Professional Behaviors Assessment – Clinical Education IV & V

Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

Student Name: Taylor Mills Internship Facility: Superior Physical Therapy

Clinical Instructor(s): Brad Demeuse Course & Dates of Internship: 9/9/19-12/13/19

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

2. Review the behavioral criteria described in each of the levels (Beginning, Intermediate, Entry, Post-Entry) for each behavior.

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

4. At midterm and at the end of the internship, complete this form.

a) Using a Highlighter Pen, highlight all criteria that describe behaviors you demonstrate in Beginning (column 1), Intermediate
(column 2), Entry Level (column 3) or Post-Entry Level (column 4) Professional Behaviors. Use different color pens to denote
midterm vs. final.
b) For each behavior, identify the level within which you predominately function at midterm and again at final.
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 at midterm and final, specifically seeking his/her feedback on your
professional behaviors.

6. Have your CI sign that they have read and discussed your self-assessment (last page); sign and return to the DCE/RCC at the
conclusion of the experience.

**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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I feel that I am internally driven to examine ideas and I enjoy asking questions to patients, my
clinical instructor, other PT/PTA staff, or through research. I try to remain open to feedback, criticism and contradictory ideas. I also like explaining my
thought process and critical thinking skills to describe why I chose a particular intervention or solution.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to look further at the appropriate level and source of
evidence when I am performing my research. I tend to use broad, basic search engines, my past notes, and look at textbooks. I would like to further
improve my skills involving distinguishing relevant and irrelevant information, especially during the examination and evaluation processes.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I feel that I have improved my critical thinking skills. Particularly, I have been able to choose
appropriate and effective interventions to have patient’s complete during their treatment session. I have been frequently adding exercises to motivated
patients to keep their HEP updated and I do this by assessing their motivation level. I have been choosing appropriate tests and measures to complete
a thorough evaluation and I have also been incorporating Gary Gray principles such as test and retest during treatment sessions.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I have been trying to challenge myself, but I can start to do a better job of
challenging my peers, coworkers, and patients to allow them to also critically think. I can also improve my ability to evaluate and weigh levels of
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:
 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
Intermediate Level:
 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)
Entry Level:
 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
Post Entry Level:
 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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I think my communication with my patients is one of my strengths and I try to fit their needs
through my body language, pronunciation, and using layman’s terms. I strive to be open to positive feedback or to constructive criticism. I have
been able to navigate Clinicient very well so far. This is the EMR technology system that Superior Physical Therapy uses.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to gain more control to get patients back on track once
they get too far off topic. I have a difficult time cutting them off when they are talking, so I would like to get better at maintaining appropriate
control of the communication exchange during treatment sessions. This has not been an issue during evaluations. I would also like to get involved
with more conflicts to allow me to work toward post-entry level, as well as talking more during staff meetings.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have gotten better at keeping patients on track during sessions and maintaining control of the
situation. Some patients are always going to be chattier than others, but if I plan ahead of time, I can prepare to spend more time wrapping up the
session so that I don’t run out of time and go into the next treatment session. I have also been able to demonstrate and tell the patient what to do
for their next exercise and then I tell them where they left off with their story so that they can continue. Then I don’t feel so badly for cutting them
off.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would still like to get involved with more conflicts to allow me to
work toward post-entry level. This will come with more time and experiences. However; over the past two days, I have had one patient cry during a
session due to frustration and pain and one who was in severe pain and her treatment had to be regressed significantly. I can also work toward
presenting research locally to patients and the community, or regionally at conferences.

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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been able to describe problems within a problem list on the plan of care sheet with every
patient I have performed initial evaluations on. Along with this, I have to consider what is biomechanically contributing to their musculoskeletal
impairments. I prefer to think in ways of pros and cons/ advantages and disadvantages, so this helps me mentally organize a problems list to
determine possible solutions.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can improve on my ability to compare patient outcomes to
outcomes described with current evidence. I can also take more responsibility implementing, reassessing, and evaluating solutions and the
outcomes.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have done a better job during this second half of my clinical rotation to look at patient
outcomes, assess why patients that I’ve been seeing are getting discharged, and looking at solutions. I have also researched a few topics and
conditions to look at current evidence.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to gain more experience with quality assessments in the
work environment to understand these processes and learn who conducts these. I could also further assess multiple solutions to consider which
are the best.

