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.
My experience at Ross has been very rewarding. They have an open door policy and Ms. Jenny is an amazing teacher. The program is set up for students to accomplish their goals.
Brittany Glymph Graduate Dental Assistant student at Johnson City, TN campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
Ross is a school of excellence. With Ross, the opportunities are endless. Being enrolled here among staff and classmates is truly an honor.
Yasmean Nasser Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Taylor, MI campus Graduation: January 14, 1999
Ross has been an amazing journey for me so far. I have learned a lot about the healthcare field and a lot about professionalism. I have gained confidence in myself because of Ross. I truly feel the genuine care that the staff has toward us students. It warms my heart to see the dedication of the instructors and staff on my campus. They all are constantly going over and beyond to make sure we succeed. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a part of the Ross Grand Rapids North Campus, and to gain the tools I need to be able to succeed in the healthcare field.
Shanice Hildebrand Graduate Medical Assistant student at Grand Rapids, MI campus Graduation: May 22, 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
My name is Jason Barton and I graduated from Ross in 2012. I have been privileged since then to be able to help Ross with guest speaking engagements, mock interviews, delivering speeches at the graduation ceremonies, and being an advisory board member. For the last two and a half years, I have been even more privileged to be an instructor here at Ross. I am so thankful to be able to give back to Ross, which has given me so much.
Jason Barton Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kalamazoo, MI campus Graduation: December 6, 2012
