Is STNA The Right Career Choice for You? Common Character Traits of Great Health Care Workers
Posted on November, 09, 2015 by admin
Working in the medical field can be hard work, and takes certain kinds of people to get the job done. So how do you know if STNA is the right career choice for you? We’re looking at what your classes don’t teach you: 6 character traits that make health care workers great at their jobs.
- Patience
When you’re feeling physically ill, you’re not exactly a ray of sunshine to those around you. The same can be said of your ill patients. Children, sick patients and families under extreme duress may be less than a joy to be around, making your patience one of the most important qualities you can possess in the medical field. When faced with stressful situations, patience will help you perform your job with the utmost professionalism.
- Good Communication
Whether you’re communicating with a patient or other medical professionals, working as an STNA in the medical field requires the ability to properly express yourself and your needs. This will allow both you and those around you to do your job to the highest standards.
- Compassion
Part of achieving the best bedside manner possible includes having compassion for your patients. Showing compassion is integral to your job as a STNA. Aside from dealing with illness or injury, patient’s often suffer through stress and have a tendency to feel vulnerable in front of their doctors and nurses. Your compassionate attitude will help you relate to your patient, comfort them, and make them feel at ease.
- Tact
Tact is another essential element to a proper bedside manner. While you may be tempted to be blunt with impatient or rude patients, this is not the way to behave as a medical professional. Patients may be dealing with life or death situations, and informing them bluntly of the worst possible scenarios is not the thing to do. With all medical information and compassion shown, use tact and never overstep your bounds as an STNA.
- Flexibility
When it comes to your work, STNA careers require a flexible schedule. Nursing is not a 9-5 job, and both patients and your colleagues may need you to go above and beyond when it comes to scheduling. Whether you’re covering for a fellow nurse, working in unfamiliar settings, or staying longer than your shift indicates, your flexibility on the job will speak volumes about your work ethic.
- Stress Management
Odds are you didn’t get into nursing classes thinking you were signing up for an easy job. It’s true, burn out is commonly experienced by those in health care, making stress management and work/life balance both key ingredients to working in the medical field.
Do you possess these 6 key character traits? If so, a career as an STNA may be right for you! In the Ohio area and looking to start your STNA training today? Contact PCHS today at 1.614.896.6420
Posted in Careers|Health Care Services
