1. Unit 3 Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

2. 2 3:1 Personal Characteristics  Certain personal/professional characteristics and attitudes apply to all health occupations  You should make every effort to develop these characteristics and attitudes and incorporate them into your personality

3. 3 Desirable Characteristics  Empathy –Be able to identify and understand another’s feelings –Be interested in working & communicating with others  Honesty, Truthfulness and Integrity –Willing to admit your mistakes and correct them  Dependability –Be prepared for work, be on time –Perform assigned tasks on time and accurately

4. 4 Desirable Characteristics (continued)  Willingness to learn –Able to adapt to the constantly changing field  Patience –Have tolerance and understanding –Control your temper, be able to deal with frustration  Acceptance of criticism –Take constructive criticism as a means to improve  Enthusiasm –Have a positive attitude, enjoy your work

5. 5 Desirable Characteristics (continued)  Self-motivation or self-initiative –Follow through with your work  Tact –Be able to say or do kind things in a difficult situation –Consider others’ feelings  Competence –Be qualified and capable, accurately follow directions –Ask for help if you are unsure of something

6. 6 Desirable Characteristics (continued)  Responsibility –Willing to be held accountable for your actions –Be able to fulfill your obligations  Discretion –Use good judgment on what you say/do –Don’t tell patient info to others, important to maintain confidentiality  Team player –Be able to work well with others

7. 7 Summary  All characteristics and attitudes must be practiced and learned  Some take more time to develop  Be aware of these characteristics  Strive constantly to improve  Will help you provide good patient care  Will make you a valuable asset to your employer and others

8. 8 3:2 Personal Appearance  Appearance communicates level of confidence and positive self-esteem  First impressions are based on appearances and form quickly  Rules about appearance may vary  Certain professional standards apply to most health careers

9. 9 Good Health  Health care involves promoting health and preventing disease  Health care workers serve as role models –Diet – eat well-balanced, nutritious meals –Rest – get enough rest (about 7 hours) –Exercise – choose best type for you –Good posture –Avoid use of tobacco and drugs – affect your smell and your health

10. 10 Uniform Considerations  Required in some health occupations  Neat, well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free  Choose undergarments that will not show  Avoid extreme styles  Follow standards established by place of employment

11. 11 Regular Clothing  Some occupations allow use of regular clothing in lieu of uniforms  Must be clean, neat, and in good repair  Style that allows for body movements  Should be appropriate for position  Washable and less expensive to maintain

12. 12 Other Considerations  Name badge  Shoes  Personal hygiene  Nails  Hair  Jewelry  Makeup

13. 13 Summary  Find out rules or standards established by agency  Abide by the rules  Maintain a neat, clean, professional appearance