personal qualities of healthcare workers although healthcare workers are employed in a variety of...

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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

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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

A healthcare worker should present a healthy appearance.DietRestExerciseGood PostureAvoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs

Good Health

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)

Diet

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

Rest

Exercise maintains circulation Improves muscle toneHelps mental attitudeContributes to more restful sleepPeople should choose a form of exercise best

suited for them

Exercise

Prevents Fatigue Less stress on muscles and joints Proper body mechanics Basic Principles – standing straight,

shoulders back, stomach in, weight balanced

Good Posture

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

Avoid - Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs

Uniform Clothing Name badge Shoes Personal Hygiene Nail Hair Makeup

Professional Appearance

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

Uniforms

If a uniform is not required clothing should be professional/business dressCleanNeat and good repairAllow for body movementWashable, durable fabrics

Clothing

Most healthcare facilities require workers to wear name badge or Photo IDNameTitleDepartmentSome instances its required by law (long

term care)

Name Badge

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

Shoes

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

Personal Hygiene

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

Nails

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

Hair

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

avoidedBody jewelry is detracts from professional

appearance When uniform is not required it should be

limited

Jewelry

Excessive makeup should be avoided Purpose of makeup is create a natural

appearance Excessive makeup can get on patients Some find it offensive

Makeup

Many personal/professional characteristics are required in the healthcare environment.Empathy – identify with and understand

patient, care about patientHonest – TrustworthyDependability – be able to rely on youWillingness to learn – adapt to ever changing

environmentPatient – 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

Personal Characteristics

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

Teamwork

Todays healthcare everyone needs to be a leader** Leadership is the ability or skill to encourage people to work togetherCharacteristics of a good leader:Respect the rights, dignity and opinions of othersUnderstand principles of democracyWorks with a group and guides to a goalUnderstand strengths and weaknessesCommunicates effectively and clearlyShows self-initiativeShows optimismPraises othersDedicated to meeting high standards

Leadership

1. Democratic leader – encourages participation of entire group

2. Laissaez-faire Leader - Informal type leader3. Autocratic Leader - Dictator, maintains total

control

Classification of leaders

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

Stress

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

Positive 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

Negative Stress

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

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.

Controlling 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

Solving or Eliminating Stress