When you're focusing on achieving your allied health career goals, it's easy to forget to refine a very important skills set — the kind that cannot be easily tested or measured: Soft skills.

Soft skills are your personal attributes that help you communicate and relate to your patients and healthcare colleagues. In a field that is focused on care, these skills are especially important as you work toward advancing in your allied health career.

Want to improve your soft skills? Here are five things to keep in mind every day on the job...

1. Always be professional and patient

In health care, there is no such thing as a "typical day." No matter how stressful a situation becomes, maintain your professionalism and be patient.

2. Be a team player

Offer words of encouragement with your team members, and work with them to provide the best care possible to your patients.

3. Put your patients first

Helping your patients live a healthier, happier life is probably the reason you got into this field in the first place. Never forget that. The patient always comes first.

4. Stay aware of what is going on in your field

Healthcare is changing every single day. Stay on top of industry news and trends. This blog is a great resource! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more.

5. Say YES to continuing education

Continuing education helps you stay up-to-date with your training. And, as an added bonus, it also can help you climb up the career ladder. Employers appreciate — and often reward — healthcare workers who take their profession seriously. Learn about NHA's continuing education opportunities here.

Like any other set of skills, soft skills take practice to refine. Keep these five things in mind everyday as you work with patients and other healthcare professionals to help you improve your relationships (and maybe even your professional success).