Objectives v Create a personal mission statement v
Objectives v Create a personal mission statement. v Set achievable goals to help guide your life v Recognized the advantages of maintaining a positive attitude
Goals and Attitude “The purpose of goals is to motivate, not to paralyze. ” —Maureen Pfeifer
Mission Statement Mission statement = a statement of your basic beliefs and what you want to accomplish in your life. • a way to identify what is really important to you • are based on personal values (values = our beliefs about what is important) • can help you choose a destination and then stay on track • can serve as powerful motivators when you feel adrift or discouraged. • are usually written out, but there is no set format v Many people get sidetracked because they either lose sight of their basic values or fail to identify them clearly in the first place. v
Mission Statement Example v My decisions and actions will be based on my dedication to: • Maintaining my health and that of my family • Balancing my work and family life so that neither is neglected • Doing my best to master the professional skills of medical assisting • Serving the needs of all patients with whom I work • Continuing to learn about my profession • Being loyal to my family, friends, and employer • Keeping a positive attitude • Seeking to understand rather than to judge others
Goals – Signposts on the Path to Success v Goals are based on your mission statement and serve as signposts, giving your life direction and measuring your progress on the road to success. Effective goals have the following characteristics: • They are based on your values and mission statement. • They are reasonable. • They are measurable. • They are clearly stated and written. • They are worth your time.
Making Goals Work For You v Many people fail to achieve what they want in life because they fail to set clear goals for themselves. 1. Spend some time deciding what it is you want to accomplish. 2. Put together an action plan in which you outline what you need to do to reach goal. 3. Incorporate working on goals into your daily life. 4. Long-term goals often get put aside in the scramble to meet everyday obligations, so it's a good idea to periodically review your goals to track your progress.
Long-Term Goals vary in the time and effort required to achieve them. v Write your long-term goals first; then prepare short-term supporting goals. v Link them together in a progressive series so each one supports the next.
Example v Jaime's long-term career goal is to become successfully employed as an x -ray technician in a large city hospital. Here is his plan: • Long-term goal: Employment as an x-ray technician • Supporting goals: ü Graduate from an approved x-ray training program ü Take a study skills course ü Earn at least a B in all courses ü Maintain perfect attendance for all classes ü Complete all homework assignments on time ü Receive a rating of at least “above average” on clinical experience ü Pass the state licensing exam on the first try
Example (cont’d) v Jaime adjusts his goals as follows: • Long-term goal: Employment in x-ray department at Grand Memorial Hospital • Short-term goals: ü Receive a rating of “Excellent” on clinical experience ü Improve communication skills ü Work for at least 1 year in a facility that performs a variety of x-ray studies ü Complete three specialized x-ray courses ü Network with local professionals ü Become active in the x-ray professional organization's local chapter
Success Tips For Achieving Your Goals v Visualize yourself achieving your goals. v Use affirmations. v Work on goals even when you don't feel like it. (Especially then!) v Don't give up!
Using Goals on the Job v In addition to promoting your own growth and progress, the ability to set appropriate goals and take action to achieve them increases your effectiveness at work. v In some professional areas, such as physical and occupational therapy, goal setting is an integral part of the rehabilitation plan. v Working with clients to set goals that are both realistic and challenging is an important part of therapy, and the same principles that work for personal goal setting can be applied in this area.
It’s All in the Attitude v Your attitude can be your strongest ally or your worst enemy. • more powerful than physical strength • more important than natural talents • has helped people overcome seemingly impossible difficulties v The best thing about attitude is that it does not depend on other people or circumstances. v It is yours alone, one of the few things in life over which you have complete control.
Example of the Effect of Attitude v If you develop a negative attitude about a class (“I'll never learn how the endocrine system works, ” or “She really can't expect us to perform 20 perfect venipunctures after 2 weeks!”), you are working against yourself. • Your attitude will not change the circumstances. ü A negative attitude = makes it more difficult, or even impossible, for you to understand the endocrine system or master venipunctures. It is distracting, drains your energy, and interferes with your ability to concentrate. ü A positive attitude = releases you from the control of circumstances. It frees you to focus fully on the priorities and actions that are in line with your mission and goals.
