Professional Behaviors Assessment – Clinical Education IV & V

Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

Student Name Taylor Mills Internship Facility Norlite Nursing Center (UP Rehab Services)

Clinical Instructor(s) Nicole O’Brien Course & Dates of Internship January 20th, 2020 - April 24th, 2020

Directions: 1. Read the description of each Professional Behavior.

2. Review the behavioral criteria described in each of the levels (Beginning, Intermediate, Entry, Post-Entry) for each behavior.

3. Self assess your performance continually, relative to the Professional Behaviors, using the behavioral criteria.

4. At midterm and at the end of the internship, complete this form.

a) Using a Highlighter Pen, highlight all criteria that describe behaviors you demonstrate in Beginning (column 1), Intermediate
(column 2), Entry Level (column 3) or Post-Entry Level (column 4) Professional Behaviors. Use different color pens to denote
midterm vs. final.
b) For each behavior, identify the level within which you predominately function at midterm and again at final.
c) Document specific examples of when you demonstrated behaviors from the highest level highlighted.
d) For each Professional Behavior, list the areas in which you wish to improve.

5. Share your self-assessment with your clinical instructor at midterm and final, specifically seeking his/her feedback on your
professional behaviors.

6. Have your CI sign that they have read and discussed your self-assessment (last page); sign and return to the DCE/RCC at the
conclusion of the experience.

**Professional Behaviors were developed by Warren May, Laurie Kontney and Annette Iglarsh (2010) as an update to the Generic Abilities.

MIDTERM OF CLINICAL

END OF CLINICAL

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1. Critical Thinking - The ability to question logically; identify, generate and evaluate elements of logical argument; recognize and differentiate facts, appropriate
or faulty inferences, and assumptions; and distinguish relevant from irrelevant information. The ability to appropriately utilize, analyze, and critically evaluate
scientific evidence to develop a logical argument, and to identify and determine the impact of bias on the decision making process.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post-Entry Level:
 Raises relevant questions  Feels challenged to examine  Distinguishes relevant from  Develops new knowledge
 Considers all available ideas irrelevant patient data through research, professional
information  Critically analyzes the  Readily formulates and writing and/or professional
 Articulates ideas literature and applies it to critiques alternative presentations
 Understands the scientific patient management hypotheses and ideas  Thoroughly critiques
method  Utilizes didactic knowledge,  Infers applicability of hypotheses and ideas often
 States the results of scientific research evidence, and information across crossing disciplines in thought
literature but has not developed clinical experience to populations process
the consistent ability to critically formulate new ideas  Exhibits openness to  Weighs information value based
appraise findings (i.e.  Seeks alternative ideas contradictory ideas on source and level of evidence
methodology and conclusion)  Formulates alternative  Identifies appropriate  Identifies complex patterns of
 Recognizes holes in knowledge hypotheses measures and determines associations
base  Critiques hypotheses and effectiveness of applied  Distinguishes when to think
 Demonstrates acceptance of ideas at a level consistent solutions efficiently intuitively vs. analytically
limited knowledge and with knowledge base  Justifies solutions selected  Recognizes own biases and
experience in knowledge base  Acknowledges presence of suspends judgmental thinking
contradictions  Challenges others to think
critically

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I am able to provide an appropriate rationale for my clinical decisions and specifically fit these decisions to
the resident's needs and abilities. I have tried to focus on the whole person and use appropriate tests and measures as indicated. I also recognize the limits of my
knowledge, and I'm not afraid to look something up or ask others questions to help expand my reasoning. I have also been able to distinguish relevant to irrelevant
data when reading through resident’s medical chart notes or therapy daily notes.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to turn to the evidence to further expand my knowledge when it
comes to medical conditions, interventions, and other tests & measures. I typically goggle something to refresh myself of the topic, but I could do more and use
stronger and more reliable sources to gather information.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post-entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have looked more closely at the evidence and literature involving medical conditions and interventions to
critically analyze it. I have been able to determine the generalizability of literature I’ve read and consider its applicability for a specific resident. I am also currently
finishing the last draft of my prospective research manuscript.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to be able to challenge others to think critically by asking questions
and educating them. I would also like to continue looking at the literature as I begin practicing as a licensed physical therapist.

