unit 3 personal qualities of a health care worker

Unit 3 Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2

3:1 Personal Appearance

Appearance communicates level of confidence and positive self-esteem

First impressions are based on appearances and form quickly

Rules about appearance may vary Certain professional standards apply

to most health careers


Good Health

Health care involves promoting health and preventing disease

Health care workers serve as role models Diet Rest Exercise Good posture Avoid use of tobacco and drugs


Uniform Considerations

Required in some health occupations Neat, well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free Choose undergarments that will not show Avoid extreme styles Follow standards established by place

of employment


Regular Clothing

Some occupations allow use of regular clothing in lieu of uniforms

Must be clean, neat, and in good repair Style that allows for body movements Should be appropriate for position Washable and less expensive to maintain


Other Considerations

Name badge Shoes Personal hygiene Nails Hair Jewelry Makeup


Summary

Find out rules or standards established by agency

Abide by the rules Maintain a neat, clean,

professional appearance


3:2 Personal Characteristics

Certain personal/professional characteristics and attitudes apply to all health occupations

You should make every effort to develop these characteristics and attitudes and incorporate them into your personality


Desirable Characteristics

Empathy Honesty Dependability Willingness to learn Patience Acceptance of criticism Enthusiasm


Desirable Characteristics (continued)

Self-motivation or self-initiative Tact Competence Responsibility Discretion Team player


Summary

All characteristics and attitudes must be practiced and learned

Some take more time to develop Be aware of these characteristics Strive constantly to improve Will help you provide good patient care Will make you a valuable asset to your

employer and others


3:3 Teamwork

In any health care career, you will be part of an interdisciplinary health care team

Team concept was created to provide quality holistic health care for every patient

Teamwork consists of many professionals, with different levels of education, ideas, backgrounds, and interests, working together for the good of the patient


Teamwork Concepts

Teamwork improves communication and continuity of care

Every person on the team must understand the role of each team member

A leader is an important part of any team Good interpersonal relationships

are essential Legal responsibilities


Good InterpersonalRelationship Guidelines

Poor relationships interfere with quality of care, goals, and work satisfaction

Respect differences due to cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender, age, socioeconomic status, lifestyle preference, beliefs, and levels of education

Show sensitivity to the hopes, feelings, and needs of team members


Good Interpersonal Relationship Guidelines (continued)

Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated

Have a positive attitude Be willing to laugh at yourself Be friendly and cooperative Assist others Listen carefully


Good Interpersonal Relationship Guidelines (continued)

Respect the opinion of others Be open-minded and willing

to compromise Don’t criticize others Practice good communication skills Support and encourage team members Perform your duties to the best of

your ability


Conflict Resolution

Deal with conflict in a positive way Meet with people involved to discuss it Listen to each other’s point of view

with respect Avoid accusations and hostility Solve problems cooperatively


Conflict Resolution (continued)

Sometimes a mediator may be needed Grievance policies define official process To meet team goals, conflict must

be resolved


Summary

Effective teams are the result of hard work, patience, commitment, and practice

When each individual participates fully in the team and makes every effort to contribute to the team, the team achieves success


3:4 Professional Leadership

Purpose: encourage people to work together and do their best to achieve common goals

Definition of a leader Myths Characteristics of a leader Categories of leaders


Types of Leaders

Democratic Laissez-faire Autocratic


Summary

All types of leadership have advantages and disadvantages

In some rare situations, an autocratic leader may be beneficial

Democratic leader usually presented as most effective for group interactions

Respecting the rights and opinions of others is an important guide for a leader


3:5 Stress

Definition of stress Stressors What causes stress Sympathetic nervous system response Parasympathetic nervous system recovery Stress is universal Benefits of stress


Stress (continued)

Negative effects of stress Learning to control stress Stressors – how to problem solve Managing stress reactions

– Stop– Breathe– Reflect– Choose


Stress Reducing Techniques

Live a healthy life Take breaks Relax with a warm bath Listen to quiet, soothing music Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and

relax each muscle group Seek support from others


Stress ReducingTechniques (continued)

Meditate Use imagery Enjoy yourself Renew yourself Think positively Develop outside interests Seek assistance or delegate tasks Avoid too many commitments


Summary

Stress is constant and cannot be avoided Be aware of causes Learn how to respond Solve problems effectively Practice techniques to reduce Be mindful of patient’s stress Patient’s can use same techniques

to cope


3:6 Time Management

Definition Helps prevent or reduce stress First step is to keep an activity record Start to organize time based on

information collected in activity record


Goal Setting

Why set goals? Short- and long-term goals Completion of goals results in satisfaction,

sense of accomplishment, and motivation to attempt other goals


Set Effective Goals

State in positive manner Define clearly and precisely Prioritize multiple goals Write goals down Make sure at right level – should

present challenge, but not be impossible to complete


After Set Goals

Focus on how to accomplish goals Review necessary skills What information do you need to gather? What resources will be needed? Identify potential problems Prioritize goals Organize steps


Evaluating Goal Success

If goal is achieved, enjoy sense of accomplishment and satisfaction

If goal is not achieved, evaluate why failed– Was it realistic?– Did you lack needed skills/knowledge?– Is there another way to achieve the goal?– Remember, failure can be a positive

learning experience


Use Time Management to Meet Goals

Analyze and prioritize Identify habits and preferences Schedule tasks Make a daily “to do” list Plan your work Avoid distractions Take credit for a job well done


Summary

Time management provides for an organized and efficient use of time

Won’t always succeed when unexpected events occur

If fail, reevaluate goals and revise the plan Patience, practice, and an honest effort

are the best guides to a healthier, more content life

unit 3 personal qualities of a health care worker

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