Traits of a Caregiving Champ
Caregiving is a special calling. It is more than providing assistance to a patient and goes beyond helping someone with their activities of daily living. It is making meaningful connections that nurture and care.
Whether your role is to assist a loved one or help patients as a staff member, you are bound for unforgettable and valuable experiences and want to bring your best self to the task. The best way to be that champion caregiver is to embody the list below:
1. Keep a positive mentality.
As workers with often unpleasant, back-breaking tasks and frequently faced with emotional challenges, caregivers may find it hard to look for the brighter side. But a positive attitude is necessary to look forward to each day. Someone who can see the silver lining ends up a winner because they will always find a reason to stay and to strive.
2. Have patience.
In caregiving, caregivers don’t always get what they want. In fact, it’s the other way around! With the healthcare industry’s goal of improving patient experience, they undoubtedly become the center of attention. That means, of course, that you’ll have to accommodate their adjustments to treatments and therapies.
If you don’t seem to see improvement, keep working hard and patiently hope for good results. Often, caregivers assist weak patients. In fostering independence as part of the healthcare team's approach to holistic care, you need to extend your patience to help them effectively.
3. Be compassionate and kind.
Understanding a patient’s journey and treating them kindly is what gives caregiving its proper meaning. It’s not all about finishing tasks—it’s more about reaching out to patients meaningfully and being sincere in dealing with them. Compassion puts your heart into your work, leading patients to feel your genuine support and motivating them to cooperate with treatment.
4. Show respect.
Respect for your patients is the foundation of care. As a caregiver, it is important to understand respect from a patient's point of view. You also have to consider cultural differences and a patient's personal choices. Being respectful creates a lasting impact on patients, so they tend to appreciate your efforts.
5. Communicate.
In caregiving, it’s not all about doing. Often, problems can be solved with just the right talking. If you want to handle challenges like a pro, learn how to reach out to patients and listen attentively to what they say in return. Being communicative also requires you to observe body language and help patients express themselves.
Communication is a skill, and everyone has the potential to excel with enough practice and training. If you struggle with conversation, observe a colleague who communicates effectively and apply what you learn to your work.
6. Show off your skills.
Speaking of skills, caregivers need them to be effective and successful in patient care. Being able to perform procedures correctly ensures the patient receives the best service in the safest way. This is the essence of caregiving.
If you are unsure of a procedure, consult your supervisor or the nurse. If you are new to a task and aren’t confident, it is better to ask for help than risk injuring the patient.
Being a caregiver is not an easy job, but those who embody the right values and approach to their work will reap the rewards at the end of the day. And, one of the best feelings you can have while working in healthcare is being considered a patient’s champion!