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2. Communication - The ability to communicate effectively (i.e. verbal, non-verbal, reading, writing, and listening) for varied audiences and purposes.
Beginning Level:
 Demonstrates understanding of
the English language (verbal
and written): uses correct
grammar, accurate spelling and
expression, legible handwriting
 Recognizes impact of non-
verbal communication in self
and others
 Recognizes the verbal and non-
verbal characteristics that
portray confidence
 Utilizes electronic
communication appropriately
Intermediate Level:
 Utilizes and modifies
communication (verbal, non-
verbal, written and electronic)
to meet the needs of different
audiences
 Restates, reflects and
clarifies message(s)
 Communicates collaboratively
with both individuals and
groups
 Collects necessary
information from all pertinent
individuals in the patient/client
management process
 Provides effective education
(verbal, non-verbal, written
and electronic)
Entry Level:
 Demonstrates the ability to
maintain appropriate control
of the communication
exchange with individuals
and groups
 Presents persuasive and
explanatory verbal, written
or electronic messages with
logical organization and
sequencing
 Maintains open and
constructive communication
 Utilizes communication
technology effectively and
efficiently
Post Entry Level:
 Adapts messages to
address needs,
expectations, and prior
knowledge of the audience
to maximize learning
 Effectively delivers
messages capable of
influencing patients, the
community and society
 Provides education locally,
regionally and/or nationally
 Mediates conflict

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have used alternative ways to communicate with resident’s such as using a whiteboard to write
simple questions, standing close and allowing the resident to view my mouth when speaking, and trying to communicate on the side where the resident has
better hearing. I have also used demonstration and visual cues when it is difficult for a resident to hear or verbally comprehend. I have been able to clearly
communicate with various staff members to ask or answer questions and to ask for assistance when needed.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to get better at maintaining control of the communication
exchange to keep a treatment session or evaluation on track when a resident is extremely verbal and likes to talk. I also need more experience with conflict
management and speaking at intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary meetings.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I just completed my pod meeting presentation and was able to provide education and communicated
in a persuasive and logical way. I have improved in my ability to accept and provide feedback and have constructive conversations.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: To move to a post-entry level, I can provide more presentations to various
audience groups to improve my delivery, communication, and way to maximize the audience’s learning. This can be done for groups, such as my peers, staff
members, residents, or community members. I feel that I need more experience with mediating conflicts and this experience will come as conflicts arise
further into my career.

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3. Problem Solving – The ability to recognize and define problems, analyze data, develop and implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
Beginning Level:
 Recognizes problems
 States problems clearly
 Describes known solutions to
problems
 Identifies resources needed to
develop solutions
 Uses technology to search for
and locate resources
 Identifies possible solutions and
probable outcomes
Intermediate Level:
 Prioritizes problems
 Identifies contributors to
problems
 Consults with others to clarify
problems
 Appropriately seeks input or
guidance
 Prioritizes resources (analysis
and critique of resources)
 Considers consequences of
possible solutions
Entry Level:
 Independently locates,
prioritizes and uses
resources to solve
problems
 Accepts responsibility for
implementing solutions
 Implements solutions
 Reassesses solutions
 Evaluates outcomes
 Modifies solutions based on
the outcome and current
evidence
 Evaluates generalizability of
current evidence to a
particular problem
Post Entry Level:
 Weighs advantages and
disadvantages of a solution
to a problem
 Participates in outcome
studies
 Participates in formal
quality assessment in work
environment
 Seeks solutions to
community health-related
problems
 Considers second and third
order effects of solutions
chosen

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I am able to independently make a problems and impairments list to implement appropriate
interventions to address these. I have also been able to seek guidance when needed and have taken responsibility for solutions I have trialed with patients.
For example, when I read through a resident’s medical history and medical codes, I consider how they will present and what objective measures I should use
for my examination. I have been able to see how these problems contribute to the resident’s overall presentation.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: To reach entry level, I should use and heavily weigh solutions by
considering current literature. With this, I should consider the consequences of the solution and be able to modify the intervention to fit an individual’s needs
and current presentation. At this point of my clinical, I should also try to independently locate resources and ways to solve problems.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been able to use available resources at the facility through speaking with others or researching
topics to brainstorm and solve problems. I have been able to modify solutions with interventions and weigh the advantages and disadvantages to trying new
tests and measures or interventions.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: To get better outcomes and understand the reasoning behind why
solutions worked or did not work, I can participate in formal quality assessments and outcome studies within the facility that I work at. This will further advance
my problem-solving abilities.

