Professional Behaviors Assessment

Student Name ___Sarah Doren___________________________ Internship Facility _____OrthoCincy - Florence_______________

Clinical Instructor _______Josh Deloriea_____________________ Clinical Dates _____6/29/20-8/21/20_______________________

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

2. Become familiar with the behavioral criteria described in each of the levels.

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

4. At the end of the internship, complete this form.

a) Using a Highlighter Pen or the highlight function in MS Word, highlight all criteria that describes behaviors you demonstrate in Beginning
(column 1), Intermediate (column 2), Entry Level (column 3) or Post-Entry Level Professional Behaviors.
b) Identify the level within which you predominately function.
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, specifically seeking his/her feedback.

6. Have your CI sign that they have read and discussed your self-assessment; sign and return to the DCE.

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

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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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. Throughout this clinical, I gained experience in formulating alternative hypotheses when presentations were not adding up in the way I would expect. For
example, we evaluated a patient with a referral for greater trochanteric bursitis but upon evaluation she seemed to present with other symptoms that
seemed more like a hip labral tear. With my CI, we formed this alternative hypothesis and treated her, without being tied to the original diagnosis.
2. During this clinical, I made a lot of progress in utilizing didactic knowledge, research evidence, and clinical experience to formulate ideas. Prior to this
clinical, I was lacking the clinical experience portion of this trio. Now that I have some clinical experience, the didactic knowledge and the need for good
evidence makes much more sense to me.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. One of the improvements I would like to make this year is to be able to infer applicability of information across diverse populations. Now that I have more
outpatient experience, I will be able to focus my learning and growth towards applying basic musculoskeletal theories to more complicated patient
populations. For example, next rotation I may work with a patient in acute care who is recovering from a TKA but also has other medical complications.
2. I will improve my ability to critically analyze the literature as is applies to patient management. I started making progress with this skill when I used my CAT
project to analyze the literature on managing post-operative patients and screening for DVTs in the outpatient setting. I will continue to turn to the literature
when I need clarity on patient management.

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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: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry 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
 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)
 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
 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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. My communication skills have improved so much during PTP1. I can read a person’s facial expression fairly accurately to identify if my original message
was understood or not. If not, I am now able to restate and/or clarify if a patient does not understand my original statement. I can do this via visual, tactile,
or verbal messages depending on the person. I also have learned various metaphors or helpful hints for many common exercises.
2. I am able to provide effective education in many formats. For example, I worked with a patient who is completely deaf and partially blind and I learned to
educate via verbal communication with the assistance of an interpreter, non-verbal communication via tactile and visual education, as well as written
education for the patient’s HEP.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I look forward to improving my communication skills by learning more about communication technology. I will do this by being aware of these technologies
and inquiring about them as I work with more patient populations in the future, especially in acute care settings.
2. I will improve upon my ability to maintain appropriate control of communication. I encountered a few situations in the clinic where the conversation seemed
to head in an inappropriate direction that was out of my control. I will practice this skill during skill checks, patient scenarios, and labs this school year so
that I am not caught off guard during my next clinical.

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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: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:

 Recognizes problems  Prioritizes problems
 States problems clearly  Identifies contributors to
 Describes known solutions to problems
problems  Consults with others to clarify
 Identifies resources needed to problems
develop solutions  Appropriately seeks input or
 Uses technology to search for guidance
and locate resources  Prioritizes resources (analysis
 Identifies possible solutions and and critique of resources)
probable outcomes  Considers consequences of
possible solutions
 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
 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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. I have improved upon my ability to appropriately seek input/guidance during PTP1. Towards the end of the rotation I became much more comfortable
problem solving on my own and coming to my CI with multiple solutions I had already thought of instead of coming to him without any solutions. I will
continue to build my confidence with this in classes, by bringing my peers and teachers solutions instead of expecting them to tell me solutions.
2. I am much better at consulting with others to clarify problems after PTP1. For example, if I was confused about an exercise or I had a question about a
diagnosis, I knew I could consult with my CI, the PTA on our team, the patient involved, or the medical records.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. The biggest improvement I would like to make this year is my ability to prioritize resources, especially the resource of time! I often have difficulty problem
solving when there is a lack of resources (ex. Not enough time, equipment unavailable). I will do this by utilizing my time during practical scenarios and
also think of how to prioritize the resources available to me at school, such as different equipment in the labs.
2. I will improve upon my ability to think of all of the consequences of a solution. For example, when considering a patient’s medical precautions I will be able
to choose exercises/solutions based upon weighing the risks and rewards of the decision. I will also need to do my research in terms of making sure I
know what all of the consequences of the decision are.

