Personal Qualities, Lifestyle Management, and Professional Skills PDF

Personal Qualities, Lifestyle Management and Professional Skills  Personal Attributes Enthusiasm-passionate about work-active interest in duties Optimism-positive outlook affects job performance Self-esteem-leads to confidence in one’s skills Honesty-must ea...

Personal Qualities, Lifestyle Management and Professional Skills  Personal Attributes Enthusiasm-passionate about work-active interest in duties Optimism-positive outlook affects job performance Self-esteem-leads to confidence in one’s skills Honesty-must earn trust Patience-remain calm Cooperation-interact well with other team members Organization-key to success Responsibility-need to be counted on-- Flexibility-not always 9 to 5 Sociability-interpersonal skills with patients and team  Professional Attributes Essential quality of individuals who work in health care Difficult to define Consists of many characteristics and behaviors “Caring competence” Dedication to doing the best Maintaining high-quality service Dedication to public service Being motivated by job fulfillment Trustworthiness Good time management Initiative, problem solving, & critical thinking Good communication skills  Compassion and Empathy Sincere concern for others Foundation of caring Basis for developing empathy Trying to understand another person’s thoughts and feelings “Walk a mile in my shoes” “I’m available to walk this road with you”  Demonstrating a Professional Attitude Approach work positively Be committed to work Recognize impact on patient care Use objective approach to situations See problems as opportunities for positive action Develop and practice self-discipline  Professional Behaviors Be dependable Perform all duties as assigned and needed Be flexible Accept differences Treat everyone with courtesy and consideration Practice good communication skills Keep personal problems separate from work Be well organized and plan ahead Behave ethically and set high personal standards Conduct self calmly Serve as role model for good health Set professional goals and strive for continual improvement  Professional Qualities and Skills Competence: a willingness to: Learn Change Admit mistakes Accept criticism  Professional Attitude and Behavior Outward display of personal & professional qualities & skills Appropriate use of: Language Manners Dress Display of: Integrity Honesty Dependability  Values Value System A person’s ranked personal principles Leads to a personal code of conduct Influences beliefs about: Human needs Health Illness Impacts how you practice health care & respond to illness Development of Values Not inborn Formed from: Experiences Family, cultural, & environmental influences  Important Values in Health Care Tactfulness & discretion in handling private medical information Respect for a patient’s right to confidentiality Sensitivity to a patient’s: Situation Condition Needs  Important Values in Health Care Altruism: a concern for the welfare & well-being of others Demonstrating an understanding of others’: Cultures Beliefs Perspectives Advocating for patients (particularly the most vulnerable) Taking risks on behalf of patients & colleagues Mentoring other professionals  Important Values in Health Care Respect for Patient Autonomy Planning a patient’s care in partnership with the patient Honoring the right of patients & their families to make decisions about health care Providing information so patients can make informed choices  Important Values in Health Care Respect for Human Dignity Providing culturally sensitive care Protecting the patient’s privacy Preserving the confidentiality of patient & health care provider information Designing care with sensitivity to individual patient needs  Technical Skills Develop in-depth understanding of work Observe and listen carefully Consult employee manual or ask questions Perform all work neatly and accurately Dedicate time to acquire new knowledge and skills  Stress in Modern Life Body’s reaction when it responds to danger Body cannot distinguish between real and imagined Same reactions to mental and physical stress Initiates fight or flight response Can be positive when reactions needed in emergencies  Stress Management Eustress (good stress): motivates one to: Complete tasks Meet deadlines Solve problems Distress (bad stress): causes: Anxiety Lack of focus Overeating or undereating Lack of participation in & enjoyment of normal activities  Physical Reactions to Stress Increased heart rate Increased rate of breathing Elevated blood pressure Raised blood sugar level Dilated blood vessels Dilated pupils of the eyes  Effects of Stress Continual stress can wear the body out Some evidence links stress and certain illnesses Stress over time may weaken immune system  Stressors Causes of stress External Factors beyond individual’s control Internal Self-generated Under individual’s control  Stress