Personal Qualities of a Healthcare Professional Health Science

Personal Qualities of a Healthcare Professional Health Science 2

Objective Health care workers use human relations when dealing with patients and coworkers In the health care workplace, personal traits like character, values, morals, ethics, integrity, and trustworthiness are vital. Students will identify necessary character traits and analyze professional behavior.

Health care and trust In health care, building a relationship of trust between the client and health care professional is a vital factor in providing quality health care.

Factors involved in selfunderstanding Self-acceptance Self image Values Self-confidence (believe in oneself) Relationships with others (qualities that make a person likable) Genuineness and trustworthiness

Character Traits Professionalism(who you are) Personal values (individual’s worth) Reputation (Character in the community) Morals (right and wrong) Integrity (sound moral principal) Trustworthy/Respect/Honesty

Characteristic Traits Empathy Dependability/responsible Willingness to learn/competent Patience Acceptance of criticism Enthusiasm Self motivation/ team player Discretion

Why are these traits important? Multiple decisions must be made everyday Can be life threatening Judgement and decision making skills must be refined! Who, what, where, when and most important WHY? ? ? Decisions carry thought and carry significant consequences

Clothing and Personal Appearance The health care professional must be aware of the non-verbal messages being sent by clothing and appearance and how these factors influence client’s perception of the health care professional.

Initial impressions Appearance Grooming and hygiene Posture Facial expressions Handshake Verbal greetings Personal adornments Clothing

“Judge a book by its cover” It is possible to “choose” the image portrayed to clients by being aware of nonverbal cues sent by appearance and dress The impression created by these cues reflects the quality of care clients expect to receive The initial interaction lays the foundation for the client – health care professional relationship

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

Clothing Most health care professionals wear some type of uniform To present professional appearance and inspire confidence: – Clothing should fit properly – Be in good repair (free from tears, missing buttons, broken zippers, uneven hemlines) – Shoes should be neat, clean, and comfortable – Clients expect professionals to maintain a high standard of cleanliness

Why choose a career in health care? Nature of the duties, working conditions and opportunity for advancement in health care occupations Opportunity to work with people, data or things to complement the interests and abilities of the worker Opportunity to meet new challenges Stable salary and employment Flexibility

Disadvantages Long hours Physically demanding Emotionally draining Exposure to communicable diseases Litigation On call hours Understaffing/mandatory overtime Work on weekends and holidays

Do you fit into these descriptions and are you willing to take on all of the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a career in health care? (activity)