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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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. Working it a PT and PTA allowed me really great insight and growth in the area of recognizing non-verbal communication in a professional setting. For
example, I learned to watch for when they might need help with a patient or if they were being overwhelmed. More commonly, I learned to communicate
my feelings of overwhelm non-verbally and professionally in a way that my patients were not affected. I was also able to identify emotions of frustration or
anxiety in my patients and respond to those emotions professionally, either by education or being more gentle with my interactions.
2. I got the opportunity to work with a few children during this rotation which allowed me to grow in my ability to accommodate to a different learning style.
With younger children, I often changed the words I used to educate and switched to more tactile cuing if there was a lower level of body awareness.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I need to improve upon my ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations. During classes, I will practice this by taking my practical scenarios
seriously since I am sure there will be unexpected challenges included. I will also continue to watch how my mentors respond to unexpected situations.
2. I will also grow in my ability to manage conflict during difficult interactions. I will do this by appropriately and respectfully responding to any conflicts I might
encounter with peers, such as disagreeing during classes. I will also practice this in my next clinical rotation and reflect upon the few difficult scenarios I
encountered in PTP1.

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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:
 Demonstrates punctuality
 Provides a safe and secure
environment for patients
 Assumes responsibility for
actions
 Follows through on
commitments
 Articulates limitations and
readiness to learn
 Abides by all policies of
academic program and
clinical facility
Intermediate Level:
 Displays awareness of and
sensitivity to diverse populations
 Completes projects without
prompting
 Delegates tasks as needed
 Collaborates with team
members, patients and families
 Provides evidence-based
patient care
Entry Level:
 Educates patients as
consumers of health care
services
 Encourages patient
accountability
 Directs patients to other
health care professionals as
needed
 Acts as a patient advocate
 Promotes evidence-based
practice in health care
settings
 Accepts responsibility for
implementing solutions
 Demonstrates accountability
for all decisions and
behaviors in academic and
clinical settings
Post Entry Level:
 Recognizes role as a leader
 Encourages and displays
leadership
 Facilitates program
development and modification
 Promotes clinical training for
students and coworkers
 Monitors and adapts to
changes in the health care
system
 Promotes service to the
community

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. During PTP1 I was very intentional about incorporating evidence-based care. For example, I centered my project around evidence-based screening and
diagnosis for post-operative DVT. I knew that the first place I should look was the APTA’s CPG. I spoke with my CI about what I learned and incorporated
some of the ideas into my subjective interview and objective evaluation.
2. On this clinical rotation I really learned about different ways to encourage patient accountability. For example, one patient was really motivated to move to
Florida after she finished her rehabilitation. I made sure to remember this detail about her and remind her of that goal when she was discouraged about
the painful aspects of therapy.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. At this point in time, I have a really difficult time making decisions regarding referral back to an MD. For example, I struggle when making decisions about
infected incisions, DVT risks, or potential cysts. I am improving upon this skill by discussing each scenario with my CI and also researching about these
topics so that I have a better idea of what is serious and needs a referral.
2. I will improve upon my ability to educate patients as a consumer of health care services. I will do this by reminding myself that the patient is ultimately in
control as the consumer and I am there simply to provide guidance and direction. I will practice this when I am working through scenarios with my
classmates and also with the patients I work with on my next rotation. I will focus on involving the patients more in my decisions regarding their care.

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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:
 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
Intermediate 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
Entry Level:
 Demonstrates understanding of scope of
practice as evidenced by treatment of patients
within scope of practice, referring to other
healthcare professionals as necessary
 Provides patient/family centered care at all
times as evidenced by provision of
patient/family education, seeking patient input
and informed consent for all aspects of care
and maintenance of patient 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
Post Entry Level:
 Actively promotes and
advocates for the profession
 Pursues leadership roles
 Supports research
 Participates in program
development
 Participates in education of
the community
 Demonstrates the ability to
practice effectively in
multiple settings
 Acts as a clinical instructor
 Advocates for the patient,
the community and society

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. I always act under moral commitment during clinical and academic activities. Academically, this might look like not using outside resources during online
testing. In the clinic, I act morally by following HIPPA rules and by not discussing my patients with other people or other therapists if it is not necessary.
2. I learned a lot about integrating the input of others, such as my CI, PTAs, patient, classmates, into my decision making process without losing sight of my
opinion as well. For example, sometimes I thought a patient might have a certain diagnosis but my CI thought it was something different. I still held onto
the diagnosis that I was investigating but I took into consideration his input and weighed it with his years of experience to ultimately alter my decision
making.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I will improve upon my ability to discuss societal expectations of the PT profession by doing just that, discussing the societal expectations of a PT with
many people and within many settings. I will practice this by engaging in conversations with clinicians, my classmates, patients I encounter, or even my
friends and family to better understand what society expects of a PT.
2. I will improve upon my understanding of the role of a PT within the healthcare system and in population health by reading resources, looking for mentors in
many different settings, and speaking to other healthcare workers (i.e. my friends or other college members that practice in OT, ST, social work, nursing).

