1. professionalism

1.1. personal attribute and grooming

Personal Attributes

Personal attributes that help a theatre technician to display professionalism include:

•       Good personal appearance with a voice that does not scare patients

•       A ready smile, gentle hand, orderly in thought and action

•       Emotionally mature, compassionate, dignified, tolerant, friendly, sympathetic and interested in other people

 

All characteristics are advantageous to the creation of a friendly and conducive environment for the patient's recovery. As a theatre technician, you must at all times have serenity of mind and self-control to be able to handle a variety of situations and patients.

 Personal Grooming

Personal grooming is very important to a theatre technician. Remember, every patient has a mental picture or image of how their health workers should be. The health worker's appearance provides security and hope to a patient.  

 Your uniform should not be tight or very loose to hinder free movement during an emergency. It must be very clean to prevent cross infection and is to be well pressed. The dress or skirt should be below the knee cap to give allowance for bending. The material should not be 'see-through'.

 Female technicians should avoid bright inner wear especially if their uniform/out cloth is white. The uniform should be well maintained, that is, fallen buttons or torn zippers should be replaced, rips and tears mended and stains removed.

 As you are aware, hair is a source of micro-organisms. Female technicians should tie back long hair neatly. Male technicians should have their beards and moustaches neatly shaven.

 Shoes should be low-heeled and soft to avoid making excessive noise, which may disturb patients. The technician should maintain daily care of shoes, socks or stockings in order to prevent cross infection. Nails should be trimmed and coloured nail polish avoided. The freedom to wear jewellery, watches, pens, scissors or handkerchiefs will depend on individual hospital regulations.

Remember: The patients have a right to identify the health worker  who is providing their care. It is advisable therefore to wear an identification tag at all times showing full names and qualifications.