1. Personal Characteristics of a Health Care Provider
Objectives:
Essential Questions
Identify character traits of a health care provider
Analyze professionalism
What characteristics are employers looking for in job applicants?
Which of these characteristics do I have?
Why must a health care provider be professional at all times?

2. Personal Characteristics
Empathy: ability to identify with & understand another person’s feelings, situation, motives
Honesty: others must be able to trust you at all times
Dependability: accept the responsibility your position requires
Willingness to learn and adapt

3. Personal Characteristics
Patience: tolerant and understanding
Acceptance of criticism
Enthusiasm: positive attitude
Self-motivation: ability to begin or follow through with a task

4. Personal Characteristics
Tact: ability to say or do the kindest or most fitting thing in a difficult situation
Competence: qualified and capable
Responsibility: willing to be held accountable for your actions

5. Ensuring Competency Certification Licensure Registration
Issued by professional association or government agency
Must fulfill education & performance standards
Licensure
Issued by government agency authorizes work in a given occupation
Must complete an approved educational program
Pass a state board test
Complete standards to retain licensure
Registration
Done by a regulatory body
Exam administered & maintain current list

6. Ensuring Competency levels of training
Aide
On the job training
Assistant
1+ years training combines classroom
Technician
2 year associate’s degree
Technologist or therapist
3-4 years college
1+ year specialized training
Professional
Requires 4+ years college, advanced degree, and clinical training

7. Personal Appearance Good Health
Diet: well-balanced diet provides body with optimum health
Rest: adequate rest provides energy & ability to deal with stress

8. Personal Appearance Exercise: improves physical & mental capabilities
Good posture: prevents fatigue with less stress on muscles

9. Personal Appearance
Avoid tobacco, alcohol & drugs: impairs mental & physical functions

10. Uniform Neat, well fitting, clean, wrinkle free
Follow standards of place of employment

11. Clothing Clean, neat, in good repair
Allow for freedom of body movement
Appropriate for position

12. Name Badge
Required at all facilities

13. Shoes Should fit well & provide good support to prevent fatigue
Low heels best to prevent accidents & fatigue

14. Personal Hygiene Control body odor: Good oral hygiene
daily bath or shower
use deodorant
Good oral hygiene
Clean undergarments
Avoid strong odors

15. Nails Kept short & clean
Long, pointed nails can cause injury to patients
Germs transmitted when dirt collects under nails

16. Hair Clean & neat Avoid extreme styles & hair ornaments
Pin back off collar
Keeps hair from touching patient
Prevent hair from falling on tray or equipment
Avoid blocking vision during procedure

17. Jewelry Can cause injury & transmit pathogens
Excessive amount interferes with patient care & detracts from professional appearance

18. Makeup Avoid excessive use
Should create natural appearance & add to attractiveness