Developing a Positive Approach Suggestion Ask Yourself What do I have to be thankful for? Good health? Do an inventory of the good Friends? Family? Decent living conditions? things in your life. Opportunity to attend school? Ability to succeed in school and start a new career? Distinguish between what you can What action can I take? Which negative people and cannot change, and situations can I avoid? What changes can I concentrate your efforts on what make to improve the situation? you can change. Who can give me support? Who can give me Find sources of help and advice? Do I have problems, such as depression or inspiration. substance abuse, that may be helped with professional assistance?
Developing a Positive Approach Suggestion Keep things in perspective. Fix your sights on your mission and goals. Visualize the satisfaction you can receive by overcoming a difficult situation. Challenge your negative beliefs. Ask Yourself How important will this problem or situation be to me in 1 month? In 1 year? Should I distract my focus and waste energy on negativity? How will a positive attitude better help me get what I want and need? How will this contribute to my personal growth? What can I learn from this? Is this belief based on facts or on false perceptions and old ideas?
Tripped up by Your Thoughts v Negative expectations can be just as powerful as positive ones, sometimes even more powerful. • Our mental images, whether positive or negative, create our reality. ü Your doubts and worries can actually bring about the outcome you fear. v The fact is, your attitude greatly influences your performance in school and your ability to secure and succeed in the job you want. Expect the best for yourself, and you are likely to get it.
Attitude on the Job v Employers know that health care professionals with a positive attitude contribute to the success of their facility because attitude can promote the well-being of patients and improve the spirit of teamwork among the staff. v Patients seek health care in times of need, and they bring with them an assortment of fears and doubts. They want hope and encouragement along with solutions to their health problems. Your cheerfulness, energy, and enthusiasm can assist in their recovery and increase their satisfaction with the care they are receiving. Your goodwill is an important part of the example you set as a role model.
Objectives v Develop time-management and organizational strategies to improve your personal efficiency.
Time Management
Make Time Work for You v Your success in life depends on how you manage your time. There are ways to use your time more effectively. Two key strategies are: v • Prioritizing = deciding what is most important and taking care of those tasks first. Your goals should determine your priorities. • Efficiency = planning and making the best use of time—getting the most done with the least effort. Keeping a calendar is an important part of good time management. Doesn’t matter the type you use what matters is that you use it. It should be convenient to carry with you and should have room to list several items for each date.
Success Tips for Managing Your Time 1. Consider your priorities and goals when you plan your schedule then decide how to spend your time. 2. Write out a weekly schedule. 3. Schedule study time every day. 4. Schedule around your peak times. 5. Do the hardest thing first. 6. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and how much time tasks will take to complete. 7. Prevent feeling overwhelmed by breaking work into small segments. 8. Learn to say “no. ” 9. Use down time to your advantage.
Time Management on the Job v A growing concern in the United States today is providing health care in a cost-effective manner. v As a consequence, efficient scheduling and good use of time are increasingly important for health care facilities. v A major expense for any employer is paying employees, which translates to paying for the time they are on the job. v Using your time efficiently at work will contribute to the overall financial success of the organization.
Defeating Procrastination v Procrastination = to put off doing what needs to be done. It can cause late assignments, failed tests, poor recommendations, and increased stress. But still many of us fall victim to this self-defeating habit. Here are 6 steps you can take to break the habit: 1. Identify the reason for your procrastination. 2. Set a time to start. Even if you simply plan what you are going to do. 3. If you find yourself stuck, identify sources of help, such as your instructor, supervisor, or a friend. 4. Use affirmations 5. Visualize yourself completing the work. 6. Focus on your future.
Personal Organization: Getting It All Together v The purpose of personal organization, like time management, is to make life easier. v Organizational techniques build consistency and predictability into your daily routines, saving you time and energy. • Surprise-filled adventures are great for vacation trips, but efficiency is a better way to ensure academic and career success. v Organization, however, should never be an end in itself.
Success Tips for Getting Organized 1. Write lists 6. Cluster errands 2. Carry a big bag 7. Take advantage of Technology 3. Stock up 8. Handle it once 4. Give things a home 9. Get it over with 5. Keep things in repair 10. Plan backups If getting organized seems like a waste of time, too much work, or just “not your style, ” consider the alternative: using even more time and energy in unproductive ways that result in frustration and inconvenience.
