CHAPTER 1 HOSPITAL CORPSMAN—PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This training manual has been prepared for members of the Regular Navy and Naval Reserve in the hospital corpsman rating who are preparing for advancement to Hospital Corpsman Third Class (HM3) and Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2). The occupational standards used in preparation of this manual are contained in the Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards, Section I, NAVPERS 18068 series, and are listed on pages iv through viii of this manual.
This manual is designed to help you meet the professional (technical) qualifications for advancement to HM3 and, subsequently, to HM2. For information about the material covered in the manual, refer to the chapter subject-matter outline. Study the subject matter of this manual carefully. It will not only help you toward advancement, but expand your knowledge as a hospital corpsman.
Your intentions are clear by the fact that you have this training manual in your hands; obviously you are seeking advancement. Up to the present time, you have been undergoing an indoctrination period in the Hospital Corps, learning the fundamentals of your rating. These fundamentals will always be a prime requisite for any advancement you may seek in the Hospital Corps.
At present you are an individual who has learned about ward duty, night duty, special watches and details and, in some instances, special departments. Generally speaking, you have spent most of your time at a naval hospital or other large shore installation, or if aboard ship, it has been on one that has a large medical department. You may also have been assigned to duty with the Fleet Marine Force. Most of the time you have been under the immediate supervision of a senior hospital corpsman or ward nurse, who was responsible for your actions. You were the follower.
The advancement for which you are now seeking will put you in a dual position: not only will you still be the follower and be responsible to your superiors, but by virtue of your rate, you will become a leader of those below you and in turn be responsible for their effective performance.
DUTIES
As a petty officer, your duty assignments will be enlarged and your scope of function will increase. More will be expected of you from your superiors, and your need for additional knowledge and skills will increase, not only within the realm of your job but also from a military standpoint. Additionally, you will be required to supervise and instruct those under you and be responsible for their work. Constant study, attention to detail, and alertness are required to keep you abreast of your duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Your responsibilities, as a petty officer, will increase, both professionally and militarily. Your advancement may make you the senior corpsman of your ward or possibly put you in charge of a special department such as the treatment room, clinic, record office, or sick call. Militarily, you may become a section leader, responsible for a number of people, their muster, and other administrative details such as liberty, duty rosters, emergency drills, and battle stations. Again, attention to detail and faithful study will enhance your future as a petty officer.
PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Since patients are our most important concern, you, as a petty officer, can do much to engender better patient morale within your organization. As a petty officer it is your responsibility to make sure that those under you practice good professional ethics at all times.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Professional ethics refers to the adherence to moral principles by members of a profession in the practice of that profession. As a hospital