Five Essential Qualities Most Health Care Workers Learn On The Job

During the past 12 years, I have worked for a large hospital group based in Seattle, WA, and over that time, these are the five essential qualities I’ve seen first hand and I’ve tried to incorporate into my personal life:

• Prioritize (aka triage) the work that is in front of you. Whether it’s patients or paperwork or your children, figure out who or what needs to be taken care of first.
• No Drama. It usually serves to ramp up the stress level of a temporary crisis when you add your own fear or anxiety to the mix.
• “Thank you” and “Please” are still important even in a crisis situation.
• Always show respect. You never know someone’s back story.
• Always try to listen first and talk second.

Frank & Bella & Tina the wonder dog