Organization on the Job v A typical job description for a medical assistant includes many organizational duties that correspond closely with the success tips listed in this section: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sort and handle the mail daily. (Handle it once. ) Monitor warranties on equipment, and call for maintenance and repair. (Keep things in repair. ) Check inventory and order administrative, laboratory, and clinical supplies. (Stock up. ) Organize and store supplies and equipment. (Give things a home. ) Complete all tasks as directed by the physician. (Write lists. )
Objectives v Incorporate stress-reducing habits into your life
Stress and Physical Activity
What is Thing Called Stress? v Stress refers to our physical and emotional reactions to life's events. These reactions can either help us or hurt us, depending on the circumstances. • “Good stress” motivates us to do great things when we are called on to perform outside our usual comfort zone. • Pressure and unresolved worries experienced over long periods of time can create “bad stress. ”
Dealing with “Bad Stress” v Step 1: Identify its source v Step 2: Examine the source to see whether it's based on fact or fiction. v Step 3: Look for a practical solution. v Step 4: Take action to deal with the issues.
Success Tips for Handling Stress v The very nature of being a student and working in health care brings a certain amount of ongoing stress that cannot be avoided. Many of the practices that promote good health are excellent for relieving stress: exercise, adequate sleep, eating properly, and avoiding excess caffeine. Here are some other things you can try: 6. Adjust your attitude. 1. Practice mentally. 2. Use time-management and 7. Keep your sense of humor. personal organization strategies. 8. Use school and community 3. Seek the support of others. resources. 4. Perform relaxation exercises. 9. Make use of this class. 5. Engage in physical exercise.
Stress on the Job v Learning to handle stress will benefit not only you, but your future patients as well. v Illness and injury are major stressors, and an important part of patient education is helping patients deal with both physical and emotional stress. v At the same time, stress can be the cause of illness. Research has shown that the majority of visits to the doctor are for stress-related conditions. v If the health care staff is showing signs of stress, this can trickle down to patients, and this is certainly the last thing they need.
Group Work Personal Reflection 1. Do you believe you may be experiencing long-term stress? 2. If yes, what are the signs? 3. Can you identify the cause or causes? 4. List at least three strategies you will try for dealing with stress.
Healthy Eating v Eating a balanced diet and avoiding becoming overweight can be challenging in a world of fast food, vending machines, and busy schedules. This has led to an increase in the conditions and diseases brought about by this extra weight. v The U. S. Department of Agriculture has designed a graphic called Choose. My. Plate to illustrate the recommended portions of the various food groups. Half of the plate is allocated to fruits and vegetables, a little more than a quarter to grains, and a little less than a quarter to proteins.
Physical Activity v Physical activity has been called the “magic pill”: it can be free, has no side effects, and can be fun while reducing your risk of chronic diseases and improving your quality of life. Just 30 minutes a day five times a week can benefit adults; even more activity further increases the benefits. v Finding the time for physical activity can seem overwhelming to a busy student. But consider that exercise can increase your level of concentration and feeling of well-being, therefore making up for the time you spend on it. Find something that’s easy and that you enjoy. If it becomes drudgery, the chances are you won’t keep up any type of exercise program.
Group Work Personal Reflection 1. How would I rate my level of health and fitness? 2. Do I need to improve my eating habits? 3. Do I need to get more physical exercise? 4. What can I start doing now to take action?
Objectives v Identify and use personalized learning strategies
Learning Styles
Learning For Life v Your purpose for learning is far more important than simply studying to earn a grade. Learning means: • storing information mentally so you can retrieve it later when working with a patient • mastering hands-on skills that you can use when on the job • being able to apply what you have studied to solve problems and make informed decisions v Your future patients and clients will depend on your knowledge, and they deserve your best efforts to learn now.
How Do You Learn Best? v Research has demonstrated that people learn in different ways, called learning styles, and that by identifying your own preferred learning styles you can be more successful in your studies. • The three learning styles most commonly discussed are: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (hands-on).