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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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: As I have stated in one of my journal articles, I have had three patients so far state that my
“bedside manner” is great. I think this goes hand and hand with interpersonal skills involving active listening, summarizing what the patient
has told me, building trust with a patient, and treating the patient by considering the biopsychosocial model of care. This has involved
building relationships and partnerships with patients.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: As I continue to take on more of the caseload and gain more
experiences, I hope to be involved with conflict management and working through those tough conversations with patients. Although I don’t
want to create problems, I’m sure they will arise, and I want to gain more experience dealing with these challenging interactions and learning
the appropriate responses for these situations.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have noticed improvements with my interpersonal skills and gaining confidence when
speaking to my patients and providing education. This week I had a patient cry during a session due to frustration and pain. I feel that I
handled this situation well and took the time to sit down with her to offer reassurance and comfort her.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: Although I feel I have improved my interpersonal skills over the
past 7 weeks, I would still place myself at entry level because I have not yet been involved with many conflicts and still need more experience
with these situations.

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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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been punctual, accountable, and tried to take responsibility for my actions. I have
been trying to keep my patients accountable by utilizing the teach-back method for their HEP to assess their compliance. From there I have
tried to find ways to incorporate their exercises or stretches into their daily life to increase compliance.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I want to improve my advocacy for the patients I am seeing. I
also want to gain the responsibility of delegating tasks to other staff members and contacting referring physicians/ reaching out to
appropriate healthcare providers when necessary.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have gotten to know the different staff members at Superior Physical Therapy and have
been able to delegate task to other staff members. I feel I have taken on a greater role to advocate for my patients and have directed patients
to see other health professionals when needed.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: To further improve and become post-entry level, I would like to
take on a leadership role when eventually joining a company. I would like to promote service to my community through community-based
programs and eventually become a clinical instructor when I am able to take on students of my own.

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

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have focused on providing patient-centered care and tried to contribute to the growth and
development of not only myself, but also my peers and mentors through thoughtful discussion on physical therapy related topics. I have a list
of current and past mentors who help me focus on the being a well-rounded physical therapist. I note which traits I strive to improve in myself
and which traits I hope to avoid developing.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: It was one of my professional goals in my portfolio to attend a
professional meeting or conference, but the limiting factor is currently the price of the meetings and only being able to attend meetings on a
Saturday due to working Monday through Friday. I will continue to look for opportunities to get involved, but I realize this may be difficult
while I’m a third-year student who is working full time in the clinic. I would like to improve my advocacy about the profession of physical
therapy, and I can do this by educating my patients and the community on what a physical therapist is and does.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I promote my profession to both my patients during treatment sessions by educating them
about PT and the public through my Facebook. I have read through the material to understand the scope of my practice as a physical therapist
while preparing to take the jurisprudence exam. Over the past 7 weeks, I have also been trying to turn toward the evidence to help with clinical
decision making, but ultimately, I don’t always let it make my choices.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can improve by attending professional meetings, such as the
MPT fall conference or a national conference. I hope to be able to decide and see that I can practice in different settings after completing my
next clinical rotation in a skilled nursing facility.

