Professional Behaviors Assessment

Student Name: Harrison Ogle Internship Facility: Ohio Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Clinical Instructor: Jill Swartzentruber Clinical Dates: 8/21/2023

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 consistently performing research and literature reviews in my personal time to ensure my interventions and treatment plans coincide with the best, evidence-
based practice guidelines. I am able to perform succinct and thorough chart reviews independently and am able to determine what is important and why it matters
to me as a SPT. I am able to take the knowledge gained from research, past patient experiences, and observations of clinical practice and apply them to patients
with similar presentations or deficits. I am able to effectively administer tests, functional outcome measures, and patient reported outcome measures and interpret
the results and understand how they contribute to their current deficits. I feel that I can independently reason through alternative hypotheses and use clinical
reasoning skills to determine the cause of the deficits or impairments the patient is experiencing. I am also able to provide interventions and create a plan of care
for a patient and justify my reasoning for what I am doing during my treatments and how it relates to the patients discharge, barriers/impairments, and functional
mobility.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to be quicker at recognizing patterns or symptoms that are associated with certain diagnoses or impairments. I would like to improve my clinical and
critical reasoning skills to the point where I can be a lead in the clinic, a CI, or even an adjunct in a PT program. I think continuing to do literature reviews and
determining the best evidence from just okay evidence.

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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 think my communication skills are a strength of mine. I feel that I effectively communicate in a group setting and am able to contribute to the communication
needed when part of an interdisciplinary team. I feel that my communication style with patients and other co-workers is open allowing people to be comfortable
confronting me about any issues they are having or feel okay approaching me about any situation. My patient’s are comfortable asking me questions and are
receptive to what I have to say and trusting in my abilities to educate them. I have had to use in-person and translation carts on multiple occasions in all of my
clinic settings and can independently use them as needed. I have also had the opportunity to independently lead multiple family training sessions in the inpatient
rehab setting and have effectively communicated with the patient and their family/caregivers, maintaining an open communication style while still leading and
controlling the conversation as needed.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
In the future, I would like to do more presentations whether it be in the clinic, conferences/professional events, and to the community in order to improve my
communication abilities, but also continue to advocate for the profession. I think I could also use some practice with mitigating and mediating co-worker conflict as
well as patient conflict. I have had a few instances where I have had to resolve situations with patients, but have never had to do that with other co-workers which I
think tends to be more challenging.

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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 adapt and change my treatment sessions and interventions during sessions and from session to session based on patient tolerance, presentation,
and outcome. I try to independently problem solve situations or use resources that could be helpful before seeking guidance from my CI or other rehab staff or
healthcare professionals. I take full responsibilities for all of my actions and decisions I make while completing patient care or documenting. I understand how to
use research to help with problem solving and understand how it relates to a specific patient but can also be used with other patients. I feel that I am able to
effectively prescribe exercise, provide resources, make adjustments to equipment, and provide education in order to implement solutions to problems patients may
be having.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I think doing some higher level thinking when it comes to implementing solutions would be beneficial for me. Instead of thinking about what the immediate effects
are, it would be even more beneficial to think about how my solution effects 2-3 steps down the road. I think that is an important skill to have because the
immediate solution may be beneficial, but what is the carry over and how will it effect the patient down the road. I think it would be beneficial to get a little more
involved in community health issues or attend more professional conferences to learn about more ways to problem solve in the clinic and best use the evidence to
influence decision making.

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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 feel comfortable communicating and interacting with patients, family, rehab staff, and other healthcare professionals no matter their background, culture, race, or
ethnicity. I am respectful and professional during my interactions and understand the importance of body language and non-verbal communication when
communicating with patients. I feel that I truly listen to my patients and the problems that they have and take every opportunity I can to address those when
appropriate or refer onto another healthcare professional who can best serve their needs. I am emotionally intelligent able to effectively manage the emotions of
my patient as well as my own. I feel that I quickly establish rapport and trust with my patients and their family/caregivers. I have been complimented by multiple
patients and their family members on my ability to communicate and how they genuinely feel cared for and listened to when I am treating them. I have
unfortunately have had to respond to an adverse event while treating a patient and was able to assist as needed and be a part of the team managing the situation.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to interact more with the team leads in the clinic and attend any meetings or in-services that they may be having. I would love to not only continue to
learn from them, but also be able to establish mentorship as needed. I think it is important as a student clinician and future novice clinician to have mentors who
you can go to with any questions or issues that you may be having.

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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:

When working in groups, I am able to delegate tasks appropriately and understand how to best set the group up for success based on the strengths of the group
members. I am culturally competent and aware of differences in customs and beliefs which allows me to adjust my communication, body language, and way of
completing things. I educate my patients during every session and am confident in my abilities to educate and answer any questions that their family or caregivers
may have. I believe I am an advocate for my patients. I have had multiple situations where I have suggested further imaging be done, referral to other healthcare
professionals be made, or notified healthcare professionals of changes in patient presentation. I make it a priority to provide individualized, evidence-based care to
each and every one of my patients, and I achieve this by completing regular literature reviews or referring back to what I learned in class. As mentioned before, I
accept responsibility and accountable for all of my actions and clinical decisions as a student clinician.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to see myself taking on more leadership roles in the future to continue to increase my responsibility and further build my leadership skills. I would also
like to continue to find ways to improve patient’s self-efficacy and health habits. I would also like to engage in future clinical training and program development.

