Personal Qualities of a Healthcare Worker HT04.01 Personal and Professional Appearance and Characteristics

Factors of Good Health Diet Rest Exercise Good Posture Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs

DIET & REST DIET Eating well balanced meals and nutritious foods provides the body with materials needed for good health. 5 Food Groups – milk, meat, vegetables, fruit, and bread (including cereal, rice and pasta). REST Adequate rest and sleep provide energy and the ability to deal with stress.

EXERCISE & POSTURE EXERCISE Maintains circulation and improves muscle tone. It also helps mental attitude and contributes to more restful sleep. GOOD POSTURE Helps prevent fatigue, puts less strain on muscles Should stand straight with stomach muscles pulled in, shoulders relaxed and weight balanced on each foot.

AVOID USE OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, and DRUGS Affects the function of the heart, circulatory system, lungs and digestive system. Odor of smoke is offensive to some people. Drug or alcohol use can result in job loss.

Recommendations Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs & Nuts 2 – 3 Servings Fruit 2 – 4 Servings Vegetables 3 – 5 Servings Milk, Cheese, & Yogurt 2 – 3 Servings Bread, Cereal, Rice & Pasta 6 – 11 Servings

Personal Appearance Uniform – Should always be well fitting, neat, clean and free of wrinkles. Employee should learn what type and color uniform is required or permitted prior to work. Clothing – may sometimes be worn instead of a uniform Should be clean and neat and in good repair Name Badge – includes the name, title and department of the health care worker, mostly worn on the left-hand side.

Personal Appearance Cont’d Shoes – white shoes are frequently required; should fit well and provide good support and prevent fatigue and accidents. Avoid wearing sandals and shoes should be cleaned daily. White socks should be worn with white pants. Personal Hygiene – a daily bath or shower, use of deodorant, good oral hygiene and clean undergarments. limit strong perfumes, scented hairsprays, tobacco, and aftershave lotions which can cause allergic reactions

Nails – should be kept short and clean. Long, pointed nails can injure patients and transmit germs. No colored nail polish, because it can hide dirt. Hair – should be kept clean and neat; styled attractively and easy to care for. Long hair must be pinned back.

Jewelry – usually not permitted because it can injure a patient and transmit germs. Some exceptions are sometimes a watch, one ring, and small studded earrings. Body jewelry should be prohibited because it interferes with professional appearance and may be a safety hazard. Makeup – excessive makeup is avoided, should be natural appearance

Personal Characteristics Empathy - Being able to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives. Honesty – truthfulness and integrity, able to admit mistakes Dependability – performing tasks on time and accurately Willingness to Learn – willing to learn and adapt to changes

Patience – learning to deal with frustration and overcome obstacles, tolerant and understanding Acceptance of Criticism – willing to accept criticism and learn from it Enthusiasm – enjoy your work and display a positive attitude Self – motivation – self initiative, ability to begin or to follow through with a task Tact – the ability to say or to the kindest or most fitting thing in a difficult situation

Competence – qualified and capable of performing a task Responsibility – willing to be held accountable for your actions Discretion – using good judgment, being discreet Team Player – part of a team, working together to accomplish goals Right/Wrong