4.21 Apply employability skills in healthcare.

 Select a profession.  Get the proper education and training.  Earn the required credentials.  Get a job.  Keep the job.  In order to “keep the job” you need to have a good work ethic or employability skills.

 Starts now.  Whether you work at a part time job, clinical rotation, or shadowing,  You must begin now to practice and perfect good employability skills.  Your future depends on it!

 Patients will judge your ability by how you speak.  Use of slang and poor grammar implies a lack of education.  This includes written communication. Your bowels ain’t soundin’ too good.

 Late or absent healthcare workers can negatively affect patient care.  Most employers consider attendance to be VERY important!

 Follow the rules and policies of your facility.  Give the employer a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.  Have you ever seen an employee abuse their work situation? How?

 Healthcare involves a “team” of different professionals.  When someone is in a car accident and sustains a severe laceration, how many different members of the healthcare team would be involved in the victim’s care?  Why would “teamwork” be needed to care for the victim?

 Focus on the positive parts of your job.  Your attitude is contagious - it affects your co- workers.  Positive energy means you are alert, focused, and figuring out how to make things work.  Have you ever worked with someone who has “negative energy?” What was that like?

 Take credit for the good things you do.  Take responsibility for your mistakes.  In healthcare, report your mistake to your supervisor.  Make an effort to correct your error, and to prevent it from happening again. I forgot to check my schedule. I’m very sorry. I’ll be happy to come in an make up the time I missed.

 Health care is always changing.  Health care workers must adapt to change.  Show your willingness to learn:  Participate in staff development  Take courses  Attend special meetings and seminars  Read professional journals  Ask questions

 Know what procedures and actions you are legally permitted to do.  Do the things you are supposed to do to the best of your ability.  Do NOT do things you are not licensed or trained to do.

 Healthcare is a “caring” profession.  Caring about your patients is as important as caring for your patients.

 The healthcare environment is constantly changing.  You need to be willing to do what needs to be done that is in the best interest of your patients.  What is your ? (Flexibility Quotient) On a scale of 1 (inflexible) to 5 (very flexible)?

 Gather the facts before you come to a decision.  Don’t jump to conclusions.  Don’t react – THINK!  Healthcare professionals use good judgment when processing information.

 Healthcare workers hold themselves to a higher standard.  Always tell the truth.  Maintain confidentiality.  Do it the right way and not the easy way.  Do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

 Respect your organization.  Never complain about your work, supervisor or facility.  Never discuss your personal problems with your patients.

 Know to whom you report.  Follow the proper processes for reporting information, voicing concerns, and respecting others.  Can you give an example of a chain of command? Club owner Club Manager Fitness Instructor Team Physician Athletic Trainer Student Athletic Trainer

 Do the things that need to be done to provide excellent patient care and client service.  This means being sensitive to the fears and personal feelings of your clients.  Go out of your way to empathize, respect their privacy, and make them comfortable.