Professional Behaviors Assessment

Physical Therapy Program

Student Name Rebekah Wilson Internship Facility

Clinical Instructor Clinical Dates

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.

At at the end of the internship, complete this form.

a) Using a Highlighter Pen, 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.

Share your self assessment with your clinical instructor, specifically seeking his/her feedback.

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  Feels challenged to
questions examine ideas
 Considers all available  Critically analyzes
information the literature and
 Articulates ideas applies it to patient
 Understands the management
scientific method  Utilizes didactic
 States the results of knowledge, research
scientific literature but evidence, and
has not developed the clinical experience to
consistent ability to formulate new ideas
critically appraise  Seeks alternative
findings (i.e. ideas
methodology and  Formulates
conclusion) alternative
 Recognizes holes in hypotheses
knowledge base  Critiques hypotheses
 Demonstrates and ideas at a level
acceptance of limited consistent with
knowledge and knowledge base
experience in  Acknowledges
knowledge base presence of
contradictions
 Distinguishes  Develops new
relevant from knowledge through
irrelevant patient research, professional
data writing and/or
 Readily formulates professional
and critiques presentations
alternative  Thoroughly critiques
hypotheses and hypotheses and ideas
ideas often crossing
 Infers applicability disciplines in thought
of information process
across populations  Weighs information
 Exhibits openness value based on source
to contradictory and level of evidence
ideas  Identifies complex
 Identifies patterns of
appropriate associations
measures and  Distinguishes when to
determines think intuitively vs.
effectiveness of analytically
applied solutions  Recognizes own
efficiently biases and suspends
 Justifies solutions judgmental thinking
selected  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 justify my solutions and approaches in practical situations in school such as when I explained why I chose to
position the patient in supine versus in sitting to measure plantar flexion. (Justifies solutions selected)

I have read patient notes and am able to pick out the relevant information that I need to complete a successful
treatment intervention (Distinguishes relevant from irrelevant patient data)

I exhibit openness to contradictory ideas by acknowledging the greyness of topics discussed in class and that
sometimes you have to prioritize the outcomes you want to try to achieve. (Exhibits openness to contradictory
ideas)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to improve my ability to distinguish when to think intuitively vs. analytically

2. Communication - The ability to communicate effectively (i.e. verbal, non-verbal, reading, writing, and
listening) for varied audiences and purposes.

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Beginning Level: Intermediate Level:
 Demonstrates  Utilizes and modifies
understanding of the communication
English language (verbal, non-verbal,
(verbal and written): written and electronic)
uses correct grammar, to meet the needs of
accurate spelling and different audiences
expression, legible  Restates, reflects and
handwriting clarifies message(s)
 Recognizes impact of  Communicates
non-verbal collaboratively with
communication in self both individuals and
and others groups
 Recognizes the verbal  Collects necessary
and non-verbal information from all
characteristics that pertinent individuals
portray confidence in the patient/client
 Utilizes electronic management process
communication  Provides effective
appropriately education (verbal,
non-verbal, written
and electronic)
Entry Level: Post Entry Level:
 Demonstrates the  Adapts messages
ability to maintain to address needs,
appropriate control expectations, and
of the prior knowledge of
communication the audience to
exchange with maximize learning
individuals and  Effectively delivers
groups messages capable
 Presents persuasive of influencing
and explanatory patients, the
verbal, written or community and
electronic messages society
with logical  Provides education
organization and locally, regionally
sequencing and/or nationally
 Maintains open and  Mediates conflict
constructive
communication
 Utilizes
communication
technology
effectively and
efficiently

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self assessment:

I take initiative to organize groups and make sure all group members are heard. (Demonstrates the ability to
maintain appropriate control of the communication exchange with individuals and groups)

I maintain open and constructive communication during lab practice where we are practicing techniques in
order to improve my approach and to help others improve as well. (Maintains open and constructive
communication)

I have successfully completed clear, concise, and effective documentation with the writing of daily notes and
insurance updates (Presents persuasive and explanatory verbal, written or electronic messages with logical
organization and sequencing)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to improve my utilization of communication technology to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Specifically I want to improve my efficiency with my use of email and telephone.

