Personal Qualities of Healthcare Workers Although healthcare workers are employed in a variety of facilities, certain characteristics apply to all professions.  Personal  Professional  Attitudes  Rules of appearance

A healthcare worker should present a healthy appearance.  Diet  Rest  Exercise  Good Posture  Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Good Health

 Eating a well balanced diet provides energy for the day and provides for optimal health  Foods from the five major food groups (milk, meat, vegetables, fruits and breads (cereals, rice pasta) Diet

 Adequate rest and sleep help provide energy and ability to deal with stress.  Amount of sleep rest varies from person to person but should be about 7-8 hours per night Rest

 Exercise maintains circulation  Improves muscle tone  Helps mental attitude  Contributes to more restful sleep  People should choose a form of exercise best suited for them Exercise

 Prevents Fatigue  Less stress on muscles and joints  Proper body mechanics  Basic Principles – standing straight, shoulders back, stomach in, weight balanced Good Posture

 Can seriously effect health  Effects function of heart, lungs and digestive system  Odor of smoke is offensive to many  Smoke free environment  Impair mental function  Decrease ability to reason and make decisions  Result in job loss Avoid - Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs

 Uniform  Clothing  Name badge  Shoes  Personal Hygiene  Nail  Hair  Makeup Professional Appearance

 Many healthcare facilities require a uniform  Neat  Well fitting  Some agencies require white (scrubs or lab coat)  Colors may identify groups of workers – lab, radiology, ER, Therapy, house keeping, dietary Uniforms

If a uniform is not required clothing should be professional/business dress  Clean  Neat and good repair  Allow for body movement  Washable, durable fabrics Clothing

Most healthcare facilities require workers to wear name badge or Photo ID  Name  Title  Department  Some instances its required by law (long term care) Name Badge

 Many facilities require white  Shoes should fit well and provide good support  Low heels are best – prevent fatigue and accidents  Avoid sneakers and sandals (unless it recommended in a particular field)  Cleaned regularly  Shoe laces tied  White or beige stockings (Women) – colors should be avoided Shoes

 Work in close contact with others  Body odor must be controlled!!  Daily bath or shower  Antibacterial & Deodorant soap  Deodorant and antiperspirant  Good oral hygiene  Clean undergarments  Certain Scents can be offensive – tobacco, perfume, hairspray, aftershave  Allergic Reactions to some scented products Personal Hygiene

 Short and clean – can injure patients  Transmit germs  Tear or puncture gloves  Colored nail polish should be discouraged  Hide dirt  Chips can hold bacteria  May be offensive Clear polish and hand creams should be used Nails

 Kept clean and neat  Styled attractively and easy to care for  Should be kept off collar  If close contact is part of job  Pinned back or pinned up Hair

 Usually not permitted with a uniform  Can cause injury  Transmit germs Exceptions sometimes include watch, wedding band but not engagement rings.  Earrings with hoops or dangling should be avoided  Body jewelry is detracts from professional appearance  When uniform is not required it should be limited Jewelry

 Excessive makeup should be avoided  Purpose of makeup is create a natural appearance  Excessive makeup can get on patients  Some find it offensive Makeup

Many personal/professional characteristics are required in the healthcare environment.  Empathy – identify with and understand patient, care about patient  Honest – Trustworthy  Dependability – be able to rely on you  Willingness to learn – adapt to ever changing environment  Patient – tolerant and understanding Personal Characteristics

 Accept Criticism  Enthusiasm  Self-motivated – ability to begin and follow-through  Tact – tasteful  Competence – qualified  Responsibility – held accountable  Discretion – good judgment  Team Player – work well with others Personal Characteristics

 Maintain positive attitude  Be friendly and cooperative  Assist others when they need help  Listen carefully when others are speaking  Respect others opinions  Open-minded  Avoid criticizing others  Support and encourage others  Perform duties to the best of your abilities Teamwork

Todays healthcare everyone needs to be a leader ** Leadership is the ability or skill to encourage people to work together Characteristics of a good leader: Respect the rights, dignity and opinions of others Understand principles of democracy Works with a group and guides to a goal Understand strengths and weaknesses Communicates effectively and clearly Shows self-initiative Shows optimism Praises others Dedicated to meeting high standards Leadership

1.Democratic leader – encourages participation of entire group 2.Laissaez-faire Leader - Informal type leader 3.Autocratic Leader - Dictator, maintains total control Classification of leaders

Stress is defined: as the body’ s reaction to any stimulus that requires a person to adjust to a changing environment Stress

The stimuli to change or alter your behavior are called Stressors.  Can be situations, events or concepts  Can be internal or external  Internal Stressor – Heart attack or illness  External Stressor – new job or moving Stress

Everyone deals with a certain amount of stress in their daily life.  Its how you deal with that stress that can cause problems with the body.  Not all stress is harmful:  Some small amounts of stress is important to well being: makes a person more alert and raises energy levels.  Make quick decisions, more organized, motivated and confident Stress

 The way an individual deals with stress determines if the stress is:  Positive Stress  Negative Stress Stress

Positive Stress causes:  Self-Confidence  Positive feelings  Sense of Achievement  It’s Helpful Positive Stress

 Negative Stress:  Boredom  Frustration  Irritability  Anger  Depression  Distrust  Emotional Outburst Negative Stress

 Negative Stress can lead to:  Substance Abuse  Alcohol Abuse  Over Eat  Burnout  Mental Breakdown Negative Stress

These negative effects on the body is why a person has to be aware of stressors and learn methods to control them. Stress

First Step is to Identify Stressors  Recognize the flight or fight symptoms  When stressful situations arise:  Note what the event was  Why did you feel stressed  How much stress did you experience  How did you deal with it. IE: Stressor - Driving to work each day. Controlling Stress

Use the Problem Solving Method  Gather Information  Identify the problem  List possible solutions  Make a plan  Act on your Plan  Evaluate the results  Make changes if necessary Solving or Eliminating Stress