Professionalism: Attitudes and Behaviors

Estimated Runtime: 25 minutes

This interactive course guides home health aides in cultivating and maintaining professional attitudes and behaviors. Participants will define professionalism in home healthcare and identify how their personal demeanor impacts patient comfort, dignity, and outcomes. By recognizing unprofessional conduct and employing strategies for self-regulation and stress management, aides will practice respectful and empathetic communication, especially in challenging or emotionally charged situations. The course also covers navigating difficult interactions with patients and families, addressing professionalism among coworkers, and understanding when to seek support from the supervisory care team. This course was written to align with the training requirements under §484.80 for home health aide education.

Course Objectives

1. Define professionalism and explain its importance in home healthcare
2. Identify how personal attitudes and behaviors affect patient comfort, dignity, and outcomes
3. Recognize unprofessional behaviors and understand their impact on care
4. Demonstrate respectful and empathetic communication and demeanor, especially in stressful or emotionally charged situations

This course was written in alignment with the CMS Conditions of Participation for Home Health: 42 CFR §484.80 (Home Health Aide Services) training expectations relevant to aide services.

• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-484/subpart-B/section-484.80

Reviewed and approved by
Kim Tate, RN, BSN

NOTE: This course is not a substitute for legal advice for any individual provider or situation. Always consult your company’s legal or compliance personnel with any questions or concerns related to this subject matter.