6. Continuous improvement
4. Skill development
An essential element of being a skilled AHA is the process of improving your skills and knowledge and keeping up to date with current practice. This is basically about engaging in opportunities for professional development, as well as participating in a feedback process which involves the giving and receiving of feedback on skills and development.
As an AHA you will have support and supervision provided by your supervising AHP. In this relationship you will be in the position to both give and receive feedback. These tips will assist you to be actively involved in this process which will lead to positive outcomes.
Giving feedback should
- Be about behaviour not personality
- Describe the effect of the person's behaviour on you
- As specific as possible
- Timely
- At the right moment.
Receiving feedback should
- Be listened to carefully
- Reflectively questioned and clarified
- Given in a timely manner
- Listened to with self-control and not emotionally.
These skills will help you to improve your practice, and they form the basis for your personal and professional continuous improvement process.
Take a proactive approach and consult with your supervisor or manager regarding opportunities available to you to access professional development and skill training. It is important that you participate in and engage with any training that has been identified as essential to your role. This is how you stay abreast of the latest quality standards in the workplace and means your contribution as a skilled support worker is further enhanced. You are already a valued worker in the organisation, and by maintaining and updating your knowledge and skills in the industry you further improve opportunities for yourself into the future.