Healthcare is a career path that attracts all types of different people. And there are all types of jobs beyond the high profile doctor and nurse positions that are so often dramatized on TV. As the population continues to get older, more and more people will be needed in medical professions. For many people, the attraction of this career is being involved in something in which you can help people and do some genuine good. However, many of these jobs also require a high level of commitment and the hours are often antisocial. So, before you decide to enter one of these careers, it is worth weighing up all the advantages and disadvantages so you can be sure that it is right for you.
Pro | Rewarding and Satisfying Career
As we have already mentioned briefly, a healthcare career is one that is often immensely satisfying and rewarding. The knowledge that you are having a positive impact on your patients’ lives is very powerful and makes you feel like you really making a difference. As well as the mental and emotional rewards, it is also worth looking into the actual monetary rewards involved in this type of career. Ever wonder how much an EMT makes? Well, you can find out here. Of course, the money is usually not the number one factor for people entering this kind of career path, but it is still worth knowing about.
Con | A 24/7 Industry
Unlike many of your typical 9 to 5 career paths, healthcare is an industry that doesn’t stop. So, you may end up having to work a lot of unsociable hours and find that your shift pattern varies hugely from one week to the next. Delivering safe and efficient care throughout the hospital means that there always has to be enough staff members to cover all hours of the day. And you may also find that you need to work on call so you could be brought back into the hospital with little or no warning.
Pro | Job Stability
There is much more of a sense of job security in the healthcare field compared to many others as you know that there will always be sick people that need treating. And as we have already mentioned, this number is only likely to go up with the continually aging population. As well as this sense of security, you also have opportunities to train, develop and progress. Many promotions occur from the inside and people are often encouraged to take part in additional training to further their skills.
Con | Exposure to Unruly and Distressed Patients
Not all patients are going to be hugely grateful for your help, and you are also likely to be exposed to patients in various stages of physical and mental distress. There is all manner of reasons why patients may not be cooperative including anger, intoxication, and mental illness. This unknown factor can make undertaking certain jobs unpredictable, which can also increase stress levels. As well as this, if you are in patient-facing roles, you will end up bearing witness to some upsetting scenes including severe illness, injury and death. Though there is no way to fully prepare for this, making sure that you are aware of what you may be facing before entering this field is important.
Pro | Working in a Stimulating Environment
There is no doubt that working in a healthcare career means working in a stimulating environment. It is very likely to be fast-paced and you will often have to be thinking on your feet. Many people get a lot of pleasure knowing that they are going to be kept busy throughout the day. As well as this, you will be working in a team environment including people who work in various different job roles who are all coming together to achieve your goals.
Con | High Levels of Stress
On the flip side of the previous point, many healthcare environments involve high levels of stress as you know that your job comes along with high stakes. Of course, this level of pressure is higher for the people at the top of the tree, but many of these jobs come along with levels of stress that some will find difficult to handle.
A career in healthcare is one that many people find enormously rewarding, so hopefully this article has given you a bit of a better idea of some of the pros and cons that are prevalent in this particular sector.
Photo by Chutter Snap
Milo Senalle
Latest posts by Milo Senalle (see all)
- First Impressions Matter: Ways To Improve Your Business’s Exterior - July 17, 2023
- How to Increase Safety in the Workplace - July 17, 2023
- Beyond the Ordinary: Innovative Ideas for Personalizing Your Car - June 21, 2023
