3 Must Know Facts to be a Healthcare Employee
Picking a career path at the age of 18 can be challenging for many people. We are young, and most of us have no idea what we truly want to spend the rest of our life doing. For some, we decide midway through a career that we want a change. Whether you are new to the workforce or looking to pursue a different path, healthcare is one of the most solid fields you can choose. It can also be one of the most demanding fields to be in as an employee. You can be there for people at the best times of their lives, but also at the worst. Healthcare workers see new life begin, life end unexpectedly, life end peacefully and everything in between. The job is complex, tiring and devastating, at times. It is also worthwhile.
1. Stress
Working in healthcare can be a very stressful and emotional experience. There are many papers on nursing burnout, and the findings can apply to almost any subfield within healthcare. There are long hours, hectic shifts, emotional experiences, high acuity patients and even death and severe illness daily in certain areas. The toll this could take on the mind and body can be substantial. It is essential to realize this as an aspect many jobs have, not just health care. Having strong coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques will prove highly beneficial as you enter this field.
Stress levels of a career can significantly impact the employee experience. There are many factors that contribute to employee satisfaction. Only you know what will work best for you, but know that every job has its fair share of pros and cons. Your employee experience can be enhanced by your coworkers, your responsibilities, the benefits of your job and an excellent work-life balance, among others.
2. Schedule
The schedule for a healthcare employee can vary drastically. Some specialties require on-call shifts for emergencies. This is especially common in surgical fields, among others. This can add great unpredictability to a schedule, meaning flexibility is of the utmost importance. Any healthcare worker will tell you they have had to miss out on their share of family gatherings, their children’s sporting or school events and much more due to a demanding schedule.
Others, such as some hospital floor nurses, enjoy the amount of time they have off after working 12-hour shifts. For many, a shorter workweek is well worth the long shifts. However, this is not for everyone as it can be tough to work such long shifts. On the other hand, office jobs may offer a more traditional work week, with set hours Monday through Friday. Depending on the specialty and workplace you choose, you can see significant differences in work schedule, hours and call shifts. You are sure to find a type of work week schedule you can enjoy in the health profession.
3. Change
Some individuals love the room for growth or change within their careers. For example, a nurse can start out in one specialty and has the flexibility to move to new floors and other specialties if desired. This can lead to exposure to many different areas, the potential for continual learning and change as desired.
There are many opportunities for continued education and growth within the health care sector for those who love learning. Additional degrees can result in more pay and better positions. Some employers offer tuition assistance, and there might even be a chance that your employer would cover your costs to go back to school, should your new degree be beneficial for a position they desire to have filled by you.
If you are searching for a challenging yet rewarding career field with many opportunities for growth and great stability, healthcare may be just the fit for you. There are times when being a healthcare employee will be tough, but you will be helping to shape patients’ lives and make others feel better. There is great diversity in the jobs, ranging from hands-on patient care to laboratory work and so much more. If you’re looking for a new start, consider becoming a healthcare employee.
