Chapter 4: Personal Qualities & Professional Skills for Success

Health care professionals need both qualities and skills to provide safe, respectful, and effective care

personal qualities and professional skills

professional behavior

the outward expression of personal values, communication skills,
reliability, and ethical conduct

values influence how providers…

view people, illness, health, and patient care

Stress management and personal wellness are essential because…

caregiver burnout can affect both the provider and patient care.

empathy can improve…

patient satisfaction and adherence

(but providers must manage emotional demands to avoid exhaustion and depersonalization)

personal attributes

are character qualities that influence how a person interacts with patients,
coworkers, and stressful situations.

examples of personal attributes

include enthusiasm, optimism, self-esteem, honesty, patience, cooperation, organization, responsibility, flexibility, and sociability

what are some professional attributes?

1. dedication to public service

2. job fulfillment motivation

3. trustworthiness

4. time management

5. initiative, problem solving, and critical thinking

6. communication skills

7. competence

dedication to public service

Commitment to helping others and improving health outcomes

job fulfillment motivation

Finding meaning in the work, not only external rewards

trustworthiness

Being reliable, honest, and ethical.

time managment

Using time effectively to meet responsibilities and deadlines.

Initiative, problem solving, and critical thinking

Taking action, evaluating situations, and making thoughtful decisions

communication skills

Sharing information clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and
team members.

competence

Willingness to learn, change, admit mistakes, and accept criticism.

Professional attitude and behavior

they refer to the outward display of personal and professional
qualities.

This includes appropriate language, manners, dress, integrity, honesty, and
dependability

values

are personal beliefs and moral standards that shape perspectives and behaviors.

value system

is a ranked set of personal principles that influences a person’s code of conduct
and beliefs about human needs, health, and illness.

different types of values in health care

1. development of values

2. respect for patient values

3. codes of conduct

development of values

values are not inborn; they develop through experience and family,
cultural, and environmental influences.

respect for patient values

Health care providers must respect patient values and incorporate
them into care.

codes of conduct

Professional organizations often define values and behavioral standards for
members.

important health care values

1. tactfulness and discretion

2. confidentiality

3. sensitivity

4. alturism

5. respect for patient autonomy

6. respect for human dignity

tactfulness and discretion

handling private medical information carefully and respectfully

confidentiality

protecting patient information and respecting privacy

sensitivity

being aware of a patients situation, condition, and needs

alturism

concern for the welfare and well being of others, including advocacy for vulnerable patients

respect for patient autonomy

partnering with patients, honoring decisions, and providing information for informed choices

respect for human dignity

providing culturally sensitive care, protecting privacy, preserving confidentiality, and designing care around individual needs

what are the 2 types of stress?

1. eustress

2. distress

eustress

positive stress that can motivate a person to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and solve problems.

distress

negative stress that may cause anxiety, lack of focus, changes in
eating habits, and decreased enjoyment of normal activities.

stress management

important for health care professionals because unmanaged
stress can contribute to caregiver burnout, emotional exhaustion, negative attitudes, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood changes, insomnia, and unhealthy coping behaviors.

stress producers

chaotic lifestyle, instability to day no, taking criticism personally, unrealistic expectations, excessive demands, inflexibility, and self-doubt

ways to cope with stress

set priorities, simplify life and work, identify and reduce stress producers, shift thinking, use social support, and take time to relax and renew

empathy

it can improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment

personal health includes…

1. nutrition

2. exercise

3. sleep

4. personal hygiene and grooming

nutrition

provides adequate fuel, supports healthy body weight, and promotes overall wellness

exercise

Helps maintain energy, improves self-esteem, strengthens the heart through aerobic activity, reduces stress, and supports healthy body weight

sleep

Can be disrupted by caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and foods that cause heartburn.

personal hygiene and grooming

Includes clean and pressed clothing, appropriate shoes, and
plain/simple jewelry.