corpsman  you  must  learn  and  adhere  to  a  code of behavior that is based on sound moral beliefs and is so ingrained that it becomes a way of life. Your responsibility as a hospital corpsman is to exhibit ethical behavrior in the three major areas as  discussed  below. YOUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY IS TO  YOUR  PATIENT You must always recognize your obligation to give the best care that you are capable of giving to every patient committed to your charge. This care must reflect a belief in the worth and dignity of every patient as a human being. Courteous, ef- ficient,  and  conscientious  service  is  the  mark  of an  outstanding  corpsman.  Respect  for  patients’ right  to  privacy  must  always  be  honored,  par- ticularly  when  they  disclose  privileged  informa- tion  to  you.  Such  information  should  never  be repeated  to  any  unauthorized  person.  Your  pa- tients’  welfare  is  of  paramount  importance. YOUR  SECOND  RESPONSIBILITY  IS TO  THE  TEAM Physicians,  nurses,   and   hospital   corpsmen comprise  the  team  dedicated  to  healing  the  pa- tient.  Mutual  respect  and  understanding  of  the role  and  the  person  by  each  member  is  of  vital importance to the success of the team. Coopera- tion of all the members is essential. The physician, as team leader, carries the overall responsibility for  the  welfare  of  the  patient.  The  physician prescribes  the  medical  treatment  and  oversees  the total care of all patients. The nurse is responsible for meeting the nursing needs of the patient and ensuring  that  all  of  the  physician’s  orders  and nursing  measures  are  carried  out  accurately.  Both the  physician  and  nurse  are  responsible  for  in- structing  hospital  corpsmen  in  the  performance of  their  duties. The hospital corpsman is responsible for car- rying out the physician’s and nurses orders and giving  proper  nursing  care  to  patients. YOUR THIRD RESPONSIBILITY IS TO THE  HOSPITAL  CORPS The  heritage  of  the  Hospital  Corps  places  a special  burden  on  every  new  member.  You  are responsible  for  upholding  its  proud  tradition.  The tradition  of  “service  with  distinction”  has  been established by your predecessors in every corner of the world and under every kind of adversity. Your patient, the members of the team you serve, and  your  shipmates  deserve  your  respect  and cooperation. They merit your confidence. Respect and confidence coupled with your skill will allow you  to  carry  on  in  the  proud  tradition  of  the Hospital Corps. Professional ethics is the key to service  with  distinction. DESIRABLE  SKILLS The  minimum  skills,  both  professional  and military, required for advancement to HM3 and HM2  are  spelled  out  in  the  Manual  of  Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and  Occupational  Standards  (NAVPERS  18086 series).   However,   there  are  some  skills  that, although  not  officially  required,  are  and  will  be desirable in an outstanding petty officer. Acquir- ing these skills is entirely up to you; however, hav- ing  them  will  be  decidedly  to  your  advantage. Some 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. of  these  desired  skills  are  as  follow: Clerical  ability.  Learn  to  read  and  complete medical forms, such as health records and medical  reports,  clearly  and  accurately. Ability  to  operate  office  machines,  com- puters/word  processors,  and  if  available, various  copying  and  duplicating  machines. At one time or another you may be called upon  to  use  this  equipment. Ability  to  read  and  understand  the  various naval directives and regulations. Develop a  working  acquaintance  with  the  Navy Directives System. Penmanship. Begin now to develop a neat, legible handwriting. Communication.   Learn   to   express   your thoughts  in  writing  and  practice  good grammar.  Listening  is  an  important  part of  the  process,  especially  in  the  health  care area. PERSONAL  TRAITS A hospital corpsman must develop many per- sonal  traits  that  apply  to  all  petty  officers.  You can  get  a  general  understanding  of  them  by  refer- ring to  Military  Requirements  for  Petty  Officer Third Class  (NAVEDTRA  10044)  and  Military Requirements  for  Petty  Officer  Second  Class (NAVEDTRA  10045). The  following  traits,  however,  apply  especially to your Hospital Corps duties and are essential for   good   performance. 1-2