ALH 6 - The Critical Six Soft Skills in the Professional Healthcare Environment

Transfer Status

CSU

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course assists in the development of soft skills in the professional healthcare settings. Soft skills can be defined as a cluster of personality traits and behaviors that enhance the relationship between two individuals or an individual and an organization. Proficiency in the practice of soft skills has been identified as an essential characteristic to attain for any individual involved in the professional healthcare setting. Content will include six competency domains which include: Communication, Workplace Ethics and Professionalism, Team Building and Collaboration, Effective Problem Solving, Embracing Diversity and Demonstrating Compassion. Graded only.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast interpersonal versus oral communication skills in today’s workplace and healthcare environment.
2. Discuss components and workplace ethics and describe methods to enhance professionalism in the healthcare professional setting.
3. Identify approaches to development of a collaborative team in the workplace setting.
4. Utilize critical thinking and sound judgment in effective problem solving in the professional environment.
5. Cultivate diversity in the workplace, and foster cultural professionalism.
6. Describe methods to nurture compassion in the workplace and understand ways to ensure the practice of self-reflection.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Class Activities
2. Demonstrations
3. Discussion
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Lecture
6. Reading Assignments
7. CofA Respiratory Therapy

1. Exams/Tests
2. Oral Presentation
3. Demonstration
4. Written Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter on body language in your textbook. Be prepared to demonstrate effective body language in class.
2. Read the chapter on problem solving in the workplace in your textbook. Be prepared to participate in a discussion in class.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a 2-3 page paper about a situation that occurred in a job that you have had that dealt with a conflict. Describe how you handled the situation then, and how you would handle it differently now.
2. Write a one page dialogue that illustrates compassion shown for an individual who is struggling with a career choice.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Go to a public place (park, shopping mall, grocery store, etc) and observe verbal and non-verbal interactions between individuals. Be prepared to discuss your specific observations in class.
2. Develop an activity that can be used in the workplace to enhance team building and collaboration.

Elsevier. (2016). Job Readiness for Health Professionals. Saunders, 2nd.

Nursing (Masters Required)

Radiation Therapy

Respiratory Technician

Respiratory Technologies

Emergency Medical Technologies

Health Care Ancillaries

Radiological Technology