Have you ever read Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? In it he outlines some of the habits that he has found to be fundamentally important in the lives of people that are successful both personally and professionally. He mentions things that revolve around important skills like goal setting, working with others effectively, and making sure to take time to recharge. All of these things are important no matter who you are or what you do professionally. From his book, many have come up with seven habits for their own niche.
We put together a list of five habits of highly effective healthcare professionals. Whether you are interested in working in the healthcare field, are currently pursuing education to become a healthcare professional, or are currently working in the field, this is the list for you!
1. Don’t cut corners.
Oftentimes in a moment of high stress or pressure, procedures and rules don’t seem to be as important as finishing something. However, in the healthcare field more than maybe any other career field, it is of the utmost importance that you follow each procedure and all protocol for your facility. Not only does this help ensure your own safety, it also keeps your coworkers and patients safe. What seems like it may cost time in the moment will likely end up saving time and extra work in the long run.
2. Always keep learning.
Even after you complete your healthcare training program, you will still have a lot to learn about your field and especially about the facility you are working in. A successful healthcare professional knows that a little humility will go a long way. They are always looking to learn new and better ways to do things. Being willing to learn a new way or new procedure is impressive to managers and coworkers alike and makes you able to become better and better at your job.
3. Be on time.
This one may seem obvious, but in the healthcare field it is more important than ever to make sure that you are on time. There are other healthcare professionals and your patients that are depending on you coming to work on time and ready to jump right in. Although sometimes your presence may mean life or death, it’s more likely that you will be responsible for patients, charts, or billing that you may be the expert on and the staff being on time ensures that the office or hospital can continue to run smoothly. Come rain or snow or sun, get to work and get there on time!
4. Don’t rush.
Your shift may be over, or your lunch may be starting, but patient care and the office as a whole must come first. No matter what, highly effective healthcare professionals take their time, pay attention to all the details, and make sure that they are thorough and accurate. Rushing a situation may save a few minutes, but may cost much more in the long run.
5. Be available.
The best healthcare professionals work hard to be flexible and support the team. If someone needs a shift covered and you are available, volunteer to take it! If your manager needs someone to come in a little early or stay a little late, try to make that happen. Being flexible and available helps to increase trust and build a teamwork atmosphere. It also makes you stand out as someone who can be depended upon.
Working hard to live by each of these habits will help you to stand out and be noticed by managers and physicians. They will also cause you to be known as someone trustworthy and dependable among your coworkers and help to foster a positive atmosphere for patients.
Interested in starting to work towards your healthcare career? Ross Medical Education Center offers training in the following healthcare programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration, and at some campuses, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Veterinary Assistant.