Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

And…

“Soft Skills”

Studies have shown that a large percentage of young people preparing to enter the workforce are significantly lacking in “Soft Skills” that will help them become successful employees such as:

Teamwork Decision-Making Communication Ability A Strong Work Ethic Initiative

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Leadership Professionalism Flexibility (ability to adapt to change) Enthusiasm/Attitude

Personal and Professional Characteristics Certain personal attitudes, values, and rules

of appearance apply to all healthcare 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.

Personal Appearance

In health care it is importance to have a clean, neat and professional appearance.

Know what is rules are established at your place of employment.

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 – being able to understand another

persons feelings, situation, and motives

Personal Characteristics Honesty – truthfulness and integrity are

important in any career

Personal Characteristics Dependability – employers and patients rely

on you, so you must accept responsibility by being prompt to work and doing your job accurately and timely

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

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. Set goals and work to attain them

Personal Characteristics Tact – the

ability to do and say the kindest and most fitting thing in a difficult situation.

Competence – you are qualified and capable to perform a task.

Personal Characteristics Responsibility – willing

to be held accountable for your actions.

Discretion – use good judgment in what you say or do. Confidentiality is important.

Team Player – learn to work well with others. Working together can accomplish a goal much faster than individually.

WHO AM I? Everyday this person scored himself on 13

different virtues (A virtue is a positive trait or quality, moral excellence) including sincerity, justice, moderation, silence, humility, tranquility, etc. He stated: “though I never arrived at the perfection I had been so

ambitious to obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet as I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been had I not attempted it.”

Virtues

Communication

Communication skills are important to everyone.

How we GIVE and RECEIVE information and convey our ideas and opinions with those around us.

Communication comes in many forms:

Forms of Communication

Verbal (sounds, language, tone of voice) Aural (listening and hearing) Non-verbal (facial expressions, body

language, and posture) Written (journals, emails, blogs, text

messages, social media) Visual (signs, symbols, and pictures)

Communication To an employer, good communication skills

are essential! In fact, employers consistently rank good

communication skills at the top of the list for potential employees.

Employers expect good eye contact, good posture, and “active” listening.

Communication skills involve give and take – and can be learned and strengthened over time!

Communication

It is important to be specific when giving and receiving communication.

Often time, our meaning gets lost, twisted, or misunderstood because we haven’t been specific enough.

Ask clarifying questions. (Communication activities)

Proper Introductions It is important to know how to make a proper

introduction. (Remember: Knowledge is power!)

The custom of a proper introduction is a way of showing respect for a person’s age or position.

Proper introductions are relatively simple: The order of names: The name of the person

being introduced is mentioned last, and the person to whom the introduction is made is mentioned first.

Proper Introductions The rules for who is introduced to whom

depends on whether it's a business or a social introduction.

Generally, the younger person is introduced to the older person.

This rule also applies to people of rank. For instance, a civilian would be introduced to a person of more importance like a general, senator, preacher, teacher, etc. 

Proper Introductions

Business Introductions: In business, introductions are based on power and hierarchy.

Simply, persons of lesser authority are introduced to persons of greater authority.

Gender plays no role in business etiquette; nor does it affect the order of introductions.

Proper Introductions Age

“Mrs. Smith this is my son, Joe Edwards. Joe this is Mrs. Smith.”

High rank to civilian“General Bland, I would like to introduce Jack Williams. Mr. Williams, this is General Mike Bland.

Female to maleJane, may I introduce you to John Campbell? John, this is Jane Taylor.

Note: Try not to use the word “meet” when making introductions.  Instead, use words like “this is” or “may I introduce.”

Proper Introductions

Just remember to say the most important person’s name first!

Remember: Managers want (and hire) employees who are well-rounded and are culturally competent (know about more than just their own culture).

In our globally competitive market, cultural diversity not only means power, it can also mean survival!!!

Enthusiasm and Attitude

What is the difference between “You’re hired!” …

and …

“Thank you for your interest, but…”

Enthusiasm and Attitude

In a word…Enthusiasm! It can mean the difference in not just getting a

job, but succeeding in it and even in advancing in your career.

A positive attitude is a critical component of workplace success!!

40% - Attitude 25% - Image and appearance 25% - Communication skills 10% - Job skills

According to a variety of sources, your attitude is the #1 factor in getting or losing a job.

Activity 9. Role Play: “Believe it or Not: Your Attitude and Enthusiasm Just Might Get You the Job!”

Enthusiasm and Attitude

When employers look at prospective candidates, beyond skills, experience, and training, they look for those who demonstrate enthusiasm.

