Working in healthcare is a challenging yet very rewarding career path. Healthcare workers play a vital role in society by providing essential support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily activities, medical needs, and emotional support. However, being an exceptional healthcare worker requires more than just fulfilling your normal duties. It also requires a lot of passion and a unique blend of skills and qualities.
In this article, we go over the top ten traits that exceptional healthcare workers tend to embody.
Having passion for what you do is the most important thing when it comes to working in healthcare. You will face many challenges in your healthcare career, but being passionate about the job is what will help you overcome all of the difficult challenges and allow you to keep going forward. Whenever you face adversity, it is easy to give up, but having a bigger purpose and passion that you are working towards will help you navigate challenging situations much easier.
Empathy is the core quality when it comes to caregiving. An exceptional care worker is able to understand and share the feelings of those they care for and create a genuine connection with them while also building trust. This quality allows them to provide not only physical assistance but also emotional support, and this will make a huge impact on the overall well-being of patients.
The ability to be patient and remain calm in challenging situations is a crucial trait for healthcare workers. Patients may have very different needs and healing is not always linear, so being patient with them and remaining calm in chaotic situations will help you provide the best service and care. Healthcare workers must understand that no matter how chaotic or stressful a situation may be, patients need a lot of support in order to heal.
Clear and effective communication is vital for understanding the needs and preferences of patients and doctors. Exceptional healthcare workers are excellent listeners who can communicate with empathy, respect, and clarity. In addition to communicating with patients, healthcare workers must also be able to communicate with medical professionals, families, and other members of the care team.
Every individual is unique, and healthcare workers must adapt to each patient and each situation. This sometimes involves changing their approach and adapting it based on the patient's needs and preferences. Being flexible is necessary to provide personalized care that truly enhances the quality of life for those that you serve.
Healthcare workers must be dependable and reliable. Dependability is a key quality of an exceptional care worker. Patients and their families rely on healthcare workers for consistency and support. Being punctual, responsible, and following through on commitments demonstrates professionalism and it builds trust.
Healthcare can be very complex and dynamic at times. Healthcare workers must have the knowledge and confidence to work through complex problems when they come up. They must possess strong problem-solving skills, which will enable them to navigate challenges effectively and make quick, informed decisions when necessary. They must also remain calm under pressure and find solutions to unexpected issues.
Healthcare is constantly evolving with new techniques, practices, and technologies. Healthcare workers must stay updated with the latest developments in their field and they must be open to learning and incorporating new approaches to enhance the care they provide. Moreover, being a healthcare worker may also require you to work evenings and weekends. So preparing yourself for the possibility of working long hours will help you adjust faster.
Working in healthcare will require you to be on your feet for the majority of the day. Moreover, you may need to lift heavier objects and assist patients with getting around. This is especially the case if you work in a hospital. You will be going room to room checking in on patients all day long. So, it’s important to be physically fit in order to keep up with the physical demands of the job.
Healthcare workers must exhibit professionalism in all aspects of their work. They must maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical standards, and demonstrate a high level of integrity. Moreover, they must also be self aware when it comes to their attitude, appearance, and interactions with patients and colleagues.
Exceptional healthcare workers must possess a unique blend of qualities that enable them to provide the best possible care and support to those in need. Empathy, patience, professionalism, and adaptability are just some of the qualities that contribute to providing a top-notch caregiving experience for patients. Actively working to improve yourself and cultivating these important qualities will lead to a successful career as a healthcare professional.
Ross allowed me the flexibility to continue to be a stay at home mom while going back to school. Bettering myself for my family was my main motivation.
Kailey Rahme Graduate Medical Assistant student at Lansing, MI campus Graduation: December 18, 2018
Hello! My name is Raeven Barnes. I am twenty five years old, and I am from Kalamazoo, MI. I made the decision to come to Ross Medical because I was sick. I was basically living in the hospital on and off for about ten years. I saw the opposite side of the medical world while being a patient and fighting for my life. Unfortunately, while being under the care of certain medical professionals, there was little to no empathy. I started to have this desire to help others like me. I have been through the storm in my life and now that I'm healthy I am so happy to be attending Ross. I can't wait to become a Pharmacy Technician and make a difference in someone's life.
Raeven Barnes Graduate Pharmacy Technician student at Kalamazoo, MI campus Graduation: August 26, 2019
Hey! I'm Catie Brown, I am twenty-three years old, and I came to Ross Medical Education Center to find my career pathway. Ross is my light at the end of the tunnel. I have struggled with confidence in the past and that has kept me away from school. I am proud to be a Pharmacy Technician student here at Ross and I am working on being proud of who I am everyday.
Caitlin Brown Graduate Pharmacy Technician student at Kalamazoo, MI campus Graduation: August 26, 2019
Ross is a great school. They are professionals and great mentors. I am so grateful for how dedicated they are to seeing their students become successful Medical Assistants.
Jason Dixon Graduate Medical Assistant student at Port Huron, MI campus Graduation: December 23, 2019
I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and guidance I received at Ross. I came to a point in my life where I had to do something better for myself. I wanted a career, not just a job. The staff was amazing when it came to helping me choose what program to study. In less than a year, I graduated with a certificate in Medical Assisting. I decided to further my education and went on to attend Ross College online, where I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting. I now have an amazing job, giving me the peace of mind any single parent desires, which is knowing I can provide for my child.
Amanda Stead Graduate Medical Assistant student at Port Huron, MI campus Graduation: December 19, 2018