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4. Interpersonal Skills – The ability to interact effectively with patients, families, colleagues, other health care professionals, and the community in a
culturally aware manner.
Beginning Level:
 Maintains professional
demeanor in all
interactions
 Demonstrates interest in
patients as individuals
 Communicates with others
in a respectful and
confident manner
 Respects differences in
personality, lifestyle and
learning styles during
interactions with all
persons
 Maintains confidentiality in
all interactions
 Recognizes the emotions
and bias that one brings to
all professional interactions
Intermediate Level:
 Recognizes the non-verbal
communication and emotions
that others bring to
professional interactions
 Establishes trust
 Seeks to gain input from
others
 Respects role of others
 Accommodates differences in
learning styles as appropriate
Entry Level:
 Demonstrates active
listening skills and reflects
back to original concern to
determine course of action
 Responds effectively to
unexpected situations
 Demonstrates ability to
build partnerships
 Applies conflict
management strategies
when dealing with
challenging interactions
 Recognizes the impact of
non-verbal communication
and emotional responses
during interactions and
modifies own behaviors
based on them
Post Entry Level:
 Establishes mentor
relationships
 Recognizes the impact that
non-verbal communication
and the emotions of self and
others have during
interactions and
demonstrates the ability to
modify the behaviors of self
and others during the
interaction

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been successfully interacting with the residents and staff at this facility and trying to build
personal and professional relationships with them. I have maintained confidentiality, upheld a professional demeanor, and respected others’ beliefs and
opinions. I have accommodated to various learning styles based on resident’s current impairments to allow for adequate verbal and/or non-verbal
communication and interactions.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I need to continue gaining experiences with difficult conversations
and conflict management strategies. I also hope to continue building strong relationships and mentorships with the therapists for the remainder of this
clinical, continuing into when I become a licensed physical therapist.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post-entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: One of my goals was to work on conflict management and having difficult conversations with
residents when they came up. I was seeing one resident who frequently got upset and would talk very negatively about her life to the point that she would
get off topic, was not focused on her therapy tasks, and I was concerned with her safety. I would consistently have to redirect her, use positive
reinforcement, and/or help to diffuse the conversation and attend to her emotional state to keep her calm while offering support.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can further develop my professional behavior of interpersonal skills
by being more mindful and self-reflecting on my non-verbal communication during various interactions within the professional setting. Then with this
reflection, I can practice modifying my behavior to better suit the conversation and situation.

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5. Responsibility – The ability to be accountable for the outcomes of personal and professional actions and to follow through on commitments that
encompass the profession within the scope of work, community and social responsibilities.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Demonstrates punctuality  Displays awareness of and  Educates patients as  Recognizes role as a leader
 Provides a safe and sensitivity to diverse consumers of health care  Encourages and displays
secure environment for populations services leadership
patients  Completes projects without  Encourages patient  Facilitates program
 Assumes responsibility for prompting accountability development and
actions  Delegates tasks as needed  Directs patients to other modification
 Follows through on  Collaborates with team health care professionals  Promotes clinical training for
commitments members, patients and as needed students and coworkers
 Articulates limitations and families  Acts as a patient advocate  Monitors and adapts to
readiness to learn  Provides evidence-based  Promotes evidence-based changes in the health care
 Abides by all policies of patient care practice in health care system
academic program and settings  Promotes service to the
clinical facility  Accepts responsibility for community
implementing solutions
 Demonstrates
accountability for all
decisions and behaviors in
academic and clinical
settings
Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I strive to show up early, prepare to start each day by making the schedule for the day and to
prepare by reading through previous notes prior to starting treatments. I have collaborated with members of the team, including my clinical instructor,
physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and certified occupational therapist assistants, and been able to direct and delegate tasks. I have
been accountable for my actions and interventions I have implemented.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I have needed guidance to remember completing all tasks after
finishing my evaluation, such as putting in the orders into different databases. I want to become independent with this and remember to complete all
components like the orders and daily treatment notes. I also want to further act as a patient advocate during interdisciplinary meetings and care
conferences. I want to provide more resident and family/caregiver education.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have improved since midterm in that I need less guidance and cuing to remember to complete
all of the tasks after completing an initial evaluation. I can complete the therapy orders, Matrix orders, initial eval, and daily note without needing
reminders. I have served as a patient advocate when speaking with staff members and making suggestions, such as getting compression stockings for a
resident who had bilateral LE edema.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: To improve on the professional behavior of responsibility, I can build
in my confidence and grow as a leader within the facility where I work, become a clinical instructor to educate others, and promote community services.

