Professional Behaviors Assessment

Student Name ___Hannah Cook___________________________ Internship Facility: __Jewish Hospital____

Clinical Instructor ____Patricia Ciarniello_________________________ Clinical Dates ____Aug 21st – Oct 20th _____________________

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
appraise findings (i.e.  Seeks alternative ideas contradictory ideas based on source and level of
methodology and conclusion)  Formulates alternative  Identifies appropriate evidence
 Recognizes holes in knowledge hypotheses measures and determines  Identifies complex patterns of
base  Critiques hypotheses and effectiveness of applied associations
 Demonstrates acceptance of ideas at a level consistent solutions efficiently  Distinguishes when to think
limited knowledge and with knowledge base  Justifies solutions selected intuitively vs. analytically
experience in knowledge base  Acknowledges presence of  Recognizes own biases and
contradictions suspends judgmental thinking
 Challenges others to think
critically

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

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

I am able to use my subjective and objective findings within my examination to form proper hypotheses and then perform additional testing to rule ideas in or out. I
choose objective measures to re-evaluate based off of the examination. I perform research on patient presentations or specific diagnoses in clinic in order to
enhance my current knowledge. I also take in the feedback of my CI and other clinicians to think about and test for contradictory theories.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I need to improve my ability to recognize and then follow complex patterns of associations and typical presentations for specific diagnoses. As a student, I do not
feel like I am in a position to necessarily challenge other people or clinicians to “think critically” but it is an opportunity for me to do when I am in the field as a
licensed clinician and can take a role as a CI.

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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:

I always adapt my form of communication so that my message is appropriately conveyed to different audiences. It is not just how I communicate, it is also what I
communicate. I take into consideration the needs of my patients and their knowledge surrounding their health and plan of care and I adapt my communication to fit
what is best for the patient. I am able to communicate the needs of my patients effectively through documentation. I am also always open to constructive feedback
from my CI and other clinicians/staff in clinic and am willing to keep an open line of communication among all of them as well.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I have not had the opportunity as a student to necessarily provide education to others locally, regionally, and/or nationally. I am always aiming to educate my
patients on the basics of wellbeing and fitness and how it can play a part in their life and tolerance to future activities, but I have not performed this education to
community members as a whole.

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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:

I am able to effectively evaluate the information I received from my patient throughout the subjective and objective examine to list the problems, and then begin
implementing solutions through therapeutic exercise and therapeutic activity. I am then able to take these subjective and objective findings and re-evaluate them
periodically throughout a patients episode of care in order to determine the effectiveness of the solution and modify the solution as needed to best fit the needs of
my patient.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I have not participated in outcome studies or formal quality assessments in the work environment, but I would like to develop and understand how these
assessments work and the requirements on licensed working professionals in specific clinic environments to conduct these assessments. I would like to improve
my understanding of community related health problems and initiatives and be more active in problem solving on a more local and regional front.

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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:

I am always aware of my facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, and gestures when working with patients so that I am approachable, and my patients feel
comfortable with communicating with me. I always demonstrate active listening and let the patient discuss the full extent of the issue before interrupting with
additional questions and I repeat the patients concerns and goals for therapy to ensure we create a plan of care that best meets their expectations for therapy.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I can continue to always improve my ability to respond to challenging situations whether that is patient attitude to treatment, unexpected examination findings, or
difficult patient presentations. There will always be difficult situations that I can not lose my temper over or get stressed about. I am also a student and have not
had the opportunity to act in a mentorship relationship with someone else. If anything, I am currently the one being mentored but I would like to take notes on all of
the wonderful tips my CI’s have given me and the way in which they mentored and use this in the future when I am in a position to do the same.

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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:

I always educate my patients on the purpose of movement and exercise and how it can impact their general health and wellbeing. I also educate my patients on
the importance of continuing with an HEP at home in order to make improvements in strength, flexibility, balance, etc. and the importance of continuing that
regimen after discharge in order to maintain that level of fitness. I take ownership for all decisions I make with the patients and in clinic and use those as
opportunities for growth and continued learning.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I can improve my understanding of changes in the healthcare system and do my best to modify my programs to best meet these changes. For example, Jewish
Hospital stopped accepting BCBS Medicare/Medicaid and it was the responsibility of the employees to notify all patients within the clinic that after Oct 1 st, they
would no longer be able to use insurance at this facility. I could improve my ability to keep up to date with these changes and educate/advocate for my patients.