In fact, many employers would rather provide job skills training to an enthusiastic, but inexperienced worker than hire someone with perfect qualifications, but a less-than-positive attitude.

How to Demonstrate Enthusiasm Smile Good posture (sit up straight) Make eye contact Demonstrate active listening Be upbeat

Enthusiastic Employers Typically… Show up on time Show interest in job Demonstrate a willingness to listen, learn, try

new things Approach customers proactively and offer

assistance (even the difficult ones) Seek out tasks and projects when there is

down time

Go above and beyond Get along with co-workers and managers Respond to constructive criticism with

maturity and willingness to improve Overall, comes across as someone who

wants to be at work and who is willing to do what it takes to get the job done.

Turn “Stinkin’ Thinkin’”

into Positive Thinking!!

Develop

an

“I CAN” Attitude!!

Developing a positive attitude starts from learning to believe in one’s self.

In order to believe in ourselves, we must first understand our personal strengths.

Complete the following…

1. I am thankful for…

2. Other people compliment me on my ability to…

3. Something I would like other people to know about me is…

4. I feel really good about myself when…

5. I am proud of my ability to…

6. Something nice I recently did for someone else was…

Accepting Failure – Often a necessary step on the Path to Success!Another part of developing a good attitude is learning to fail.

Failing is a part of life. In fact, it accounts for many, many successes.

Without failing, success is almost impossible!!

Learning how to bounce back from failure is not always easy, but it is necessary!

Failure is not something to fear, but something to learn from.

Activity 7. “Life is Full of Hard Knocks”.

Regardless of the challenges you may have to face (& conquer!), developing and maintaining a positive attitude will help you succeed - in all areas of your life!!

Teamwork Teamwork consists of many professionals,

with different levels of educations, ideas, backgrounds, and interests, working together for the benefit of the patient. Teamwork improves communication and continuity of

care. A leader is an important part of every team. Good interpersonal relationships are essential. The “Golden Rule” (treat others as you would want to

be treated) should be the main rule of team work. Teamwork Teamwork2

The Golden Rules of Teamwork1.  Help each other to be RIGHT - not wrong.2.  Look for ways to make New ideas work - not for reasons why they will

not work.3.  If in doubt  - Check it Out.  Don't make negative assumptions about one

another.4.  Help each other Win and take pride in each other's successes. 

US, WE, OUR, TOGETHER,  not they, them, their, those guys.

5. Speak Positively about each other, help those who make mistakes learn.6. Maintain a positive attitude.  Work to improve the situation no matter

what that situation is.7.  Act with initiative and courage as if everyone depends on you.8.  Do everything with Enthusiasm for nothing is as contagious as success.9. Whenever you can remember to Give things away rather than take them

away:  Give Respect, Recognition, Power, Support, Compassion, Help.

10.  Never give up.

Professional Leadership Leadership

The skill or ability to encourage people to work together and do their best to achieve common goals.

A leader is defined as an individual who leads or guides others, or who is in charge to command others.

In a group, every member who makes a contribution to an idea can be considered a leader. Leadership in a group passes from person to person as

each individual contributes to the group’s goal.

Professional Leadership Leaders are frequently classified as one of

three types based on how they perform their leadership skills. Democratic leader – encourages the participation of all

individuals in decisions. Listens to others opinions. Laissez-faire leader – informal type of leader, will have

minimal rules, group functions with little or no direction.

Autocratic – often called a dictator, maintains total rule, makes all decisions.

Are you a leader? What type are you?

Show your leadership and teamwork Simon Says Red Light, Green Light

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

Stress

Working in health care can be very stressful. Sometimes you will deal with life and death situations.

How do you handle stress?

Stress

Stress is the body’s reaction to any stimulus that requires a person to adjust to a changing environment. Change always initiates stress.

The stimuli (an event) to change, alter behavior, or adapt to a situation are stressors.

Stress Stressors can be caused by internal or

external forces. Internal stress – “heart attack,” cancer External stress – new job, marriage, divorce, test.

No matter what the cause, a stressor will cause the body to go into alarm or warning mode…..the “fight or flight” response. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the

body for action by releasing the hormone adrenaline into the blood stream.

Stress

Not all stress is harmful. A small amount of stress is essential to an

individual’s well-being because it makes the person more alert and raises the energy level.

Stress can cause positive feelings such as excitement, anticipation, self-confidence, and a sense of achievement.

Stress – How can you handle it? Stop: immediately stop what you are doing to break out of the stress response.

Breathe: take a slow deep breath to relieve the physical tension.

Reflect: think about the problem and the cause of the stress.

Choose: determine how you want to deal with the stress.