Three Major Learning Styles Learning Style Auditory (hearing) How Student Learns Best Examples of Effective Learning Activities Remembers information from lectures and discussions better than material read in textbook. Prefers music over art and listening over Lectures, CDs, tapes, reading. Understands written material better when it music, rhymes, speaking is read aloud. May spell better out loud than when writing. Misses visual cues. Prefers doing oral rather than written reports.
Three Major Learning Styles Learning Style Visual (seeing) How Student Learns Best Remembers information presented in written or graphic form better than in lectures and discussions. Often needs people to repeat what they have said. Takes notes when oral instructions are given. Prefers art to music and reading to listening. Understands better when the speaker's face is seen. Prefers doing written rather than oral reports. Examples of Effective Learning Activities Reading, pictures, diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, videos, films, chalkboard, overhead projections
Three Major Learning Styles Learning Style How Student Learns Best Examples of Effective Learning Activities Remembers information acquired through activities. Reads better when moving lips and saying words silently or moving finger along the Lab activities, skills Kinesthetic page. practice, experiments, (hands-on) Enjoys moving around while studying. games, movement, Likes to touch things, point, use fingers building models when counting or calculating. Prefers doing a demonstration rather than an oral or written report.
How Do You Learn Best? (Cont’d) v There are other learning preferences, in addition to the styles related to our senses.
More Approaches to Learning DEDUCTIVE VERSUS INDUCTIVE Deductive Inductive Deductive learners prefer to learn facts Inductive learners want to see and before forming generalizations (the big understand the big picture which they picture). They prefer to first memorize use as a framework for learning the details. dates, study individual events, and When learning about cells, for know the details. example, they would want to know the When learning about the circulatory system, for example, they would rather purpose and function of the cell before learning the individual components. study the various parts of the system before learning how they all work together to circulate the blood.
More Approaches to Learning LINEAR VERSUS GLOBAL Linear Global Linear thinkers learn best when material is organized in a logical sequence. They like to do things in order, building on material previously learned. Global thinkers like to work with all the facts, regardless of the order. They are interested in forming relationships within the material.
More Approaches to Learning INDIVIDUAL VERSUS INTERACTIVE Individual Interactive Individual-type learners prefer to work on learning tasks alone. They like to figure out all aspects of assignments and projects on their own. Interactive-type learners like to work with another student or in groups. They want to share their ideas and hear the ideas of others.
How Do You Learn Best? (Cont’d) v None of us learns in just one way. And it is important to understand that there is not a “best way” to learn. v The purpose of discovering your preferred learning styles is to help you study more effectively. v Sandra, a nursing student, has found the following methods to work best for her: 1. Receive new information from a class lecture (auditory) 2. Review by studying notes alone (individual) 3. Concentrate first on memorizing the important facts (inductive)
Developing Learning Strategies v Identifying your preferred ways of learning does not mean you will avoid the others. v This would be impossible in a health care program that includes both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. v And individual instructors use a variety of approaches to teaching. Some will match your learning styles; others won't.
Developing Learning Strategies that Work for You Learning Examples of Learning Strategies for Learning the Names of Style the Bones Say the names of the bones out loud. Listen to a CD of the names and locations of each. Make your own CD of the names and locations. Create a song, rhyme, rap, or jingle. Silly is good because it helps you remember. (“There are fourteen phalanges in my little Auditory handies. ”) Clap or tap out a rhythm as you repeat the words. Make flash cards and say the words and/or definitions out loud. Create sound-alike association. Remember, silly is okay. (“The cranium holds the brain-ium. ”)
Developing Learning Strategies that Work for You Learning Examples of Learning Strategies for Learning the Names of Style the Bones Look at photos or drawings of the bones as you study their names. Label a drawing of the skeleton. Color the bones on a drawing. Create mental pictures of associations (a crane lifting a huge cranium). Visual Put up a labeled drawing of the skeleton where you will see it often—the bathroom mirror, your bedroom wall, near your study desk. Make flash cards with a picture of the bone on one side and the name on the reverse.
Developing Learning Strategies that Work for You Learning Examples of Learning Strategies for Learning the Names of Style the Bones Point to or touch each bone as you learn its name. Use drawings, a model (inexpensive anatomic models are sold in toy stores), or your own body. Make two flash cards for each bone: one with the name, the other with the location. Mix the cards, then study by sorting and Kinesthetic matching each set. Stand, move, or walk around as you study. Associate movements as you learn. For example, lift and bend your arm when studying the humerus, ulna, and radius. Write the name of each bone several times.
