PERSONAL QUALITIES OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS Health Team Relations

GOOD HEALTH Health Care involves promoting health and preventing disease. Health Care Professionals should present a healthy appearance.

5 Factors contributing to good health Diet Eating well-balanced meals and nutritious foods provides the body with the materials needed for optimum health

Rest Adequate rest and sleep help provide energy and the ability to deal with stress. Amount of sleep required varies from each individual

Exercise Maintains circulation, improves muscle tone, enhances mental attitude. Aids in weight control and contributes to more restful sleep Reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis

Good Posture Prevents fatigue and puts less stress on muscles

Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs Seriously affects good health Smoke odor offensive to sick individuals and most facilities have gone “smoke free” Drugs and alcohol impairs mental function and decreases ability to make decisions and adversely affects body systems. Loss of job

Professional Appearance Maintain neat professional appearance at all times Learn the requirements at your facility

Uniform Should be neat, well fitting, clean and free from wrinkles Vary in style and color

Clothing Must be clean, neat and in good repair. Should be appropriate for the job

Name Badge Must be worn at all time for identification Usually states name, title and department Some are used to access the building

Shoes Well fitting and provide support to prevent fatigue Low heels to prevent accidents No sandals or open toed shoes unless standard for job Cleaned frequently

Personal hygiene Good personal hygiene is essential. Work in close contact with others Daily bath or shower Good oral hygiene Avoid strong odors (perfume and lotions) Allergic reactions

Nails Should be kept short, clean and natural Sharp nails can tear gloves and injure patients Germs on surface under false nails Avoid colored nail polish Conceals dirt and can chip with frequent handwashing

Hair Kept clean and neat and styled attractively Avoid fancy extremes, hair ornaments or unnatural colors Long hair should be pinned back and kept off collar. Prevents hair from touching the patient/resident and from falling on a tray or on equipment. Also prevents falling in eyes and blocking necessary vision during procedures.

Jewelry Typically not permitted with uniform because it can injure patients Transmit germs or pathogens Exceptions include watch, wedding ring and small pierced earrings Body jewelry (eyebrow, tongue piercings) should be avoided

Makeup and Tattoos Avoid excessive makeup Maintain a natural appearance Tattoos may not be permitted by facilities (may be required to keep them covered)

Personal Characteristics Many personal and professional characteristics are required in health care occupations. As a healthcare professional, you should make every effort to develop the following characteristics and attitudes and to incorporate them into your personality.. Some of these are natural for some, others must be practiced and perfected.

Empathy Means being able to identify with and understand another persons feelings, situation, and motives Understanding needs of people and learning effective communication techniques is a good way to develop empathy

Honesty Truthfulness and integrity are important in any career field Others must be able to trust you at all times Must be willing to admit mistakes so they can be corrected

Dependability Must accept responsibility required in position Be prompt in reporting to work and maintain good attendance Perform assigned tasks on time and accurately

Willingness to learn Must be willing to learn and to adapt to change Medicine is constantly changing, and is often. We must be able to adapt to the changes Be prepared for lifelong learning to maintain a competent level of knowledge and skills

Patience Be tolerant and understanding Control temper and “count to 10” in difficult situations Dealing with frustration and overcoming obstacles is important

Acceptance of criticism Patients, families, employers and co-workers may criticize you Some may be constructive and allow you to improve your work Learn from constructive criticism

Enthusiasm Enjoy your work Display positive attitude Enthusiasm is contagious. It helps you do your best and encourages others to do the same

Self motivation Having the ability to begin or to follow through with a task You should be able to determine things that need to be done and do them without constant direction. Set goals for yourself and work to reach them

Tact Means having the ability to say or do the kindest or most fitting thing in a difficult situation Requires constant practice Implies consideration for feelings of others Others feelings should not be judged as right or wrong

Competence Being competent means you are qualified and capable of performing a task You follow instructions, use approved procedures, and strive for accuracy in all you do. You know your limits and ask for help or guidance if you do not know how to perform a procedure.

Responsibility Implies being willing to be held accountable for your actions Others can rely on you and know that you will meet your obligation. Means that you do what you are supposed to do.

Discretion You must always use good judgment in what you say/do Maintain confidentiality

Team Player You will be part of a team Work well with others Respect others responsibility

Summary Personal characteristics and attitudes must be practiced and learned. Some take more time to develop than others. By being aware of these characteristics and striving constantly to improve, you will provide good patient/resident care and be a valuable asset your employer and other members of the health care team