Patient care technicians provide hands-on assistance to patients, with their main job responsibilities including providing basic patient care and performing safety checks. Soft skills are especially important in healthcare roles with frequent patient interactions. In our recent survey of employers in the 2020 Industry Outlook, the soft skill that's most important for patient care technicians to possess is professionalism. It's also one of the most lacking.
Keep reading to learn more about this essential soft skill, why it's important for patient care technicians, and how you can improve in this area for career growth.
What is professionalism?
A patient care technician who exhibits professionalism takes their work seriously. They are respectful and respected, and exude a level of skill that makes colleagues and patients take notice. Some qualities of someone with strong professionalism include:
- reliable
- trustworthy
- courteous
- respectful
- dedicated
- competent
When is professionalism needed in the role of the patient care technician?
Patient care technicians provide basic patient care, such as bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc. They also perform safety checks and may monitor vital signs.
As someone who spends a lot of time with the patient, it's important to exude professionalism so that patients feel comfortable and safe in your care. Professionalism will go a long way in giving patients and their families confidence in your skills.
Why is professionalism important?
Professionalism is important in virtually every career, but particularly in healthcare, when trust plays a huge role in patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction, which is measured in surveys and reviews, is often the number one priority of healthcare institutions. Healthcare workers who possess strong professionalism are contributing not only to the satisfaction of their patients, but also to the success of the healthcare practice.
Can professionalism be learned?
Soft skills, including professionalism, can absolutely be learned. Just like anything, it takes knowledge and practice.
NHA's PersonAbility™ program helps allied health professionals like patient care technicians learn, practice, and develop essential soft skills using the power of virtual human simulation. In this online program, you can learn skills to improve your professionalism and develop your personal brand.