Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

Personal Appearance Objectives: Explain how diet, rest, exercise,

good posture, and avoiding usage of tobacco and drugs contribute to good health.

Demonstrate the standards of a professional appearance as they apply to uniforms, clothing, shoes, nails, hair, jewelry, and make-up.

Personal Appearance Show confidence & positive

self-image. Impressions are based on

appearance within 20 seconds to 4 minutes.

Health Care Workers should create a positive impressions.

Good Health Promoting health and

preventing disease(s). Health Care Workers should

present a healthy appearance.

Diet 1st factor of good health. Nutritious well-balanced

meals. Provides calories, minerals,

and vitamins for optimum health.

5- Major Food Groups Milk Meat, Fish and Poultry Vegetables Fruits Bread and Cereals Fats, Oil and Sweets

(sparingly)

Rest 2nd factor of good health. 6-8 hours of uninterrupted

rest & sleep every night. Sleep varies from one

person to another. Rejuvenates the body &

mind.

Exercise 3rd factor of good health. Maintains circulation and

improves muscle tone. Increase mental attitude. Contributes to restful sleep.

Good Posture 4th factor of good health. Prevents fatigue and puts less

stress on the muscles. Stand straight with stomach

muscles pulled in, shoulders relaxed, & weight balance on both feet.

Tobacco and Drugs 5th factor of good health. Usage can seriously affect

the body and good health. Avoiding usage prevents

damage to the body.

Tobacco Affects the following systems:

Circulation, Digestive, and Respiratory.

Smoking is offensive to many individuals.

Most facilities are “smoke-free.”

Alcohol and Drugs Impairs mental functioning. Decreases ability to make

decisions. Affects the Digestive and

Central Nervous Systems. Negatives-DWI; loss of job

Uniforms Required dress code or policy.

(colored code scrubs/uniforms) Before purchasing attire find out

the dress code or policy. Neat, properly fitting, clean and

wrinkle free. White or neutral undergarments

under white uniforms

Clothing Worn in place of uniforms. Clean, neat, properly fitting

and in good condition. Clothing should match your

health career.

Name Badge Required by federal law. Photo ID states name, title,

department or job location.(Angelia Washington, Teacher,

Onslow County Schools).

Shoes Requirement: professional

closed toe white shoes. Properly fitting-provides good

support for feet, back, and to prevent fatigue.

Low heels prevents accidents and fatigue.

Shoes (cont) Clean daily and replace

shoelaces frequently. Wear white socks; white or

beige hose/stockings. Avoid wearing colored or

patterned hose/stockings.

Personal Hygiene Control body odor-daily

baths/showers. Use deodorant or

antiperspirant Good oral hygiene. Close contact with your clients.

Personal Hygiene (cont) Avoid strong Offensive Odors

such as: Tobacco (smoking in uniforms). After-shave lotions, perfumes,

scented hairspray. Allergic Reactions-can be

triggered by certain scents.

Nails Kept short, trimmed and

clean. Germs are transmitted when

dirt collects under the nails. Wear clear or French

manicured nail polish.

Nails (cont) Use hand cream or lotion to

prevent chapping/dryness caused by frequent handwashing.

Avoid color nail polish-conceals dirt under nails.

Nails (cont) Long nails can injured/scratch

a client causing an infection. Long nails can puncture

gloves. NO ACRYLIC NAILS ALLOWED!

Hair Clean, neat and styled

professionally. Avoid fancy or extreme

styles and hair ornaments. Avoid bold hair colors

Hair (cont) Long hair-off collar. Pinned back and up. Prevents hair from falling in

client’s face and food. Prevents patients from

grabbing one’s hair.

Jewelry Usually not permitted. Can cause injury and

transmit germs to clients. Diamond Wedding ring-can

scratch clients.

Jewelry (cont) Exceptions: watch, wedding

band, and one pair of small studded pierced earrings.

Avoid dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets.

No visible body piercing/jewelry

Makeup Create a natural

appearance and attractiveness.

Avoid excessive makeup and colors.

Career Presentation Dress Dress-Up Day-Students will be

assigned to dress appropriately for different health care careers and demonstrate (model) the appearance to the class.