be dress shoes or flat shoes. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, Some settings, like a hospital, may allow sneakers..

[Audio] When not assigned a specific uniform—or when interviewing for a position—it is best to wear clothing that meets the following standards: • Button-down shirts (perhaps with a tie for men) or collared shirts (shirts should always be tucked in, unless it is a long top or sweater meant to cover pants or skirts) • Dress pants or slacks that fit properly • A belt that matches shoe color • Socks that match pant or shoe color • Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for standing for long periods of time, with an appropriate heel height (under two inches) and in good condition • Appropriate undergarments that are not visible • Clothing that covers your chest, shoulders, and back (cleavage or exposed back should not be shown) • Dresses and skirts that are at least as long as your fingertips when your hands are at your sides.

[Audio] Pharmacies and hospital health systems and institutions have values, mission statements, and an overall impression they wish to convey to patients and the community in general. Body adornments, which can be considered stylish or trendy, may not align with these goals. Your pharmacy's dress code will dictate the rules of wearing and displaying body adornment, such as jewelry (including piercings) or tattoos. Different facilities may have different expectations related to body adornment, but note that in sterile compounding, jewelry is not permitted at all. Facial Piercings In most cases, avoid wearing excessive ear or facial piercings. Most policies will state that body and facial piercing of any kind should not be visible, and large-gauge earrings may require a f lesh-colored plug while on duty. Jewelry Avoid flashy, large jewelry and a large amount of them. One or two pieces is enough. A ring and a necklace or a watch and a ring are examples of moderate items for accessorizing. Visible Tattoos Visible tattoos may or may not be allowed in your facility. If they are not, invest in makeup or clothing that will conceal or cover your tattoos..

[Audio] Grooming standards for the pharmacy setting are designed to maintain the necessary degree of cleanliness for healthcare environments, whether it be in a clean room or at a prescription drop-off window. They are meant to convey a neat, approachable, and trust-inspiring image for patients. These standards can apply to hair, makeup, and fragrances. Hair Color and Hair Accessories. Any facial hair should be trimmed and well-groomed (including nose and ear hair). If working in a sterile environment, covers for facial hair, such as surgical masks, are necessary. Natural hair colors are the safest choice when starting out in the pharmacy (unless the pharmacy Makeup. Makeup is prohibited in a sterile compounding environment to prevent contamination of a sterile preparation. When not working in the sterile compounding environment, makeup may be worn. One might recommend that an intern or job applicant wear makeup that is natural in appearance, without excessive eye or lip color. This guideline may be adjusted as an employee begins to understand the grooming expectations of their particular pharmacy. Fragrances. Little to no perfume (or other fragrance) is recommended when working behind a pharmacy counter, and may extend to other fragrances, such as laundry detergent and shampoos. There are many people, both employees and patients, who are allergic to different fragrances. These reactions can range from mild irritation to difficulty breathing. As with food preparation, medication dispensing uses many of the same principles of cleanliness..

[Audio] Name badges must always be worn while working in the pharmacy, not only so customers or patients can identify you as an employee, but so other employees can as well. In a hospital setting, there may be hundreds of employees. Your ID badge may be the only way you can access the facility and begin work. It is often used to clock into the payroll system and to unlock secured areas of a facility. The look of IDs may vary from setting to setting. Most often, IDs include a photo, name, title, and department. For security and safety reasons, many ID badges only show an employees first name and sometimes last initial..

[Audio] In other types of employment, forgetting your badge may be an acceptable error to make. In a pharmacy setting, you may have no other choice but to go back home to retrieve your ID if you forgot it. Your ID badge is one of the measures that keeps your workplace secure. Wearing a temporary ID won't be acceptable. ID badges also help with patient accountability. When a patient or other healthcare practitioner follows up with the pharmacy team, knowing which person they originally worked with can save time and improve communication..

[Audio] Career Readiness & Externships: Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technician's Module 3, Section 3.3: Body language In this module, you will learn about how unspoken cues, in the form of body language, can send unintended messages to people in your personal or professional life and what steps you can take to convey conscious and clear signals that reflect your mood and intentions..

[Audio] Although we seldom consider it, nonverbal communication is extremely important when interacting with others on a professional level. When it comes to professional image, how confident we appear is often indicated not only by what we say but also by how we walk, gesture with our hands, smile, make eye contact, or how we shake someone's hand. The impressions gained by these actions can have a profound impact on the perception that patients have of the pharmacy and affect the trust they place in our care..

[Audio] We rarely put thought into how we convey ourselves physically. As a result, we can unknowingly telegraph our emotions to those around us. If you're not having a good day, you may frown, your shoulders may slump, and you may close yourself off. In a professional setting, it's important to be aware of how your body's positions are speaking to other people. Keep your facial expression in check. You are more likely to put a patient or co-worker at ease with a warm smile and eye contact Try to refrain from excessive gesturing, which can come across as manic. Arm and hand gestures should be subdued. Watch your posture when walking, standing, or even sitting. Keep an upright stance. This helps project confidence and it can help you avoid long term pain from remaining in uncomfortable positions..

[Audio] Figure 3.1 shows the difference between correct posture and incorrect posture. Correct posture involves holding an upright stance. To achieve this, balance your weight on both feet, and center your core body weight between them. Incorrect posture involves slouching. This typically means keeping your head bent slightly forward, slouching with your shoulder, or moving your weight in a way that can create misalignments in your spine..

[Audio] Figure 3.2 shows the differences between correct sitting posture and incorrect sitting postures. Sitting up straight means holding up your head, relaxing your shoulders down and slightly back, aligning your spine perpendicular to your thighs, and putting your feet flat on the floor. Your balance should be centered over both of your hips, with your chin straight out. This is correct posture. Incorrect posture usually means your spine is not aligned with your head, shoulders, and posterior. Spending prolonged periods of time with incorrect posture can be painful. Sitting and standing up straight can provide many health benefits, such as improving your breathing and reducing pressure on your neck and back..

[Audio] Think It Through: Social Perception and Nonverbal Messages Consider the nonverbal messages you are sending. Does your posture reflect a confident or confused individual? Would a customer be comfortable approaching you at the pharmacy, or does your facial expression suggest that you are annoyed by questions? Do you sigh or roll your eyes when you become annoyed (even if it's just annoyance toward yourself)?.

[Audio] Career Readiness & Externships: Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technician's Module 3, Section 3.4: Module summary presentation provides a brief summary of Module 3..

[Audio] All the aspects of professional appearance discussed in this module have a profound impact on your potential career path as a pharmacy technician. Projecting a proper professional image and adjusting to professional expectations lets your supervisor and managers know that you can handle advanced roles and interactions. By knowing proper grooming and clothing standards for the pharmacy, you will be best able to present a professional image. This knowledge will help you to not only secure employment in any given pharmacy setting, but also will allow you to interact with colleagues and patients in a more professional manner. These elements can help with advancement in your own career and have the added benefit of elevating the profession as a whole. These elements of professional image take time to cultivate. Habits in personal hygiene and appearance do not change overnight. Effort and attention must be spent on these different aspects to develop mastery. Support this mastery by treating your classes like the workplace. The effort in all these areas create an effective professional presence that will take you a long way on your career journey..