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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: 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 understand the roles and responsibilities of a physical therapist and practice within the scope set for the profession. I make sure each of my patients are provided
individualized, evidence-based care. I make sure to provide education to the patient and their families on an ongoing basis so they understand what we are doing,
why we are doing it, and how it relates to their function. I also allow patient input into clinical decision making in order to empower the patient and allow them to
have some control in their care. I have gone to several symposiums, online conferences, and IPE events in order to further broaden my knowledge and improve
my ability to be an effective member of an interprofessional team. I believe I am a great advocate for the profession and have provided pro bono services and
given presentations/talks to UCMC and UC executive boards about the need for pro bono services in the Cincinnati area. I have also volunteered to help with
adaptive sports in the community and provided adapted strength and conditioning for patients with SCI, stroke, and other physical and intellectual disabilities in the
Cincinnati area. I always make sure I advocate to them the importance of physical therapy and physical activity, so that they can continue to maintain good health
and potentially even progress their functional mobility. I also make sure that I keep up with research and new literature to ensure that I am following the guidelines
for best practice.

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Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to continue to find ways to help out underserved populations in my community and be an advocate for the profession since I truly believe exercise is
medicine. I would also like to attend more conferences and symposiums to continue to learn and gain new knowledge and skills that I can use in future practice.

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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 have always been someone who seeks feedback from a multitude of people on a consistent basis. I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge, skills,
and abilities so that I can continue to be one step closer to providing the best possible care that I can to each and every one of my patients. I feel that I
immediately take any feedback and constructive criticism given and try to immediately incorporate it which allows me to progress and catch on to things quickly. I
understand the importance of reflection and believe I complete that well through verbal and written communication. I feel that I learn a lot from reflecting on patient
experiences, situations, or feedback given by CI or other rehab members and can understand how to adjust accordingly in the future. I feel that I respond well to
any and all criticism or feedback given and am well versed in responding appropriately and effectively to it. Again, I think my communication skills are a strength
and I feel very confident in my abilities to adapt my feedback to patients as needed. I will always welcome feedback and discussion on ways that I can continue to
improve because I am someone who is never satisfied and always believes there is room for improvement.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to improve my ability to give feedback to other clinicians and healthcare workers. I think this is a tough skill to master, but a good one to continuously
work at in order to maintain good working relationships with co-workers. We have to be able to have conversations with one another and sometimes we need to
have the harder conversations, especially if I want to pursue management in the future.

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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:

During my first two clinicals I was able to maintain productivity standards while still providing individualized, evidence-based care for each of my patients. I try to
keep as up to date with the current literature by reviewing research articles and completing literature reviews in my free time. I also do this to make sure that I am
following best practice guidelines and staying up to date with the most effective interventions and exercises. I believe I collaborated well with the OT’s in all 3 of
my rotations to maximize our treatment benefits and try to get some carry over from each discipline during our sessions. During all 3 rotations I was able to make
appropriate adjustments to plan of care based on outcomes and progress made. During my first two clinicals, I was able to adjust treatment frequency and times in
order to best accommodate the patient and maximize our time spent together. I have had no issues with setting expectations and boundaries with each of my
patients and can compromise as needed in order to accommodate the patient.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I think I could do a better job of identifying and educating myself on local, community resources and understanding the impacts that may have on discharge.
Knowing these resources allows us to provide solutions or continued help outside of therapy to further help address their needs.

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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 have a good understanding of my stressors and when I am stressed and am able to manage and deal with it appropriately. When treating patients, I do not let my
emotions get the best of me and I do not “bring in” any stress or emotions to my sessions. I believe I maintain and calm and cool demeanor at all times when
treating patients and let out any stress or emotions I have after our sessions. I also make sure that I go to the gym on a regular basis and talk to friends, family,
and my significant other in order to manage stress levels. When a patient went unresponsive on me, I handled myself appropriately and was able to assist the
medical team as needed and provide details when asked. I never let a “knee jerk reaction” occur when I am around my patients and I try to be understanding and
collected at all times.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
I would like to continue to find other avenues, hobbies, or activities to help with stress management. This is something I think I have improved upon since entering
PT school, but I think it is important to have a variety of things to do or outlets that way you don’t get burnt out doing the same thing all the time. I think maybe
helping people more with their stress could potentially be helpful for myself as well.

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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:

Again, I try to review research articles and complete literature reviews when I stumble upon a question or I am looking intervention/exercise ideas. I like to make
sure that I am providing the best, evidence-based care for each of my patients to optimize clinical outcomes. I enjoy not only learning new information, skills, and
techniques, but also applying them and putting them to use in the clinical setting in order to directly observe their effectiveness. I understand that there are multiple
ways of administering interventions, structuring exercise programs, and managing patient cases. I also like to observe what other therapists are doing in the clinic
to see if it is something one of my patient’s would benefit from, and to spur new ideas for my treatment sessions. I enjoy discussing interventions/exercises with
my CI and other rehab staff to further broaden my exercise library. I also enjoy getting input from other healthcare professionals on what they think would be
beneficial for the patient or what I can do to help facilitate what they are doing with the patient.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:
In the future, I would like to seek more opportunities for advanced trainings and certifications to continue to build my skills and techniques as a physical therapist. I
would also like to become a CI and even an adjunct in a PT program so that I can not only teach students, but continue to learn and challenge my knowledge and
skills as a therapist.

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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:

Continue to learn new evidence-based skills, interventions, information

Continue to find ways to deal with stress management

Continue to improve leadership and professional skills

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

Attend a symposium or conference/professional event (OPTA, APTA, CSM, etc.) in order to continue to stay up to date with best practice and learn new and
innovative information in the field.

Pick up a new hobby or activity to help with stress management and to avoid “burnout” with a previous activity or hobby

Help grade/facilitate practical exams or assist with classes in the academic setting; Seek out learning opportunities from other healthcare professionals in the UC
athletics training facility.

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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