Exhibit: My Ability to Encourage Healthy Habits

Benchmark: Individuality

Skills: Good Motivational Abilities

 

            Part of being a healthcare professional is completing my specific job duties daily, which mainly involves patient care. There are many different aspects of patient care and in order to be a successful professional I must not lack in any area. The patient’s health must always be my main concern. Prioritizing their health often can include providing support without criticism, which may cause a patient to feel as if they are hopeless; this is negative effect toward my goals with a patient. Being able to motivate patients is a skill that every healthcare worker must have, this skill is vital because in order for your patient to see they must make changes, it is my job to use my knowledge to explain the effects of poor health habits and explain that they are directly correlated to disease and other health issues. I believe I am a motivated person which will make my job easier and will improve the care I provide for my patients.

            I am motivated in many ways. Part of my motivation is towards working out and eating healthy. This is vital to a healthcare worker because I believe in “practicing what you preach.” If I was a healthcare professional that was unorganized, overweight, and I was for example a smoker, what image am I portraying to my patients? If you go to the doctors and your doctor is visibly overweight and they are trying to convey the importance of diet and exercise (which they obviously do not abide by) wouldn’t this be viewed hypocritical?

            In this profession, I am looked up to by children, and also adults that seek my opinion and also my advice, which often will be taken to heart. This is why it is important for me to be a motivational person in my career. I feel as if I am a motivational person because for example my mother struggles with her weight so I often ask her to go on walks or exercise with me in order for her to know that she does not have to do it alone and that it gets easier. I also encourage her to eat right. In my dental class also if a first year student is having trouble on suctioning for example, I will go over to them and give encouragement and also advice so they feel like this task not as difficult as they thought. This provides them the motivation they need to finish their skill with a positive attitude. I also have for Children's Health Month went out to Napoleon Elementary to encourage good oral health habits to the kids. It is important to encourage kids especially, good brushing and flossing habits start at a young age. 

            Being successful in healthcare takes someone who possesses the skill of being a positive influence in the community. Taking this position on is a big responsibility, but I am up for the challenge.