6. Professionalism – The ability to exhibit appropriate professional conduct and to represent the profession effectively while promoting the growth/development
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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: Post Entry Level:
 Demonstrates understanding of scope  Actively promotes and
of practice as evidenced by treatment of advocates for the profession
patients within scope of practice,  Pursues leadership roles
referring to other healthcare  Supports research
professionals as necessary  Participates in program
 Provides patient/family centered care at development
all times as evidenced by provision of  Participates in education of the
patient/family education, seeking patient community
input and informed consent for all  Demonstrates the ability to
aspects of care and maintenance of practice effectively in multiple
patient dignity settings
 Seeks excellence in professional  Acts as a clinical instructor
practice by participation in professional  Advocates for the patient, the
organizations and attendance at community and society
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

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

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

I took place in this years APTA Academy of Geriatrics House of Delegates committee where we discussed various topics and possible bills for the APTA to adopt
that would better advocate for the need of PT in various settings around the nation, as well as further education and resources for PT’s to use to be better
educated on patient presentations. I always treat within my scope of practice, educate families on the use of PT for wellbeing, and practice using most up-to-date
best evidence to ensure best outcomes for my patients.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to improve my understanding of community related PT initiatives and take a more active role in participating in the education and implementation of PT
in the community. Through this, I would also like to be more involved in program development. I had the opportunity with Special Topics to begin Handcycling in
the Flying Pig and construct an exercises program for people interested in participating but have not been involved with any other program initiatives since.
Although I am reading research, I would like to get more involved in research and my ability to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions and modalities
used within the realm of PT.

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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:

I am always looking for feedback from not only my CI, but other clinicians and staff members in my clinic daily through documentation, treatments, and patient
interactions. I also seek feedback from professors and patients in order to be more educated and well rounded. I take the learning styles and feedback of my
patients to bets deliver educational information and interventions so they can experience the best outcome possible with therapy.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I have not yet mastered the conduit of multiple sources of feedback. I struggle a lot with differing opinions regarding best treatment for patients, best evidence,
best forms of documentation, etc. when a lot of clinical practice in different ways. I am trying to take everything I have learned and use it to mold how I will end up
practicing and the best way for me to conduct patient care but it is hard to sift through all of the feedback sometimes and find what works best for me.

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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:

I am very efficient with my time used in clinic and value the time I have with patient care. I collaborate with not only my CI, but other clinicians and disciplines to
produce effective patient care overall. I am flexible and am able to adjust not only treatments but patient schedules in order to best meet the needs of my patients.
I remain organized, on task, and always use best evidence in order to ensure the most efficient and optimal treatment outcomes.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I could improve the time I spend documenting versus the time I spend treating and remaining attention on the patient. I am efficient in a sense that I am able to
document as I treat so both get done in a timely manner but sometimes, I feel like doing one takes away from the other. I need to be more attentive to patient care
and less focused on documenting sometimes so that my patient receives the best care possible.

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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:

I do a lot both in and out of clinic to improve my stress management. I have started to take more interest and priorities with my personal goals and wellbeing
outside of clinic participating more in activities such as yoga, running, lifting, hiking, and meditation. This allows me to come into clinic well rested and mindful, so I
am able to be more attentive and calm during patient interactions. I understand when some problems are simply out of my hands, and I need to refer my patient
elsewhere or cannot address the situation.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I need to improve my support networks and be less reliant on friends, families, professors, and CI’s and more reliant on professional support networks to help me
cope with certain situations in life. I could also improve my knowledge of support networks and avenues for managing stress for others so I can be more useful
with helping improve the overall wellbeing of my patients.

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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:

I conduct a lot of research outside and inside of clinic in order to conduct the most up to date evidence for patient care. I seek the advice of my CI and other
licensed specialized professionals in clinic for opinions, feedback, and treatment examples. I have taken the newest skills and treatment interventions I have
learned and applied them to patient care in clinic to improve the quality of care I provide. I re-evaluate certain practices I perform when new evidence arises that
does not support threw use of that intervention anymore.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to extend my knowledge of PT outside of PT school and seek specialties in Geriatrics so I can be a more knowledgeable and effective clinician for my
patients. I would also like to develop more knowledge so when I am able to take on a position as a licensed CI or even a practicing licensed clinician, I can act as
a mentor to other PT’s, PT students, and other clinicians in the field.

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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:

I will be more involved in local, regional, and national PT efforts for patient education and program setting within 6 months of graduating in order to set enhance the
profession of PT in my area.

I will spend less time performing in-time documentation in 1 week in order to provide the highest quality of care for my patients.

I will be more mindful of my non-verbal forms of communication and improve my response to stressors by end of next clinical rotation in order to reduce the impact
these expressions can have on my patients.

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

I will look for more opportunities through the APTA, local organizations such as be.well and The Bridge, and hospitals to be more involved with local, regional, and
national efforts.

I will allow myself 5 min at the beginning of treatment to type subjective information and then remain off my computer throughout the rest of treatment to be more
mindful of the attention I spend on my patients.

I will practice breathing techniques and be more mindful of m facial expressions throughout conversations with my patients or other clinicians in order to improve
my non-verbal feedback.

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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