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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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. Early on in my relationship with my CI, I found myself interjecting his statements when I knew the answer to his questions. I became very aware of when I
was doing this. I apologized and explained that sometimes I would just blurt out interjections as my brain was moving too fast for me! Due to honest
communication, my CI understood and did not see this as me being rude but instead being engaged in our conversation. I have improved my active
listening to not include as many interjections.
2. I respond effectively to constructive feedback from my CI in the clinic by trying to integrate that feedback as soon as possible. For example, when we
discuss the goals for the next week, I often try to start integrating the goals and feedback received that very day or with the next patient when applicable.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I will improve upon my effort to be intentional with creating a plan of action in response to feedback. This document allows me to intentionally create a plan
of action for the next year based on the feedback I received from this first clinical.
2. I will improve upon my ability to critique my own performance by reflecting from a place of objectivity instead of emotion. I will work on this by critiquing my
performances after any positive or negative emotions have leveled out and I can think more clearly. For example, I might wait to critique my performance
after a skills check later that evening or the next day while the details are still fresh in my memory but I am not as anxious or upset about my performance.

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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 day’s
activities/responsibilities
 Identifies resource limitations
(i.e. information, time,
experience)
 Determines when and how
much help/assistance is needed
 Accesses current evidence in a
timely manner
 Verbalizes productivity
standards and identifies barriers
to meeting productivity
standards
 Self-identifies and initiates
learning opportunities during
unscheduled time
 Utilizes effective methods of
searching for evidence for practice
decisions
 Recognizes own resource
contributions
 Shares knowledge and
collaborates with staff to utilize best
current evidence
 Discusses and implements
strategies for meeting productivity
standards
 Identifies need for and seeks
referrals to other disciplines
 Uses current best evidence
 Collaborates with members of
the team to maximize the impact
of treatment available
 Has the ability to set boundaries,
negotiate, compromise, and set
realistic expectations
 Gathers data and effectively
interprets and assimilates the
data to determine plan of care
 Utilizes community resources in
discharge planning
 Adjusts plans, schedule etc. as
patient needs and circumstances
dictate
 Meets productivity standards of
facility while providing quality
care and completing non-
productive work activities
 Advances profession by
contributing to the body of
knowledge (outcomes, case
studies, etc)
 Applies best evidence
considering available resources
and constraints
 Organizes and prioritizes
effectively
 Prioritizes multiple demands and
situations that arise on a given
day
 Mentors peers and supervisees
in increasing productivity and/or
effectiveness without decrement
in quality of care

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. I came prepared for the day’s activities in the clinic by always arriving 15-30 minutes early and looking ahead to see if there were any patient diagnoses
that I needed to review ahead of time.
2. I was able to share knowledge during my clinical by discussing my experience in research with my coworkers, especially in regards to patients that
seemed to have neurological involvements. I also shared knowledge regarding DVT screening via the critically appraised topic project that I completed.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I still do not quite understand productivity standards. I will improve my knowledge of productivity standards by discussing with clinicians and professors
what productivity might look like in different practice settings and how to strategically meet those standards.
2. I do understand exactly what it means to recognize my own resource contributions but I will improve upon my understanding of resources by learning in
my future professional roles classes and asking questions about this topic if I still do not understand.

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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 recognizing
 Seeks assistance as needed the educational process  Responds calmly to urgent and managing stressors
 Maintains professional  Maintains balance between situations with reflection and  Demonstrates preventative
demeanor in all situations professional and personal life debriefing as needed approach to stress
 Accepts constructive feedback  Prioritizes multiple management
and clarifies expectations commitments  Establishes support networks
 Establishes outlets to cope with  Reconciles inconsistencies for self and others
stressors within professional, personal  Offers solutions to the
and work/life 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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. Throughout the first year of PT school, which was completed in the midst of a pandemic, I really had to actively employ stress management techniques in
order to be successful. For me, this looked like taking Sunday as a day of rest and always finding ways to exercise and move my body.
2. Again, working with my CI really helped me to improve upon my ability to calmly and objectively accept feedback. If I did not understand something, I
became comfortable with asking him to clarify. I also practiced speaking clear expectations to my patients and my CI.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I still want to improve upon my ability to respond calmly in urgent situations. I will improve this skill by working in more clinical care settings and likely
encountering more urgent situations, especially with reflection after each emergency-type situation. I am also personally working through my own
stressors and trauma from past emergency situations with healthcare professionals so that I can better serve my future patients.
2. The pandemic really forced me into having to reconcile inconsistencies with professional and personal environments and decisions. I was thrown into
decision making that I never expected to have to make, such as choosing to not see my friends or travel in the case that it would increase the likelihood of
transmitting COVID-19 to my patients. I will reflect upon what that experience has been like and identify if there are any other inconsistencies that I need
to consider.