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6. Professionalism – The ability to exhibit appropriate professional conduct and to represent the profession effectively while promoting the
growth/development of the Physical Therapy profession.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level:
 Abides by all aspects of
the academic program
honor code and the APTA
Code of Ethics
 Demonstrates awareness
of state licensure
regulations
 Projects professional
image
 Attends professional
meetings
 Demonstrates
cultural/generational
awareness, ethical values,
respect, and continuous
regard for all classmates,
academic and clinical
faculty/staff, patients,
families, and other
healthcare providers
Entry Level:
 Identifies positive
professional role models
within the academic and
clinical settings
 Acts on moral commitment
during all academic and
clinical activities
 Identifies when the input of
classmates, co-workers and
other healthcare
professionals will result in
optimal outcome and acts
accordingly to attain such
input and share decision
making
 Discusses societal
expectations of the profession
Post Entry Level:
 Demonstrates  Actively promotes and
understanding of scope of advocates for the
practice as evidenced by profession
treatment of patients within  Pursues leadership roles
scope of practice, referring  Supports research
to other healthcare  Participates in program
professionals as necessary development
 Provides patient/family  Participates in education of
centered care at all times the community
as evidenced by provision  Demonstrates the ability to
of patient/family education, practice effectively in
seeking patient input and multiple settings
informed consent for all  Acts as a clinical instructor
aspects of care and  Advocates for the patient,
maintenance of patient the community and society
dignity
 Seeks excellence in
professional practice by
participation in professional
organizations and
attendance at sessions or
participation in activities
that further
education/professional
development
 Utilizes evidence to guide
clinical decision making and
the provision of patient
care, following guidelines
for best practices
 Discusses role of physical
therapy within the
healthcare system and in
population health
 Demonstrates leadership in
collaboration with both
individuals and groups
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6. Professionalism (cont.) – The ability to exhibit appropriate professional conduct and to represent the profession effectively while promoting the
growth/development of the Physical Therapy profession.

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have practiced within the scope of physical therapy over the past 7 weeks and I have abided by
the rules and regulations of the facility, my university, and the APTA. I have seeked outside learning opportunities by observing and interacting with
multiple healthcare professionals who work at Norlite Nursing Center. I have advocated for the profession when talking to patients I see and when talking
with friends and family.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I will not be attending a professional meeting ( a state or national
conference) while on this clinical rotation, but I hope to attend one this year and become a more active member of the profession. I also need to improve
my willingness to dive deeper into the evidence and use this to guide the way I practice.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have demonstrated flexibility in working at this setting and being able to practice in multiple PT
settings over my past 3 clinical experiences. I have participated in my professional development by seeking out outside learning opportunities at this
clinical and while studying for the NPTE to stay up to date on current practices and topics. I have used the information I’ve learned to guide my practice.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can improve in my professionalism by participating in the APTA and
by attending professional conferences for continuing education opportunities. I can also take on leadership roles and further advocate for patients and my
community.