Producers Living a chaotic or disorderly lifestyle Lacking the ability to say “no” Taking problems & criticism personally Maintaining unrealistic expectations Dealing with excessive demands Remaining inflexible Suffering self-doubt  Health Care Work Stressors Interaction with patients Must remain calm Must constantly be attentive Need to perform tasks accurately Time constraints to complete tasks Changing conditions  Strategies for Coping with Stress Keep life & work simple Set priorities Identify & reduce stress producers Shift thinking Enlist social support Relax & renew Use time management strategies Avoid procrastination Practice muscle relaxation techniques Try meditation Clearing mind of thoughts Develop positive attitude  Substance abuse Growing problem among health care professionals Easy access to medications Stressful job conditions Desire to self-medicate Perceived ability to improve work performance Ability to call in prescriptions Consequences of substance abuse: Blackouts Memory loss Inability to perform Unethical behavior E.g., stealing drugs from patients Loss of job and career Prison  Personal Health Nutrition Adequate fuel for the body Healthy food Healthy body weight Process of obtaining food necessary for health and growth Diet Type of foods individual habitually eats  Nutrients Nutrients Substances body uses to grow and function Good diet provides all necessary nutrients Essential Nutrients Proteins-Build and maintain body structures Carbohydrates-Provide immediate energy Fats-Provide concentrated form of energy Vitamins Minerals Water  Healthy Eating U.S. Department of Agriculture develops dietary guidelines Variety of vegetables Whole fruits Whole grains Low-fat dairy Variety of protein foods Some oils  Choose My Plate Intended to help people; apply dietary guidelines Shows recommended proportions of foods choosemyplate.gov  Healthy Weight Contributes to wellness and prevention of disease Estimated that 70% of Americans are overweight Possibly 40% have obesity Increasing number of children are overweight or obese Potential Consequences of Excess Body Weight Examples High blood pressure Type 2 diabetes Heart disease Stroke Some cancers Causes of Prevalence of Overweight Americans Examples Inexpensive, high calorie foods available Limited access to fresh foods Sedentary lifestyles Lack of safe places for physical activity Hormone problems Genetics  Benefits of Physical Activity Promotes feelings of well-being Endorphins Relieves stress Improves sleep Increases energy Reduces symptoms of arthritis Helps prevent Lower back pain Heart disease Osteoporosis Certain types of cancer  Exercise Recommended amounts of exercise: Adults 30 minutes at least 5 days per week Children and teens 60 minutes per day Incorporate physical activity into everyday life  Sleep Adequate amounts necessary for body to recuperate Provides energy and increases productivity Mental recuperation takes place during last hours of sleep 6 to 9 hours recommended for most adults Improving Sleep Avoid caffeine Avoid stressful activities before bedtime Increase personal efficiency to make more time for sleep Engage in physical activity (during day, not just before bedtime) Develop bedtime routine  Preventive Measures Routine health checkups Periodic screening for risks Regular visits to dentist Early treatment of illness Immunizations  Burnout Physical and emotional exhaustion Work-related Some causes: Long hours Difficult work conditions Inadequate emotional support Emotional involvement with patients No time for recreational activities Examples of behavioral changes: Negative feelings about work Increased absences from work Physical symptoms Committing errors  Preventing burnout Practice good health habits Use stress-reducing techniques Develop assertiveness skills Ability to express feelings in a nonthreatening manner Practice good communication skills Seek help when needed  Professional Appearance Appearance Outward sign of professionalism Influences patients’ opinions about care Generally conservative in health care Extremes can undermine patient confidence  Professional Appearance Avoid perfumes Avoid extreme styles Consider safety of self and others Clean, pressed, & tear-free clothing Polished, unsoiled, & professionally appropriate shoes Plain & simple jewelry  Handling Difficult Situations Aim for objective, although caring, response Understand own behavior and reactions Apply problem-solving technique to change negative habits and behaviors Separate fact from emotion  Professional Acceptance of Criticism Criticism can help you learn Try to react gracefully Evaluate information If appropriate, use for self-improvement  Professionalism Outside the Workplace You represent your profession both on and off the job Avoid inappropriate behaviors Take care with social media Do not post photos of inappropriate behavior Avoid negative comments and complaints Rudeness Bullying