WE CARE Core Values

Behavior examples of WE CARE Core Values

University of Iowa Health Care “WE CARE” values, adopted in 2021, replace “I CARE.” 

Welcoming:  We strive for an environment where every voice is heard, emphasize regular communication, and seek transparency whenever possible.

  • Demonstrates active listening skills in interactions.
  • Seeks out opportunities to welcome new hires.
  • Engages with patients and their families to build positive relationships.
  • Offers constructive feedback and tactfully accepts feedback given.
  • Explains why a suggested action should be taken.
  • Models transparency to the highest degree possible.

Excellence:  We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do.

  • Contributes to a positive work environment through their interactions with others.
  • Demonstrates concern for the larger community served by the organization.
  • Takes initiative to learn higher level skills that enhance ability to contribute to the organization.
  • Sets high goals and works to achieve them. Pushes self and others to reach milestones.
  • Looks for opportunities to help move a project along; volunteers to help others with projects or assignments.
  • Responds to setbacks with renewed and increased efforts; is persistent in the face of difficulty.
  • Willingly puts in extra time and effort in crisis situations; goes the “extra mile” to ensure the goal is met.
  • Thinks in terms of desired outcomes, not just reactive, quick solutions. Finds ways to turn the ideal into reality. Experiments with new ideas, methodologies, and procedures.
  • Sees opportunities for creative problem solving while staying within the parameters of good practice. Generates unique but workable and useful solutions to difficult problems.

Collaboration:  We believe teamwork is the best way to work.

  • Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
  • Knows and supports teammates’ work and deliverables. Helps teammates who need or ask for support or assistance.
  • Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of teammates. Praises the team and its achievement to others.
  • Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
  • Responds in a prompt and friendly manner to requests and inquiries.
  • Provides clear instructions and expectations.
  • Demonstrates flexibility by adapting to changes in priorities and the work environment.

Accountability:  We behave ethically, act openly and with integrity in all that we do, taking responsibility for our actions.

  • Meets assigned deadlines without additional prompting by supervisor or others.
  • Adheres to established work schedule.
  • Provides consistent, timely, high-quality work.
  • Displays a positive and professional image of UI Health Care to others.
  • Demonstrates initiative consistent with job expectations to improve performance.

Respect:  We honor diversity and recognize the worth and dignity of every person.

  • Treats others fairly and respectfully.
  • Polite, courteous, empathetic.
  • Does not initiate conflict and takes measures to ensure conflict does not occur.
  • Demonstrates tact and diplomacy when resolving conflicts, addressing concerns directly with the individual(s) involved.
  • Demonstrates appreciation, thanks others for their assistance.
  • Works effectively with individuals from all backgrounds.
  • Assumes positive intent in daily interactions.

 Equity:  We dedicate ourselves to equity and fairness.

  • Exhibits ability to be fair and positively acknowledges similar efforts from others.
  • Seeks diversity in candidates and hiring practices.
  • Builds an inclusive work environment where each person is seen and acknowledged for their individual skills.
  • Encourages and supports building awareness of DEI principles.