Personal Qualities of Healthcare Workers

Personal Qualities of Healthcare Workers Although healthcare workers are employed in a variety of facilities, certain characteristics apply to all professions. Personal Professional Attitudes Rules of appearance

Good Health A healthcare worker should present a healthy appearance. • Diet • Rest • Exercise • Good Posture • Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs

Diet • Eating a well balanced diet provides energy for the day and provides for optimal health • Foods from the five major food groups (milk, meat, vegetables, fruits and breads (cereals, rice pasta)

Rest Adequate rest and sleep help provide energy and ability to deal with stress. Amount of sleep rest varies from person to person but should be about 7-8 hours per night

Exercise • Exercise maintains circulation • Improves muscle tone • Helps mental attitude • Contributes to more restful sleep • People should choose a form of exercise best suited for them

Good Posture Prevents Fatigue Less stress on muscles and joints Proper body mechanics Basic Principles – standing straight, shoulders back, stomach in, weight balanced

Avoid - Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs Can seriously effect health Effects function of heart, lungs and digestive system Odor of smoke is offensive to many Smoke free environment Impair mental function Decrease ability to reason and make decisions Result in job loss

Professional Appearance Uniform Clothing Name badge Shoes Personal Hygiene Nail Hair Makeup

Uniforms Many healthcare facilities require a uniform Neat Well fitting Some agencies require white (scrubs or lab coat) Colors may identify groups of workers – lab, radiology, ER, Therapy, house keeping, dietary

Clothing If a uniform is not required clothing should be professional/business dress • Clean • Neat and good repair • Allow for body movement • Washable, durable fabrics

Name Badge Most healthcare facilities require workers to wear name badge or Photo ID • Name • Title • Department • Some instances its required by law (long term care)

Shoes Many facilities require white Shoes should fit well and provide good support Low heels are best – prevent fatigue and accidents Avoid sneakers and sandals (unless it recommended in a particular field) Cleaned regularly Shoe laces tied White or beige stockings (Women) – colors should be avoided

Personal Hygiene Work in close contact with others Body odor must be controlled!! Daily bath or shower Antibacterial & Deodorant soap Deodorant and antiperspirant Good oral hygiene Clean undergarments Certain Scents can be offensive – tobacco, perfume, hairspray, aftershave Allergic Reactions to some scented products

Nails • Short and clean – can injure patients • Transmit germs • Tear or puncture gloves • Colored nail polish should be discouraged • Hide dirt • Chips can hold bacteria • May be offensive Clear polish and hand creams should be used

Hair • Kept clean and neat • Styled attractively and easy to care for • Should be kept off collar • If close contact is part of job • Pinned back or pinned up

Jewelry • Usually not permitted with a uniform • Can cause injury • Transmit germs Exceptions sometimes include watch, wedding band but not engagement rings. • Earrings with hoops or dangling should be avoided • Body jewelry is detracts from professional appearance • When uniform is not required it should be limited

Makeup Excessive makeup should be avoided Purpose of makeup is create a natural appearance Excessive makeup can get on patients Some find it offensive

Personal Characteristics Many personal/professional characteristics are required in the healthcare environment. • Empathy – identify with and understand patient, care about patient • Honest – Trustworthy • Dependability – be able to rely on you • Willingness to learn – adapt to ever changing environment • Patient – tolerant and understanding

Personal Characteristics Accept Criticism Enthusiasm Self-motivated – ability to begin and follow-through Tact – tasteful Competence – qualified Responsibility – held accountable Discretion – good judgment Team Player – work well with others

Teamwork Maintain positive attitude Be friendly and cooperative Assist others when they need help Listen carefully when others are speaking Respect others opinions Open-minded Avoid criticizing others Support and encourage others Perform duties to the best of your abilities

Leadership Todays healthcare everyone needs to be a leader ** Leadership is the ability or skill to encourage people to work together Characteristics of a good leader: • Respect the rights, dignity and opinions of others • Understand principles of democracy • Works with a group and guides to a goal • Understand strengths and weaknesses • Communicates effectively and clearly • Shows self-initiative • Shows optimism • Praises others • Dedicated to meeting high standards

Classification of leaders Democratic leader – encourages participation of entire group Laissaez-faire Leader - Informal type leader Autocratic Leader - Dictator, maintains total control

Stress Stress is defined: as the body’ s reaction to any stimulus that requires a person to adjust to a changing environment

Stress The stimuli to change or alter your behavior are called Stressors. • Can be situations, events or concepts • Can be internal or external • Internal Stressor – Heart attack or illness • External Stressor – new job or moving

Stress Everyone deals with a certain amount of stress in their daily life. • Its how you deal with that stress that can cause problems with the body. • Not all stress is harmful: • Some small amounts of stress is important to well being: makes a person more alert and raises energy levels. • Make quick decisions, more organized, motivated and confident

Stress • The way an individual deals with stress determines if the stress is: • Positive Stress • Negative Stress

Positive Stress Positive Stress causes: Self-Confidence Positive feelings Sense of Achievement It’s Helpful

Negative Stress • Negative Stress: • Boredom • Frustration • Irritability • Anger • Depression • Distrust • Emotional Outburst

Negative Stress • Negative Stress can lead to: • Substance Abuse • Alcohol Abuse • Over Eat • Burnout • Mental Breakdown

Stress These negative effects on the body is why a person has to be aware of stressors and learn methods to control them.

Controlling Stress First Step is to Identify Stressors • Recognize the flight or fight symptoms • When stressful situations arise: • Note what the event was • Why did you feel stressed • How much stress did you experience • How did you deal with it. IE: Stressor - Driving to work each day.

Solving or Eliminating Stress Use the Problem Solving Method Gather Information Identify the problem List possible solutions Make a plan Act on your Plan Evaluate the results Make changes if necessary

Personal Qualities of Healthcare Workers