When looking for healthcare workers, you want the best. But what does “the best” mean when in your particular field? Look for those with these six stand-out qualities.
- Grace under pressure. Anyone working in healthcare will deal with sensitive topics that can also be life-altering. You’ll deal with patients on the entire spectrum, including some who are upset, scared and downright angry. They need calm, comfort and answers to their questions, and someone in healthcare needs the patience and grace to respond in the most helpful way.
- Empathy. Similar to dealing with pressure, when you work in healthcare you need to put yourself in the patient’s shoes and think about the situation from their angle, not just your own. Too often in healthcare, employees will focus on the cure and not the quality of life: Just because a patient has the requisite medicine doesn’t mean he knows how it will affect everyday life. Healthcare workers need to consider that as well.
- Communication skills. This makes sense — after all, your job involves speaking frequently with patients or clients, often about sensitive and confidential information. Not only that, they should be able to listen well and easily communicate complicated information to their patients so they can understand patient needs and explain treatments.
- Flexibility. On any given day, anything can happen. Schedules switch, emergencies happen, new information arises that changes the situation. Healthcare workers need to simultaneously have a plan but allow for flexibility should the need arise. It’s not a 9 to 5 world, so they need to adjust accordingly.
- Attention to detail. Missing small details can have huge consequences. Healthcare workers need to note any changes or additions (or omissions) their patients may present and make sure they’re properly attended to and addressed. Make thorough lists and charts, and follow all procedural steps to get things done.
- Being part of a team. Healthcare workers rarely work alone — they depend on others to accomplish their jobs. When everyone works together well and forms a real bond of trust, it yields positive results for both the workers and the patients. This also means knowing when to ask for and offer help.
Healthcare can be an intense field, so when looking for your next employee, know the qualities to look for so you can find the best talent in your field. At Medical Professionals, our standards are high. Reach out to our experienced recruiting professionals today to find out more!
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