Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

Personal Appearance Objectives: Explain how diet, rest, exercise, good posture, and avoiding usage of tobacco and drugs contribute to good health. Demonstrate the standards of a professional appearance as they apply to uniforms, clothing, shoes, nails, hair, jewelry, and make-up.

Personal Appearance Show confidence & positive self-image. Impressions are based on appearance within 20 seconds to 4 minutes. Health Care Workers should create a positive impressions.

Good Health Promoting health and preventing disease(s). Health Care Workers should present a healthy appearance.

Diet 1 st factor of good health. Nutritious well-balanced meals. Provides calories, minerals, and vitamins for optimum health.

5- Major Food Groups Milk Meat, Fish and Poultry Vegetables Fruits Bread and Cereals Fats, Oil and Sweets (sparingly)

Rest 2 nd factor of good health. 6-8 hours of uninterrupted rest & sleep every night. Sleep varies from one person to another. Rejuvenates the body & mind.

Exercise 3 rd factor of good health. Maintains circulation and improves muscle tone. Increase mental attitude. Contributes to restful sleep.

Good Posture 4 th factor of good health. Prevents fatigue and puts less stress on the muscles. Stand straight with stomach muscles pulled in, shoulders relaxed, & weight balance on both feet.

Tobacco and Drugs 5 th factor of good health. Usage can seriously affect the body and good health. Avoiding usage prevents damage to the body.

Tobacco Affects the following systems: Circulation, Digestive, and Respiratory. Smoking is offensive to many individuals. Most facilities are “smoke-free.”

Alcohol and Drugs Impairs mental functioning. Decreases ability to make decisions. Affects the Digestive and Central Nervous Systems. Negatives-DWI; loss of job

Uniforms Required dress code or policy. (colored code scrubs/uniforms) Before purchasing attire find out the dress code or policy. Neat, properly fitting, clean and wrinkle free. White or neutral undergarments under white uniforms

Clothing Worn in place of uniforms. Clean, neat, properly fitting and in good condition. Clothing should match your health career.

Name Badge Required by federal law. Photo ID states name, title, department or job location. ( Angelia Washington, Teacher, Onslow County Schools).

Shoes Requirement: professional closed toe white shoes. Properly fitting-provides good support for feet, back, and to prevent fatigue. Low heels prevents accidents and fatigue.

Shoes (cont) Clean daily and replace shoelaces frequently. Wear white socks; white or beige hose/stockings. Avoid wearing colored or patterned hose/stockings.

Personal Hygiene Control body odor-daily baths/showers. Use deodorant or antiperspirant Good oral hygiene. Close contact with your clients.

Personal Hygiene (cont) Avoid strong Offensive Odors such as: Tobacco (smoking in uniforms). After-shave lotions, perfumes, scented hairspray. Allergic Reactions-can be triggered by certain scents.

Nails Kept short, trimmed and clean. Germs are transmitted when dirt collects under the nails. Wear clear or French manicured nail polish.

Nails (cont) Use hand cream or lotion to prevent chapping/dryness caused by frequent handwashing. Avoid color nail polish-conceals dirt under nails.

Nails (cont) Long nails can injured/scratch a client causing an infection. Long nails can puncture gloves. NO ACRYLIC NAILS ALLOWED!

Hair Clean, neat and styled professionally. Avoid fancy or extreme styles and hair ornaments. Avoid bold hair colors

Hair (cont) Long hair-off collar. Pinned back and up. Prevents hair from falling in client’s face and food. Prevents patients from grabbing one’s hair.

Jewelry Usually not permitted. Can cause injury and transmit germs to clients. Diamond Wedding ring-can scratch clients.

Jewelry (cont) Exceptions: watch, wedding band, and one pair of small studded pierced earrings. Avoid dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets. No visible body piercing/jewelry

Makeup Create a natural appearance and attractiveness. Avoid excessive makeup and colors.

Career Presentation Dress Dress-Up Day-Students will be assigned to dress appropriately for different health care careers and demonstrate (model) the appearance to the class.