For years I have seen the books and articles titled, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People…so I thought I would come up with a list for DSPs.
- She is proactive. Proactive DSPs use their resourcefulness and initiative to find solutions rather than just reporting problems and waiting for other people to solve them.
- She has a personal mission statement. This is based upon personal morals and values- and it is almost always used as a stepping stone to make choices and decisions.
- She knows how to balance her time between clients. The DSP can set priorities based upon clients needs vs. wants. She recognizes when a needy client truly requires some TLC and when something else is going on.
- She isn’t interested in being in CONTROL. The DSP seeks a win/win relationship with her clients, but realizes this isn’t always possible. She will go out of her way to allow the client to maintain control with as many choices as possible. The client’s dignity and individuality is always respected.
- She listens to her residents. And uses effective communication skills to make sure she understands what is being said. The CNA knows some times a resident doesn’t understand her, so she goes out of her way to make sure she is understood.
- She works WITH the client to overcome conflicts and misunderstandings. Instead of being defensive, the DSP will admit to her faults in the problem, and will seek to improve and correct these issues.
- She knows when to step away. She knows she’s getting burnt out and is in need of a vacation, or a change in assignment.