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7. Use of Constructive Feedback – The ability to seek out and identify quality sources of feedback, reflect on and integrate the feedback, and provide
meaningful feedback to others.
Beginning Level:
 Demonstrates active
listening skills
 Assesses own
performance
 Actively seeks feedback
from appropriate sources
 Demonstrates receptive
behavior and positive
attitude toward feedback
 Incorporates specific
feedback into behaviors
 Maintains two-way
communication without
defensiveness
Intermediate Level:
 Critiques own performance
accurately
 Responds effectively to
constructive feedback
 Utilizes feedback when
establishing professional and
patient related goals
 Develops and implements a
plan of action in response to
feedback
 Provides constructive and
timely feedback
Entry Level:
 Independently engages in a
continual process of self
evaluation of skills,
knowledge and abilities
 Seeks feedback from
patients/clients and
peers/mentors
 Readily integrates feedback
provided from a variety of
sources to improve skills,
knowledge and abilities
 Uses multiple approaches
when responding to
feedback
 Reconciles differences with
sensitivity
 Modifies feedback given to
patients/clients according to
their learning styles
Post Entry Level:
 Engages in non-
judgmental, constructive
problem-solving
discussions
 Acts as conduit for
feedback between multiple
sources
 Seeks feedback from a
variety of sources to
include
students/supervisees/
peers/supervisors/patients
 Utilizes feedback when
analyzing and updating
professional goals

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I continually try to self-reflect on a day-to-day basis to critique my performance, consider
feedback, and assess goals. I use feedback that I’ve received from staff and residents to change or modify my performance.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: Over the next 7 weeks, I can further progress toward entry level by
seeking more feedback, providing feedback to others in a professional manner, and ensuring that I incorporate this feedback into my performance. I can
also be mindful of how I accept feedback and unsure that I’m monitoring my verbal and non-verbal responses.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: Since the midterm evaluation, I have improved in my ability to seek out feedback from my clinical
instructor, other staff members, and residents. I have then been able to use their constructive feedback to analyze and update my professional goals.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can improve in this professional behavior by learning to use multiple
approaches to respond to feedback and being involved in more constructive conversations with others.

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8. Effective Use of Time and Resources – The ability to manage time and resources effectively to obtain the maximum possible benefit.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Comes prepared for the  Utilizes effective methods of  Uses current best evidence  Advances profession by
day’s searching for evidence for  Collaborates with members contributing to the body of
activities/responsibilities practice decisions of the team to maximize knowledge (outcomes, case
 Identifies resource  Recognizes own resource the impact of treatment studies, etc)
limitations (i.e. information, contributions available  Applies best evidence
time, experience)  Shares knowledge and  Has the ability to set considering available
 Determines when and how collaborates with staff to boundaries, negotiate, resources and constraints
much help/assistance is utilize best current evidence compromise, and set  Organizes and prioritizes
needed  Discusses and implements realistic expectations effectively
 Accesses current evidence strategies for meeting  Gathers data and  Prioritizes multiple demands
in a timely manner productivity standards effectively interprets and and situations that arise on
 Verbalizes productivity  Identifies need for and seeks assimilates the data to a given day
standards and identifies referrals to other disciplines determine plan of care  Mentors peers and
barriers to meeting  Utilizes community supervisees in increasing
productivity standards resources in discharge productivity and/or
 Self-identifies and initiates planning effectiveness without
learning opportunities  Adjusts plans, schedule decrement in quality of care
during unscheduled time etc. as patient needs and
circumstances dictate
 Meets productivity
standards of facility while
providing quality care and
completing non-productive
work activities
Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been using my time wisely and effectively to perform treatments, evaluations, and
completing documentation, such as daily notes, initial evaluations, discharge notes, and progress notes. I have been able to ask others for assistance for
both my safety and the resident’s safety, along with seeking out other healthcare providers when needed.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I want to improve my knowledge on productivity standards within this
setting and expand my knowledge on local, community resources. I think I can achieve this by viewing my clinical instructor’s productivity each week and
reflect upon why I did or did not meet the standard. Then I can think of ways to reach this consistently.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have improved in asking about productivity standards at this facility to see how many minutes
per day a physical therapist should be productive. I have seen utilization of community resources for discharge planning through the social worker’s
suggestions and by recommending home health services upon discharge home, when appropriate.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I need to learn more about productivity standards, so that I am able to
discuss and form strategies to further meet standards. I also need more experiences with prioritizing multiple demands throughout the day, so that I can
be productive and meet these set standards.