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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:
 Prioritizes information needs
 Analyzes and subdivides
large questions into
components
 Identifies own learning needs
based on previous
experiences
 Welcomes and/or seeks new
learning opportunities
 Seeks out professional
literature
 Plans and presents an in-
service, research or cases
studies
Intermediate Level:
 Researches and studies areas
where own knowledge base is
lacking in order to augment
learning and practice
 Applies new information and re-
evaluates performance
 Accepts that there may be more
than one answer to a problem
 Recognizes the need to and is
able to verify solutions to
problems
 Reads articles critically and
understands limits of application
to professional practice
Entry Level:
 Respectfully questions
conventional wisdom
 Formulates and re-evaluates
position based on available
evidence
 Demonstrates confidence in
sharing new knowledge with
all staff levels
 Modifies programs and
treatments based on newly-
learned skills and
considerations
 Consults with other health
professionals and physical
therapists for treatment ideas
Post Entry Level:
 Acts as a mentor not only to
other PT’s, but to other health
professionals
 Utilizes mentors who have
knowledge available to them
 Continues to seek and review
relevant literature
 Works towards clinical
specialty certifications
 Seeks specialty training
 Is committed to understanding
the PT’s role in the health care
environment today (i.e.
wellness clinics, massage
therapy, holistic medicine)
 Pursues participation in
clinical education as an
educational opportunity

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

1. Working in the clinic helped me to really grow in my ability to seek out professional literature, especially when treating people with diagnoses I was not
familiar with. I have shifted my mindset from being overwhelmed by literature to instead being thankful for the accessibility of vast amounts of literature.
2. Again, now that I have more clinic experience I better understand the limits of applying evidence-based approaches in the clinic. For example, if the
evidence does not line up with how the clinic operates, then the PT must adjust the recommendations of the literature to fit practically within the
constraints of the clinic.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
1. I will improve upon my ability to respectfully question conventional wisdom as I continue to learn more and work with more wise people. I will likely practice
this by questioning the wisdom of my professors when something does not make sense to me.
2. I will continue to improve upon my ability to actually apply the new information I learn to patient care. In the clinic, I was sometimes hesitant to apply the
newest information I had learned in school if it did not match up with how my CI liked to practice. Moving forward, I will make more of an effort to at least
inquire about adding new information or new techniques with the promise of evaluating how it goes afterwards.

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Professional Development Plan:

Based on my self-assessment of my Professional Behaviors and the areas I have identified for improvement, I am setting the following goals:

1. I will improve in the skill of critical thinking, focusing specifically on my ability to critically analyze the literature and apply it to patient management.
2. I will continue to grow into my role as a health professional. Specifically, with a focus on understanding my role in overall patient management and being
confident in my expertise.
3. I will increase my exposure to diverse cultures, thus improving my awareness and sensitivity.
4. I will improve my understanding of time and resources as it relates to productivity.

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

1. I will continue to grow as a critical thinker by asking myself how the material I am learning in class and throughout the literature relates to the clinical
experiences that I had throughout PTP1. I will look back on my patient encounters notes and identify patients that could have benefited from other evidence-based
therapies. I will also critically apply the literature and my past clinical experience to future clinical experiences by choosing treatments that are supported by data
and also tolerated well by the patients that I worked with during PTP1.
2. I will continue to grow into my role as a knowledgeable health professional by paying close attention to how my mentors operate within interdisciplinary
healthcare teams, speaking to other healthcare providers whenever possible, and better understanding what society views a physical therapist as by asking
patients as well as family/friends of their views on PT.
3. I will increase my exposure to diverse populations by actively seeking conversation with people of various backgrounds or by attending events that I would not
typically attend. I will also listen to podcasts or social media discussions, both healthcare and non-healthcare centered, led by people who are of various
backgrounds.
4. I will improve my understanding of time and resources as it relates to productivity by asking questions about productivity to my CI during my last week of
clinical, learning about productivity standards during upcoming my professional roles classes (hopefully), and by thinking creatively about solutions to a lack of time
or resources as it relates to community and public health.

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 ___________________________________________ Date__________________________

CI feedback/suggestions:

CI signature: _______________________________________________ Date:_________________________

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