Mastering skills like taking vital signs and patient care are an important aspect of STNA training in Ohio, but it’s not the only thing that will make you successful in a STNA career. You also need to display strong work ethics and responsibility.
Among the traits that successful STNAs possess are:
Empathy: Know how to put yourself in someone else’s place. Whenever faced with a situation, be willing to ask yourself what you would do, or how you would act if you had to deal with the very same problem.
Courtesy: Be courteous to everyone; your patients, their families and visitors, and fellow co-workers. Simple acts of politeness include saying “thank you” or “please”. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Dependability: You are part of a team, and each team member is as important as the next when it comes to the overall care of patients. Being on time to work, returning from breaks and lunches at the specified time, and completing assigned tasks are all a part of being a dependable STNA.
Caring: You’ve received the necessary training to help an individual be more comfortable, happier and even in less pain. Show your concern in your interactions with your patients and their visitors and families.
Honesty: Be truthful and accurate in all reports, comments, conversations, and actions.
Consideration: Have respect for the patient’s emotional and physical feelings. Showing acts of kindness and gentleness to a patient and their support system helps to ease some the stress that goes along with needing medical care.
Cooperation: Be an active part of your team. Be aware of others and be willing to help out, if applicable, in stressful and busy situations.
Cheerfulness: Be pleasant. Everyone has some sort of issue to deal with outside of work, but don’t allow that issue to interfere with your day. Remain pleasant in greeting and speaking with others throughout your workday.
Conscientiousness: Be thorough. Know and understand instructions before you begin. Be alert and always “put your best foot forward.”
Trustworthiness: Everyone you come in contact with throughout your work day has confidence in your abilities as an STNA. Be trustworthy with all work related information.
Enthusiasm: Realize that being an STNA is important. Be eager and excited about your job and what you provide to patients and their families. Showing excitement in what you do shows to patients as well as co-workers and supervisors.
Respectfulness: Everyone you meet has rights. Individuals have their own feelings: their own rights and beliefs. Be respectful and treat everyone you encounter with dignity.
These skills are valuable in any area of life, but particularly if you are going to be entrusted with the daily care of a sick or dying patient.