Jeannette Negre

Montreal, Canada - August 24, 2012. PsychTests.com, a pioneer in online psychological assessments has released its newest research on the type of traits that encompass a capable and compassionate caregiver. On the other end of the spectrum, those who aspire to work in the caregiving field should take heed: it takes more than aspiration to make it in this rewarding yet demanding field.

A retention and turnover survey conducted in 2010 by the National Center for Assisted Living revealed that turnover rates among nursing staff was highest among resident caregivers who work in an assisted living capacity (38%). This may not come as much of a surprise. Nursing in general requires an abundant amount of physical, mental, and emotional endurance. Caregivers, particularly those who are willing to stick around, tend to possess a unique personality profile - and for good reason. This is not a field for the faint of heart.

Assessing over 200 caregivers with their CAPAP (Careprovider Aptitude Personality & Attitude Profile), PsychTests' study results reveal a very distinct personality profile for experienced caregivers. Those who work in caregiving (and most importantly, have stuck around), are shown to score higher on traits such as:

-       Helpfulness
-       Empathy
-       Emotional strength
-       Attention to detail
-       Self-discipline
-       Patience
-       Honesty and integrity
-       Sociability

Experienced caregivers also possess good communication skills and are assertive when necessary, have organized and efficient work habits, have a no-nonsense attitude toward safety rules, and practice discretion when it comes to their clients' health and life in general. Female caregivers generally scored better than male caregivers, particularly in helpfulness (86 for women, 79 for men, on a scale from 0 to 100), communication (75 for women, 70 for men), organization (75 for women, 68 for men), patience (74 for women, 69 for men), honesty (83 for women, 77 for men), and respect for safety rules (84 for women, 79 for men).

"Whether you're hiring a personal caregiver for a family member or for a position in a large organization, you absolutely need to do your homework," emphasizes Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. "Our study results show that these are the traits that differentiate between those who will not only do their job well, but will also stick with you through difficult times. If you're looking for a caregiver but are not able to use a pre-employment assessment, don't be afraid to dig. Ask for employment history, check their references (ask for more than one), and use real-life scenarios in your interview (e.g. 'What would you do in this case?' How would you respond if this patient behaved in such a way?' 'Can you describe the most difficult patient you worked with and how you handled it?'). Caregiving is one of the most challenging fields. You need to take the hiring process very seriously."

HR managers interested in using the CAPAP (Careprovider Aptitude Personality & Attitude Profile) or other pre-employment tests can visit http://psychtests.com/solutions/hr_testing.

About PsychTests AIM Inc:
PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts. The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by the Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

Contact:
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., president
PsychTests AIM Inc.
http://testyourself.psychtests.com/
1-888-855-6975
ilona@psychtests.com