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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: Entry 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
Post Entry Level:
 Independently engages in a  Engages in non-
continual process of self evaluation judgmental, constructive
of skills, knowledge and abilities problem-solving
 Seeks feedback from discussions
patients/clients and peers/mentors  Acts as conduit for
 Readily integrates feedback feedback between multiple
provided from a variety of sources sources
to improve skills, knowledge and  Seeks feedback from a
abilities variety of sources to
 Uses multiple approaches when include
responding to feedback students/supervisees/
 Reconciles differences with peers/supervisors/patients
sensitivity  Utilizes feedback when
 Modifies feedback given to analyzing and updating
patients/clients according to their professional goals
learning styles

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I usually reflect on strengths and weaknesses in myself and in my performance every
other day. I seek out feedback from PTs and PTAs, as well as feedback from patients I am treating and evaluating. I try to stay open minded to
criticism and take this as learning opportunities.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I need to work on confrontation and being able to express my
feelings by providing constructive feedback to others. I could also work on utilizing feedback that is given to me, so that I can continue to
grow.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have mainly been using patient feedback to guide sessions. I haven’t had much
constructive feedback from staff, but I wish that I did ask for more just to help me continue learning. I have been modifying the feedback that I
give patients to try to fit within their learning styles.

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I still need to work on confrontation and expressing my feelings.
I also need to ask for more feedback and offer feedback to others in a professional, non-judgement way. Then once I receive more feedback, I
can utilize it to become a better clinician.

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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:
 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
Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Utilizes effective  Uses current best evidence  Advances profession by
methods of searching  Collaborates with members of the contributing to the body of
for evidence for team to maximize the impact of knowledge (outcomes, case
practice decisions treatment available studies, etc)
 Recognizes own  Has the ability to set boundaries,  Applies best evidence
resource negotiate, compromise, and set considering available
contributions realistic expectations resources and constraints
 Shares knowledge  Gathers data and effectively  Organizes and prioritizes
and collaborates with interprets and assimilates the data effectively
staff to utilize best to determine plan of care  Prioritizes multiple demands
current evidence  Utilizes community resources in and situations that arise on
 Discusses and discharge planning a given day
implements  Adjusts plans, schedule etc. as  Mentors peers and
strategies for meeting patient needs and circumstances supervisees in increasing
productivity dictate productivity and/or
standards  Meets productivity standards of effectiveness without
 Identifies need for facility while providing quality care decrement in quality of care
and seeks referrals to and completing non-productive
other disciplines work activities

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: There have been multiple times when I look up resources on concepts, special tests, or
diagnoses that I need or want to review. I have brought in my textbooks as a resource to look something up or have gone into databases
before. I have also collaborated with other staff members to maximize treatment sessions or gain feedback on if I was on the right track when
developing a POC, considering a treatment option, or explaining why I chose a specific test or measure. I was seeing a patient who had a red,
swollen bump on her foot, and she expressed concern with this because it developed over night. I advised her to seek other medical attention
if it continued to concern her over the next couple of days and she ended up getting tested for gout.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to work on discussing and implementing strategies
involving productivity standards. I can improve this by getting more involved with the staff meetings and understanding the different
standards we need to meet as physical therapists. I also would like to utilize more community resources and be able to offer patients
resources for when they are discharged or if they specifically ask for a recommendation. I think this will develop as I get more familiar with the
town of Traverse City.
Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I have been learning more about productivity standards and helping to increase my CI’s
productivity. I have been flexible with my schedule and able to help other PTs in the clinic when they need me to see their patient or start their
session.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I have been starting to use community resources, but I think if I
was more familiar with the city and knew the names of other healthcare providers, I would be able to assist patients more with this. I haven’t
done much negotiating or compromising. I primarily just do what I’m suppose to do since I don’t have my own license to work under, so I may
do more of that once I’m practicing independently under my own license.

10
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  Demonstrates appropriate affective  Recognizes when problems
 Recognizes distress or stress management responses in all situations are unsolvable
problems in others techniques  Responds calmly to urgent  Assists others in
 Seeks assistance as  Reconciles situations with reflection and recognizing and managing
needed inconsistencies in the debriefing as needed stressors
 Maintains professional educational process  Prioritizes multiple commitments  Demonstrates preventative
demeanor in all situations  Maintains balance  Reconciles inconsistencies within approach to stress
between professional professional, personal and work/life management
and personal life environments  Establishes support
 Accepts constructive  Demonstrates ability to defuse networks for self and others
feedback and clarifies potential stressors with self and  Offers solutions to the
expectations others reduction of stress
 Establishes outlets to  Models work/life balance
cope with stressors through health/wellness
behaviors in professional
and personal life

