Introduction to Health Careers
Unit 1 – Your Career in Health Care
Main Idea – Health care services make up one of the largest industries in the United States. There is a growing need for health care workers; by 2012 there will be 4.4 million new health care jobs in this country. Although there are a wide variety of health care jobs, to be successful in any of these fields you must have certain essential qualities.
I. Essential Qualities of Health Care Workers – to be an effective health care worker an individual must possess these qualities
a. Care about others –
i. Apply knowledge and skills to decrease suffering and increase the well-being of others.
ii. Be willing to put the needs of patients above one’s own
iii. Have respect for all people and help them regardless of their race, nationality, economic status, religion, age or lifestyle
b. Have Integrity –
i. Be honest at all times
ii. Respect the privacy of others
iii. Be loyal to the employer
iv. Never take supplies from the facility for personal use
c. Be Dependable –
i. Be at work on time
ii. Follow through and finish all assigned tasks
iii. Perform work accurately and completely
iv. Work without constant supervision and reminders
d. Work well with others –
i. Strive to understand the feelings and needs of others
ii. Be courteous and considerate
iii. Practice good communication skills
iv. Be a good team member by contributing to the achievement of group goals
v. Take directions willingly from your supervisor
e. Be Flexible –
i. Be willing to adapt to changing conditions and emergencies
ii. Do what is needed to carry out tasks
iii. Acquire knowledge and skills necessary to keep up with advances in technology
f. Be willing to learn –
i. Work hard to keep skills up to date
ii. Ask questions, attend workshops, and continue to acquire new skills
g. Strive to be cost conscious –
i. Look for ways to improve patient care while maintaining or lowering expenses
ii. Work efficiently and take care not to waste supplies