Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise stress in the work environment and develop a personal stress management plan

Application 

This unit applies to work in a range of health settings and involves providing and receiving support from colleagues in the management of stress at work

Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any stress management issues and practices specific to each workplace

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Develop personal stress management plan

1.1 Recognise potential causes of stress  so that immediate action can be taken to reduce or eliminate the stress

1.2 Recognise own response to stress  in the workplace

1.3 Organise work to minimise stress where possible

1.4 Develop a personal stress management plan in consultation with supervisor

1.5 Constantly monitor personal stress levels and evaluate the effectiveness of the stress management plan on an ongoing basis

1.6 Take further action to manage stress when necessary

2. Offer support  to colleagues

2.1 Observe team members and colleagues for signs of stress after incidents and over time

2.2 Informally debrief stressful incidents as soon as possible so prompt action can be taken to minimise stress reactions

2.3 Offer constructive support to encourage effective management of personnel stress

2.4 Identify need for further stress counselling and encourage prompt action

3. Receive support  from colleagues

3.1 Recognise own level of stress on an ongoing basis and identify factors affecting stress level so prompt action can be taken to reduce or eliminate the effects of stress

3.2 Seek support from colleagues when needed and accept where appropriate

3.3 Recognise need for further stress counselling and promptly seek appropriate counselling

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge :

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

• Factors and circumstances likely to cause personal stress in the work environment
• Methods of controlling stress
• Organisation support programs and other available resources

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Identify own personal stress and stressors
• Take steps to control or reduce stressors and stress
• Identify stress in others in the workplace
• Take steps, including the offer of support, to reduce, control or otherwise deal with stress

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

• Discuss issues relating to stress with colleagues and supervisor
• Promote, implement and manage work attitudes and practices that reflect awareness of the importance of a range of aspects of sustainability
• Use problem solving skills including:

• using available resources
• analysing information
• making decisions to effectively manage personal stress within the working environment

• Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisation, including:

• using interviewing techniques
• asking questions
• active listening
• acknowledging and responding to a range of views

continued  ...

Essential skills  (contd ):

• Use interpersonal skills, including:

• working with others
• showing empathy with colleagues
• relating to persons from differing cultural, social and religious backgrounds

• Use written communication skills (literacy competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisation, including:

• reading and understanding incident reports and case management materials
• personal stress management plan

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit :

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Observation in the work environment is preferable. However, where workplace observation is insufficient to demonstrate competence, simulations and/or case studies may be used as supporting evidence.
• Evidence of workplace performance over time must be obtained to inform a judgement of competence.

Access and equity considerations :

• All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
• All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Potential causes of stress may include but are not limited to :

• Acute stress from exposure to incidents involving trauma, violence, injury and/or death
• Chronic work-related stress, including burn out and serious fatigue

Responses to stress may include but are not limited to :

• Physical reaction
• Psychological (mental/emotional) reaction
• Changes in health

Support may include , but is not limited to :

• Informal debriefing with colleagues
• Local peer support programs
• Other organisation resources

Support and de -brief may be provided :

• immediately
• when timely