Midterm: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I was seeing a patient for a while who came in with LE radicular symptoms and she
frequently discussed her personal life and the stressors within this. One day she came in complaining of tension headaches and I
recommended trying relaxation techniques and focusing on her hobbies. She started a walking program and her headaches went away. I
believe that I have been able to treat patients, involving not only their physical being, but also considering outside stressors that could impact
the session. I find that when I come to my clinical site in the morning, I am able to forget about outside stressors and just focus on tasks at
hand. I have thus far maintained a good balance between my professional life and my personal life.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I want to further establish outlets to cope with my stressors and
continue to balance my post- clinical rotation work (writing journals, meeting and working on my research), keeping time for my hobbies
during the week, and finding time to review materials and study for my boards. I also need to gain more experience with difficulty
conversations and stressful events that happen in the workplace.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: Over the past 7 weeks, I have done a better job of keeping a personal and professional
balance in my life and I’m able to cope with stressors. My research group and I have just completed our first draft of our entire manuscript and
I have been timely in turning in my assignments, along with staying organized to prep for studying for the NPTE. I have also remained calm in
the situations that I’ve been in thus far, but they were not very stressful situations, except for two challenging situations and patient
presentations over the past 2 days.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: Now that I am bettering myself, I want to also work toward
helping my patients reduce stress in their lives and offer them supportive outlets. I can also improve trying to reconcile inconsistencies within
my professional, personal, and work environments to allow for further balance.

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

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I would like to look at higher levels of evidence when I do decide
to research specific diagnoses and treatment interventions. I would also like to demonstrate more confidence when sharing new knowledge
with staff at all levels and I think I can do this through a staff in-service.

Final: I function predominantly in the beginning/intermediate/entry/post entry level (Highlight one)

.
Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment: I presented a 15-20 minute in-service presentation at a staff meeting. I have also been
reading articles about different conditions to help me learn and so that I can educate my patients. Based on this information I have found, I
have altered my treatment sessions and tried to follow guidelines set within resources of higher levels of evidence.
Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways: I can do a better job of evaluating the outcomes that I find based
on evidence that I’ve been using within my sessions. After I graduate and start practicing, I will continue on my lifelong learning path to review
relevant literature and pursue specialty certification.

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Professional Development Plan:
Based on my MIDTERM self-assessment of my Professional Behaviors and the areas I have identified for improvement, I am setting the
following goals (list at least 2):
My Commitment to Learning: levels of evidence and in-service

Stress Management: completing school/clinical-related tasks and balancing my personal life with my professional life

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

I will read 3 Level I or Level II evidence articles about a specific diagnosis, treatment interventions, etiology, or test and measure within the next 7 weeks.

I will independently conduct a 15-30 minute staff in-service at Superior Physical Therapy on a topic of interest within the outpatient setting in December
2019.

I will perform one school/clinical-related task and one personal hobby after work on every weekday to successfully balance my professional and personal
life.

Based on my FINAL self-assessment of my Professional Behaviors and the areas I have identified for improvement, I am setting the following
goals (list at least 2):
Effective Use of Time and Resources: learn more about resources available in the community where I’m working/living

Professionalism: attend a PT-related conference, gain more experience within a different PT setting

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

By the end of 2020, I will attend at least one MPTA conference to learn about topics that interest me to improve my professionalism.

By the end of my third clinical rotation in a new PT-setting (nursing home and skilled nursing facility) in April, I will decide which setting I want to work in.

For my first job, I will make a list of available resources of multiple healthcare providers and local resources within my area, so that I can give this
information to patients when needed.

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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: ___________________________________________ Midterm Evaluation Date___________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Final Evaluation Date_____________________________

By my signature below, I indicate that I have reviewed this self-assessment and discussed it with the student.

CI signature: _______________________________________________ Midterm Evaluation Date_________________________

CI signature: _______________________________________________ Final Evaluation Date___________________________

CI Suggestions/Feedback:

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