10
9. Stress Management – The ability to identify sources of stress and to develop and implement effective coping behaviors; this applies for interactions
for: self, patient/clients and their families, members of the health care team and in work/life scenarios.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Recognizes own stressors  Actively employs stress  Demonstrates appropriate  Recognizes when problems
 Recognizes distress or management techniques affective responses in all are unsolvable
problems in others  Reconciles inconsistencies in situations  Assists others in
 Seeks assistance as the educational process  Responds calmly to urgent recognizing and managing
needed  Maintains balance between situations with reflection stressors
 Maintains professional professional and personal life and debriefing as needed  Demonstrates preventative
demeanor in all situations  Accepts constructive  Prioritizes multiple approach to stress
feedback and clarifies commitments management
expectations  Reconciles inconsistencies  Establishes support
 Establishes outlets to cope within professional, networks for self and others
with stressors personal and work/life  Offers solutions to the
environments reduction of stress
 Demonstrates ability to  Models work/life balance
defuse potential stressors through health/wellness
with self and others behaviors in professional
and personal life

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been limiting both personal and professional stressors and have been able to maintain
balance in my life. I have been trying to redirect conversations and reassure residents when I sense that they are stressed or upset. I actively listen and
try to calm down the situation.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I need more experience with managing and prioritizing multiple
commitments. I also need to seek out more constructive feedback. I need to improve on ways to help others not only recognize their stressors, but
manage them and allow the resident to be more successful and focused in therapy.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have improved my ability to ask and provide constructive feedback since the midterm. I have
been able to recognize stressors in others and have tried to offer options to manage their current stressors. During this clinical rotation, I have been been
a good example of maintaining a professional and personal life balance by attending my clinical, exercising, studying for my board exam, and still being
able to spend time with friends and family.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I need more experience with prioritizing multiple
tasks/responsibilities, so that I can improve in this area. I can also further educate others on ways to reduce stress and offer management solutions when
needed.

11
10. Commitment to Learning – The ability to self direct learning to include the identification of needs and sources of learning; and to continually seek
and apply new knowledge, behaviors, and skills.
Beginning Level: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Prioritizes information  Researches and studies  Respectfully questions  Acts as a mentor not only to
needs areas where own knowledge conventional wisdom other PT’s, but to other
 Analyzes and subdivides base is lacking in order to  Formulates and re- health professionals
large questions into augment learning and evaluates position based  Utilizes mentors who have
components practice on available evidence knowledge available to
 Identifies own learning  Applies new information and  Demonstrates confidence them
needs based on previous re-evaluates performance in sharing new knowledge  Continues to seek and
experiences  Accepts that there may be with all staff levels review relevant literature
 Welcomes and/or seeks more than one answer to a  Modifies programs and  Works towards clinical
new learning opportunities problem treatments based on specialty certifications
 Seeks out professional  Recognizes the need to and newly-learned skills and  Seeks specialty training
literature is able to verify solutions to considerations  Is committed to
 Plans and presents an in- problems  Consults with other health understanding the PT’s role
service, research or cases  Reads articles critically and professionals and physical in the health care
studies understands limits of therapists for treatment environment today (i.e.
application to professional ideas wellness clinics, massage
practice therapy, holistic medicine)
 Pursues participation in
clinical education as an
educational opportunity
Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I am currently studying for my National Physical Therapy Examination, and I have been able to
read up on areas where my knowledge is lacking, along with applying new information that I have learned. I have really noticed this when understanding
the pathophysiology and signs/symptoms involved with a medical diagnosis involving the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and
cardiopulmonary systems. I have also been seeking new learning opportunities with other healthcare providers, and I want to continue this for the
remainder of my clinical rotation.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: Again, I can do a better job of seeking out and critically analyzing
professional literature. I also plan to conduct my in-service presentation for the rehab staff at this site, and this will help me gain confidence in sharing
knowledge and speaking with staff.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: This is one of the areas where I think I have improved the most. I have been performing literature
reviews to make two inservice presentations and have critically analyzed the applicability research studies. I also talked with my professor and she stated
that studying for the NPTE is also consider a commitment to learning and that I am reviewing evidence-based materials. I also consulted with and knew
who to contact when wanting to review materials, such as BPPV prior to a treatment session.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can continue to improve by further reading and analyzing the
evidence. I am also considering working toward a clinical specialty certification as a gain more experience practicing on my own to continue with my
professional development. I would also like to serve as a mentor for other professionals and become a clinical instructor one day.

