Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker Ms. Lalith Sivanathan

Personal and Professional Characteristics Certain personal attitudes, values, and rules of appearance apply to all health care professions. It is an appearance that inspires confidence and a positive self-image.

Personal and Professional Characteristics Research shows that within twenty seconds to 4 minutes people form an impression about a person based on their appearance.

5 Factors That Contribute to Good Health Health care professionals promote health and disease prevention. A health care worker should present a healthy appearance. – Diet – Rest – Exercise – Good Posture – Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

Personal Appearance In health care it is important to have a clean, neat and professional appearance. Know what rules are established at your place of employment.

What do you see? AppearanceImpression Dirty Unreliable and unprofessional Body piercing & tattoos Unprofessional, unreliable, immature, Dangerous Clean and Neat Professional and reliable

Professional Appearance Uniforms Clothing Name Badge Shoes Personal hygiene Nails Hair Jewelry Make up

Personal Characteristics Many personal/professional characteristics and attitudes are required in health occupations. Make every effort to develop the following characteristics and incorporate them into your personality.

Personal Characteristics Empathy Honesty Dependability Willingness to learn Patience Acceptance of criticism Enthusiasm Self motivation Tact Competence Responsibility Discretion Team work

Personal Characteristics Empathy – being able to understand another persons feelings, situation, and motives

Personal Characteristics Honesty – truthfulness and integrity are important in any career – Must be able to trust you at all times – Willing to admit mistakes so they can be corrected

Personal Characteristics Dependability – employers and patients rely on you, so you must accept responsibility – Prompt in reporting to work, good attendance record – Perform assigned tasks on time & accurately

Personal Characteristics Willingness to learn – You must be willing to adapt to change. Change often requires learning new techniques or procedures.

Personal Characteristics Patience – tolerant and understanding – Control your temper, count to 10 – Deal with frustration & overcome obstacles Acceptance of Criticism – criticism can be constructive and allow you to improve your work

Personal Characteristics Enthusiasm – enjoy your work and display a positive attitude Self-motivated – ability to begin and follow through on a task. – Should be able to determine what needs to be done & do them without constant direction – Set goals & work to reach them

Personal Characteristics Tact – the ability to do and say the kindest and most fitting thing in a difficult situation. – Everyone has a right to feelings & should not be judged as right or wrong – Shows consideration for the feelings of others – Requires constant practice Competence – you are qualified and capable to perform a task. – Follow instructions, use approved procedures – Strive for accuracy & know your limits – Ask for help if necessary

Personal Characteristics Responsibility – willing to be held accountable for your actions. – Others rely on you, you will meet expectations – Do what you are supposed to do Discretion – use good judgment in what you say or do. Confidentiality is important. – Need proper authorization to get info – Be discreet, ensure that pt’s rights are not violated Team Player – learn to work well with others. Working together can accomplish a goal much faster than individually.

Characteristics of health care workers All characteristics must be practiced & learned Some take more time to develop than others Be aware of these characteristics & strive to improve If practiced, you will be a valuable asset to your employer

Thank you….