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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  Independently  Weighs advantages
 States problems clearly  Identifies contributors locates, prioritizes and disadvantages
 Describes known to problems and uses resources of a solution to a
solutions to problems  Consults with others to solve problems problem
 Identifies resources to clarify problems  Accepts  Participates in
needed to develop  Appropriately seeks responsibility for outcome studies
solutions input or guidance implementing  Participates in
 Uses technology to  Prioritizes resources solutions formal quality
search for and locate (analysis and critique  Implements assessment in work
resources of resources) solutions environment
 Identifies possible  Considers  Reassesses  Seeks solutions to
solutions and probable consequences of solutions community health-
outcomes possible solutions  Evaluates outcomes related problems
 Modifies solutions  Considers second
based on the and third order
outcome and current effects of solutions
evidence chosen
 Evaluates
generalizability of
current evidence to
a particular problem

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

I prioritize studying and plan it around other life responsibilities by using the resources available to me.
(Independently locates, prioritizes and uses resources to solve problems)

I accept personal responsibility for this problem solving and choosing a strategy to implement. I don’t blame the
problem if things don’t work out like I would like them to. (Accepts responsibility for implementing solutions)

I analyze how treatments are progressing and how the patient is responding. (Reassesses solutions and
Evaluates outcomes)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to incorporate more research outcomes and continuing education into my practice in order to
improve my ability to evaluate the generalizability of evidence. (Evaluates generalizability of current evidence to
a particular problem)

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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: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:

 Maintains  Recognizes the non-  Demonstrates active  Establishes mentor
professional verbal communication listening skills and relationships
demeanor in all and emotions that reflects back to  Recognizes the
interactions others bring to original concern to impact that non-
 Demonstrates professional determine course of verbal
interest in patients interactions action communication and
as individuals  Establishes trust  Responds effectively the emotions of self
 Communicates with  Seeks to gain input to unexpected and others have
others in a respectful from others situations during interactions
and confident  Respects role of  Demonstrates ability and demonstrates
manner others to build partnerships the ability to modify
 Respects  Accommodates  Applies conflict the behaviors of self
differences in differences in learning management and others during the
personality, lifestyle styles as appropriate strategies when interaction
and learning styles dealing with
during interactions challenging
with all persons interactions
 Maintains  Recognizes the
confidentiality in all impact of non-verbal
interactions communication and
 Recognizes the emotional responses
emotions and bias during interactions
that one brings to all and modifies own
professional behaviors based on
interactions them

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self-assessment:

I worked with closely with Supervising PTs and with other clinicians (such as COTAs) to work with patients to
improve their condition. (Demonstrates ability to build partnerships)

When an unexpected quiz was announced, I remained calm and began to plan how I would study instead of
getting frustrated by the unexpectedness of the situation. (Responds effectively to unexpected situations)

When working with stressed patients, I was able to monitor their response and body language and allow them
to express their feelings, even when it was not in line with my expectations. I was able to change my approach
based on their response. (Recognizes the impact of non-verbal communication and emotional responses
during interactions and modifies own behaviors based on them)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to improve my ability to modify the behaviors of others during interactions in order to be more
persuasive.

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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: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:

 Demonstrates  Displays awareness of  Educates patients as  Recognizes role as a
punctuality and sensitivity to consumers of health leader
 Provides a safe and diverse populations care services  Encourages and
secure environment  Completes projects  Encourages patient displays leadership
for patients without prompting accountability  Facilitates program
 Assumes  Delegates tasks as  Directs patients to development and
responsibility for needed other health care modification
actions  Collaborates with team professionals as  Promotes clinical
 Follows through on members, patients and needed training for students
commitments families  Acts as a patient and coworkers
 Articulates  Provides evidence- advocate  Monitors and adapts
limitations and based patient care  Promotes evidence- to changes in the
readiness to learn based practice in health care system
 Abides by all policies health care settings  Promotes service to
of academic  Accepts the community
program and clinical responsibility for
facility implementing
solutions
 Demonstrates
accountability for all
decisions and
behaviors in
academic and
clinical settings