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Professional Development Plan:
Based on my MIDTERM self-assessment of my Professional Behaviors and the areas I have identified for improvement, I am setting the
following goals (list at least 2):
-I want to improve my professional behaviors involving my commitment to learning, professionalism, and problem solving by reviewing 1article per week
that has a high level of evidence and is pertinent to a resident on my caseload for the next 7 weeks to advance my knowledge within the field of physical
therapy.
-I want to improve my professional behavior involving the use of constructive feedback by seeking out verbal feedback from at least one resident, one of
their family members, and multiple rehab staff at the facility over the next 7 weeks to allow me to self-reflect and become a better physical therapist.
-Over the next 7 weeks, I want to improve my professional behavior involving problem solving by being independently able to complete 100% of the
documentation in a day by successfully completing all the initial evaluations, daily notes, and therapy orders without needing any verbal reminders or
cues.

To accomplish these goals, I will take the following specific actions:

-Setting aside a half hour to an hour per week to review a diagnosis, test and measure, or intervention that I could learn more about to help with a
specific resident’s treatment/case. I can use searching techniques that I learned this summer during my research class. I will also be reviewing current
literature when putting together the inservice presentations for my pod meeting and for the inservice I will give to the staff at Norlite.
-I can verbally seek out feedback from each discipline and from different residents randomly. It may be more beneficial to ask the resident and/or their
family just before they are being discharged from therapy or the facility, so that I can get honest, constructive feedback from them.
-I can use a checklist to make sure that I am completing each component after an initial evaluation. I like organization and having a thorough system will
keep me on track to know what I have completed and what I still have left to do. One recommendation was made to me by an occupational therapist and
he uses an acronym to remember to complete each of the 4 components that we have to complete after an initial evaluation: M E N O (Matrix orders,
Evaluation note, daily Note, and Orders for nursing staff on ambulation and transfers).

Based on my FINAL self-assessment of my Professional Behaviors and the areas I have identified for improvement, I am setting the following
goals (list at least 2):
- I want to improve my professional behaviors involving my commitment to learning, professionalism, and problem solving by reviewing 1article per week
that is considered a high level of evidence and is pertinent to a patient who is on my caseload to advance my knowledge within the field of physical
therapy and allow me to continue developing as a young professional.

- I want to improve my professional behaviors involving stress management and the effective use of time and resources by being able to better prioritize
multiple commitments throughout my day to stay productive by making to-do lists and arranging items from most to least importance.

- I want to improve my professional behaviors involving communication and interpersonal skills by self-reflecting through journaling one time each month
on how I felt a difficult situation or conflict went with a patient, their family, and/or another other staff member(s) to allow me to be more prepared and
improve my response if a similar situation occurs later in my career.

To accomplish these goals, I will take the following specific actions:

-I can accomplish this goal by setting aside time outside of work, or during my down time at work, to research these topics. I can also express and further
expand upon my knowledge by providing presentations to various groups, such as other staff members or community members.
-I can make to-do lists and stay organized by coming in early to work and preparing for each day.
-Journal once per month on a difficult situation or conflict. It would be beneficial to write about this on the day the situation occurs or the day after, so that
my thoughts and feelings are fresh in my mind.

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By my signature below, I indicate that I have completed this self-assessment and sought feedback from my CI regarding my self-assessment.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Midterm Evaluation Date___________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Final Evaluation Date_____________________________

By my signature below, I indicate that I have reviewed this self-assessment and discussed it with the student.

CI signature: _______________________________________________ Midterm Evaluation Date_________________________

CI signature: _______________________________________________ Final Evaluation Date____________________________

CI Suggestions/Feedback:

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