The Psychology of Caring and What It Means to Students Interested in the Field
A desire to help others is a key trait of the psychology of those that will excel in the healthcare field. Although the field is often associated with direct care providers, including physicians and nurses, support staff fulfill a vital role in providing care as well. Supportive roles include medical billing and coding technicians, health information specialists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians and more. As the healthcare industry grows, the demand for these support roles will expand.
Of course, becoming a healthcare professional, even in a supportive position, can be a difficult decision. Single parents may have numerous scheduling conflicts, and the issue of financial assistance remains. However, the healthcare field is a rewarding industry, and according to Dr. Nicola Davies, a health psychologist dedicated to professional development in healthcare, for most healthcare workers, the desire or need to give care is part of their core personality. In a sense, this is the psychology of healthcare professionals and how they care for others in need. So, let’s take a closer look at the personality traits of those interested in this field, key strategies for managing responsibilities and why it is easier to enter the field than you may realize.
Traits Common in Prospective Healthcare Professionals.
Healthcare is a stressful field, regardless of the level of your professional and educational development. The industry operates around the clock, and people that are in need will rarely be the most pleasant patients. This is an industry filled with sadness and pain, but there are still opportunities for excitement and joy. Since medical professionals spend much of their time interacting with patients, it is important for them to possess certain personality traits, reports the Houston Chronicle. These include:
- Compassion – This is most basic psychology profile trait of healthcare professionals. Compassion is the ability to understand others from an objective standpoint and express empathy for those that are in need.
- Emotional Stability – Since healthcare is an emotionally charged industry, it is important for healthcare providers to maintain a strong sense of emotional stability. They must be able to laugh and cry with their patients, and a collapse of emotional stability in the healthcare professional will lead to additional stress and potential risks to patients.
- Patience – People that are ill or injured will be exasperated and may exhibit an array of emotions. Healthcare professionals must have the patience necessary to calming work with patients and work with other caregivers to provide high-quality care.
- Communication Skills – Strong communication skills are integral to working with a healthcare team and providing the best care possible. They also affect how patients respond to treatment and interact with healthcare professionals.
The Growing State of Healthcare and Its Impact on Healthcare Professional Stress.
The role of healthcare professionals is expected to grow in importance and value as the population ages. As explained by Psychology Today, more than 16 percent of the global population will be 65 and older by 2050. Unfortunately, the increased demand on the industry will put even the best healthcare professionals at risk for caregiver stress syndrome.
Caregiver stress syndrome refers the condition of emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others, asserts the Mayo Clinic, and while it is most commonly associated with caring for a family member, it affects healthcare professionals too. In these cases, it contributes to higher burnout rates and may adversely impact quality of care. In other words, those that suffer burnout are more likely to make mistakes, which could be life-threatening. However, a few factors can reduce risk for burnout, including:
Do You Have a Healthcare Calling? Explore Whether a Healthcare Career Might Be Right for You Now.
Healthcare professionals have a mountain of responsibilities, and the industry is filled with stressful situations. However, that does not negate the value of healthcare professionals and their roles in providing help to those in need. People that have a predisposition to help others make excellent healthcare professionals, and entering the field is much easier than many realize.
Prospective students can attend an innovative, blended class, such as a Medical Assistant or Health Information Specialist program. Day and evening classes may be available, and for those who qualify, financial assistance can overcome the obstacles to paying for school. It’s quite simple; few people can go to school with cash in their pockets and attend rigid course schedules. Fortunately, CCI Training Center is designed for adults with other responsibilities and needs beyond completing schoolwork. That’s what sets us apart from others, and we work with students to make sure they have the skills and resources to succeed as healthcare professionals. Are you still unsure if a healthcare career is right for you? That’s alright! Contact CCI Training Center at 1-972-846-8796 to speak with a career counselor today.