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self assessment:

I’ve demonstrated the ability to educate and encourage patient participation with PT and compliance with
precautions and HEP programs. (Educates patients as consumers of health care services; Encourages patient
accountability)

I’ve advocated for patients to insurance companies when they required further therapy via documentation.
(Acts as a patient advocate)

I’ve accepted responsibility by performing treatment sessions and signing documentation. (Demonstrates
accountability for all decisions and behaviors in academic and clinical settings)

When I worked as a student tutor, I recognized my role as a peer leader and was aware that I should
demonstrate good academic behaviors in my own conduct. I also encouraged the students I tutored to adopt
these behaviors as well. (Recognizes role as a leader, Encourages and displays leadership)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I’d like to be more involved with formal promotion of PT service to the community.

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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: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:

 Abides by all  Identifies  Demonstrates understanding of  Actively promotes
aspects of the positive scope of practice as evidenced by and advocates for
academic program professional role treatment of patients within scope the profession
honor code and the models within of practice, referring to other  Pursues leadership
APTA Code of the academic healthcare professionals as roles
Ethics and clinical necessary  Supports research
 Demonstrates settings  Provides patient/family centered  Participates in
awareness of state  Acts on moral care at all times as evidenced by program
licensure commitment provision of patient/family development
regulations during all education, seeking patient input  Participates in
 Projects academic and and informed consent for all education of the
professional image clinical activities aspects of care and maintenance community
 Attends  Identifies when of patient dignity  Demonstrates the
 professional the input of  Seeks excellence in professional ability to practice
meetings classmates, co- practice by participation in effectively in
 Demonstrates workers and professional organizations and multiple settings
cultural/generational other healthcare attendance at sessions or  Acts as a clinical
awareness, ethical professionals will participation in activities that instructor
values, respect, and result in optimal further education/professional  Advocates for the
continuous regard outcome and development patient, the
for all classmates, acts accordingly  Utilizes evidence to guide clinical community and
academic and to attain such decision making and the provision society
clinical faculty/staff, input and share of patient care, following
patients, families, decision making guidelines for best practices
and other  Discusses  Discusses role of physical therapy
healthcare societal within the healthcare system and
providers expectations of in population health
the profession  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:

When I was treating patients, I recognized when patient requests or needs were outside my scope of practice and
would refer to other staff and professionals when needed. (Demonstrates understanding of scope of practice as
evidenced by treatment of patients within scope of practice, referring to other healthcare professionals as necessary)

I worked with caregivers and family members to help and encourage patients’ progress towards their goals.
(Provides patient/family centered care at all times as evidenced by provision of patient/family education, seeking
patient input and informed consent for all aspects of care and maintenance of patient dignity)

I participate in and help organize group projects for school and work with partners during lab activities to
achieve further learning for myself and my classmates. (Demonstrates leadership in collaboration with both
individuals and groups)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to increase my participation in education of the community in regard to physical therapy and health
services.

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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: Intermediate Level: Entry Level: Post Entry Level:

 Demonstrates  Critiques own  Independently  Engages in non-
active listening performance engages in a judgmental, constructive
skills accurately continual process problem-solving
 Assesses own  Responds effectively of self evaluation of discussions
performance to constructive skills, knowledge  Acts as conduit for
 Actively seeks feedback and abilities feedback between
feedback from  Utilizes feedback  Seeks feedback multiple sources
appropriate when establishing from  Seeks feedback from a
sources professional and patients/clients and variety of sources to
 Demonstrates patient related goals peers/mentors include
receptive behavior  Develops and  Readily integrates students/supervisees/
and positive implements a plan of feedback provided peers/supervisors/patients
attitude toward action in response to from a variety of  Utilizes feedback when
feedback feedback sources to improve analyzing and updating
 Incorporates  Provides skills, knowledge professional goals
specific feedback constructive and and abilities
into behaviors timely feedback  Uses multiple
 Maintains two-way approaches when
communication responding to
without feedback
defensiveness  Reconciles
differences with
sensitivity
 Modifies feedback
given to
patients/clients
according to their
learning styles

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self assessment:

I have utilized feedback from performance reviews and developed plans to help further my professional
capabilities by planning in-service topics with my manager. (Utilizes feedback when analyzing and updating
professional goals)

I have asked for input and feedback from a variety of sources, including, supervisees (PT aides, STNAs),
peers, supervisors, and patients. (Seeks feedback from a variety of sources to include students/supervisees/
peers/supervisors/patients)

In school, I have engaged and facilitated discussion to determine how to approach group projects. (Engages in
non-judgmental, constructive problem-solving discussions)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to take on more formal leadership roles to get practice acting as a conduit for feedback between
multiple sources

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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self assessment:

I worked with the therapy and nursing teams to provide treatment to patients. (Collaborates with members of
the team to maximize the impact of treatment available)

I balanced point of care documentation with effective patient care in order to meet productivity standards.
(Meets productivity standards of facility while providing quality care and completing non-productive work
activities)

I adapted my daily treatment schedule based on other factors in patient’s life i.e. appointments, illness. (Adjusts
plans, schedule etc. as patient needs and circumstances dictate)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to get better at applying research knowledge more broadly with a wider perspective. (Applies best
evidence considering available resources and constraints)

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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  Actively employs
stressors stress management
 Recognizes distress techniques
or problems in  Reconciles
others inconsistencies in the
 Seeks assistance as educational process
needed  Maintains balance
 Maintains between professional
professional and personal life
demeanor in all  Accepts constructive
situations feedback and clarifies
expectations
 Establishes outlets to
cope with stressors
 Demonstrates  Recognizes when
appropriate affective problems are
responses in all unsolvable
situations  Assists others in
 Responds calmly to recognizing and
urgent situations managing stressors
with reflection and  Demonstrates
debriefing as needed preventative
 Prioritizes multiple approach to stress
commitments management
 Reconciles  Establishes support
inconsistencies networks for self and
within professional, others
personal and  Offers solutions to
work/life the reduction of
environments stress
 Demonstrates ability  Models work/life
to defuse potential balance through
stressors with self health/wellness
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 demonstrate prioritization of multiple commitments by balancing six different class loads along with other
responsibilities. (Prioritizes multiple commitments)

I promote healthy stress relief strategies to peers and practice stress relief activities such as exercise.
(Demonstrates ability to defuse potential stressors with self and others)

I have dealt with emergency situations such as falls with patients and followed up afterwards with
documentation and prevention strategies. (Responds calmly to urgent situations with reflection and debriefing
as needed)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I want to be more proactive in establishing support networks for myself and others and to complete this type of
task in a more formal leadership role.

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.

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

I function predominantly in the beginning / intermediate / entry / post entry level

Examples of behaviors to support my self assessment:

I investigated obesity reduction strategies and conventional treatment with children when providing in-service
and looked into their actual effectiveness. (Respectfully questions conventional wisdom)

I took a continuing ed class that discussed the importance of discussing broad nutrition habits with patients and
started incorporating these types of discussions in my practice to increase effectiveness of treatments.
(Modifies programs and treatments based on newly-learned skills and considerations)

I consulted with supervising PT for treatment ideas for tougher patient cases. (Consults with other health
professionals and physical therapists for treatment ideas)

Regarding this Professional Behavior, I would like to improve in the following ways:

I would like to take on a more formal role as mentor. (Acts as a mentor not only to other PT’s, but to other
health professionals)

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:

1. I will become more efficient with using email by setting a limit of two revisions for each email.

2. I will utilize the mentor resources I have available to me by meeting with my professors to learn from
their experiences and seek their advice.

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 3. I will develop my professional skills in the area of formal leadership by taking on a student leadership
role.

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

1. I will set up a meeting with my professor to seek guidance as to how to develop these skills and
practice them as well as keep a log to track my progress when it comes to limiting my email revisions.

2. I will attend office hours at least three times this semester in order to seek insight from my professors.

3. I will search for an opportunity to fulfill a formal leadership role and procure a position by the end of the
semester.

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: Rebekah Wilson Date: 11/17/2019

CI feedback/suggestions.

CI signature: Date:

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