Principles of Conduct

St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) serves the needs of Northwestern Ontario with a variety of programs and services at multiple sites. Our organization is influenced, inspired and motivated by the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie.

These Principles of Conduct are based on our core values of Care, Compassion and Commitment. Each value contains guiding beliefs developed with input from staff, physicians and volunteers.

Our Principles of Conduct apply to all employees, medical staff, board members, volunteers, students and visitors at all levels of the organization. They guide our interactions with clients, visitors, external partners and agencies.

SJCG's vision to be a leader in client-centred care depends on our ability to work together in a respectful, trusting and harmonious environment.

Care

Treat others as you would like to be treated

• Greet people with a smile and say hello.
• Introduce yourself and interact in a friendly manner.
• Wear your name tag and ensure that it is visible.
• Give people your undivided attention.
• Address people the way they would like to be addressed.
• Provide explanations regarding procedures and processes.
• Speak in the preferred language of the client if you are able.
• Carry out the wishes and choices of clients whenever possible.
• Be sensitive to the values, faith, and culture of others.

Uphold Privacy and Confidentiality

• Knock before entering a room or ask for permission before passing a privacy curtain.
• Ensure privacy by closing the door and/or curtains.
• When consulting a clinical record, read only material pertinent to your work.
• Protect personal information at all times. Do not discuss sensitive information in public spaces. (e.g. hallways, elevators, or cafeteria)

Know your clients needs

• Read and follow care plans.
• Identify and respect clients' goals of care and service.
• Do what you say you are going to do - follow through on your commitments.

Communicate openly and effectively

• Speak in a calm and respectful voice.
• Be aware of how your language impacts others.
• Make yourself available when someone needs to talk.
• Praise others for their work.
• Strive to always provide constructive feedback.
• Share your concerns with the appropriate person in an appropriate place.

Support a learning journey

• Share your knowledge and experiences with others.
• Encourage others to strive in their areas of strength.
• Support the learning of others - be present, be patient and be flexible.

Compassion

Be courteous

• Hold the elevator and open doors for others.
• Welcome new team members as you would like to be welcomed.
• Make yourself available to provide assistance and directions.
• Promote a quiet and calm environment. Do not raise your voice.
• There is always time to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
• Be aware of the requirements of others for personal space.

Be empathetic

• Actively listen to the needs and concerns of others.
• Encourage the person to express themselves.
• Summarize what the person has told you to confirm your understanding.
• Look beyond a client's illness and learn more about them as a person.
• Be attentive to hear and understand the stories of others and be present to the lived experience being shared.
• Be forgiving as we are all human beings prone to error.

Be attentive

• Provide comfort and support during difficult times.
• Recognize the value and dignity of others with a personalized approach to service.
• Make individuals feel important by being fully present during your interactions.
• Turn off all technological distractions during interactions.
• Respond in a timely manner to expressed or anticipated needs and concerns of others.

Be open-minded

• Be open to new ideas and different opinions.
• Willingly incorporate appropriate suggestions from others into your practice.
• Accept and welcome change positively.

Be Kind

• Everyone needs to experience the kindness of others.
• Take every opportunity to be helpful.
• Look for the humour in life and laugh with others.

Ensure a supportive, safe and comfortable environment

• Respect the pace of others.
• Ensure a clean and safe living and working environment.
• Accept others for who they are and what they believe without judgment or prejudice.

Commitment

Work as a team

• Establish clear, common goals and expectations in collaboration with your team.
• Be willing to negotiate and compromise based on current needs or changes.
• Be inclusive: involve clients, family members, co-workers and other care providers.
• Work together to solve problems.
• Share information with others to help them complete their work.
• Demonstrate willingness to share the workload.

Build relationships and trust.

• Remain approachable and available.
• Help cover during breaks or special circumstances.
• Recognize the equal value and efforts of others.
• Respect and honour personal boundaries. (e.g. physical, emotional, psychological and relational)
• Be honest, open and professional in your interactions with others.
• Speak of others with dignity and respect always. (e.g. negative comments are hurtful)
• Accept responsibility for your actions.
• Admit mistakes and apologize as we are all human.

Understand your role and responsibilities

• Be confident in your skills and knowledge.
• Know your limits and ask for help if need be.
• Start and finish your work in a timely manner.
• Complete your work or ensure follow-up as appropriate.
• Lead by example.
• Be professional at all times.
• Know and respect the important role each person plays in the work place.

Take responsibility for your actions and for yourself

• Arrive on time and respect break times.
• Come to work with a positive attitude and be aware of your personal stress and how it affects your working relationships.
• Follow-up on requests as promised in a timely manner.
• Be prepared for work - read relevant documents, communiqués and policies.
• Maintain an appearance appropriate to your role and workplace setting.
• Use equipment responsibly to ensure a safe, productive work environment.

Make learning your attitude

• Seek new knowledge and experiences.
• Learn from others; If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask.
• Practice and share what you learn.
• Encourage dedication and commitment by example
• Seek out opportunities to participate in a work group or committee.
• Share your ideas to improve a process or task.
• Actively participate in discussions, team meetings or rounds.