Developing Learning Strategies that Work for You Learning Examples of Learning Strategies for Learning the Style Names of the Bones Start by learning the name and location of each individual Deductive bone. Start by looking at the whole skeleton. Look at the Inductive relationships and connections between bones. Consider how the bones contribute to body function. Linear Study the bones in a structured order, such as by area (arms and legs) or from top to bottom (shoulder to hand).
Developing Learning Strategies that Work for You Learning Examples of Learning Strategies for Learning the Style Names of the Bones Study from a labeled diagram that includes the entire Global skeleton or all the bones of a given area. Use the suggested learning techniques by yourself. Set Individual goals for how many bones you'll learn each day. Create a reward system for yourself. Form a study group with classmates. Ask a friend or Interactive family member to quiz you. Organize a group or class competition.
Developing Effective Study Habits v Current research on the brain and how we learn has revealed some interesting findings about good study habits. • One experiment showed that students who studied the same material in two very different rooms did much better when tested on the material than students who studied in only one location. • Other studies have shown that it is better to study a variety of related topics during a study period rather than the same topic intensely for the entire time. • As in the case of finding your best “learning styles, ” experiment with different study techniques to see which work best for you.
Learning on the Job v Many of the major health problems affecting patients today are influenced by lifestyle factors, such as weight, exercise, smoking, and stress. In fact, the three leading causes of death in the United States, cancer, heart disease, and stroke, are strongly influenced by personal habits. v Teaching patients about self-care and healthy habits is easier and more effective when you understand that people learn in different ways. Health care professionals may need to provide information in a variety of ways, including oral explanations, pictures and written materials, and hands-on demonstrations of procedures.
Objectives v Improve your ability to retain information v Understand the benefits of having a mentor.
Improving Your Memory and A Word on Mentors
Down Memory Lane Memorizing is not the same as learning, but it is an important tool in the learning process. Although you may be able to rely on your short-term memory to complete assignments and pass tests, it is the material stored in long-term memory that will serve you throughout your studies, when taking your professional exam, and afterward on the job. v There are ways to improve your memory: 1. Make sure you understand the new material. 2. Repeat, repeat. 3. Use strategies based on your learning styles. 4. Look for ways to relate new information to your own experience by connecting it to something you already know. v
Success Tips for Improving your Memory v Relax v Remove distractions v Break up your study sessions v Overlearn v Quiz yourself
The Perils of Cramming v Cramming = frantic last-minute efforts, sometimes fortified with coffee and junk food, to finish assignments or prepare for tests. • The major problem is that it serves only the immediate goal of meeting a school deadline. True learning rarely occurs. • Another problem with cramming is it leaves you with few options. • Finally, cramming adds more stress to an already busy life in which you may be balancing various responsibilities.
The Perils of Cramming (Cont’d) v The reality is that things happen, you get behind, and you run out of time. Here are some tips to make the best of a bad situation: 1. Don't beat yourself up and waste energy feeling guilty. 2. Do a very quick visualization in which you see yourself accomplishing what you need to do in the time you have available. 3. Minimize all distractions. 4. Focus on the most important material. 5. Use the learning and memory techniques described in this section. 6. Try to stay calm.
Mentors Make A Difference v Mentor = an advisor you choose for yourself, someone who has the experience and background to give you sound advice about your studies and career. v Your chances of succeeding are increased when someone you respect cares about your progress. Where can you find such a person? It can be: v An instructor, school staff member, administrator, or someone who works in health care or a graduate of your school who is working successfully.
Mentors Make A Difference (Cont’d) v Once you have identified a person you want to have as your mentor, ask for an appointment. Let him or her know you want to talk about mentoring. • At the meeting, explain that you are pursuing a career in health care and would like this person to serve as your mentor and give you guidance. • Ask how much time he or she has to meet with you. v If the first person you approach does not have the time or is not interested, don't be discouraged. v Continue your search—it will be worth the effort!
Personal Reflection 1. What would you look for in choosing a mentor? 2. Who do you know who might be a good mentor? 3. What can you do to find a mentor who works in health care?
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