Working in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, no matter what your role is. When you work in healthcare, you get to make a positive difference in people’s lives each day, and this can give you a sense of purpose. Additionally, healthcare jobs are in demand, you can work anywhere, and there is always room for progression with the ability to earn a good salary. These are a few of the main benefits of a career in healthcare, but it is not all perks, and it can be work that is stressful, demanding, and sometimes upsetting. With this in mind, here are a few career tips for healthcare workers that will hopefully help anyone that is in this field or considering a career change.
Find A Mentor
Having a mentor can be hugely helpful when you are a healthcare worker. With work that can be so stressful, challenging, and demanding, having someone with experience offering support and guidance can make a big difference and help you to improve your performance. Additionally, they may be able to open doors for you and help you to progress your career.
Identify & Work On Your Weaknesses
In order to provide the best level of care and progress in your career, you will need to work on your weaknesses; otherwise, these will hold you back. Sometimes it is obvious what your weaknesses are, but it is still a good idea to seek feedback from patients and other colleagues. It is not always easy to hear, but this can be the best way to find out your weaknesses and the areas that you need to improve to boost your career.
Work On Your Soft Skills
In healthcare, it is easy to focus on medical skills and knowledge. While this is certainly essential for your success, you will find that you will not get very far if you do not have good soft skills. Soft skills will allow you to perform to a high standard, manage your workload and develop positive professional relationships. Usually, soft skills can be improved with practice, online research, and courses. A few key soft skills that healthcare workers need include:
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
- Work ethic
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Organizational skills
Get To Know Your Patients
It is also important to get to know your patients. Instead of seeing each person simply as a case to solve, you need to treat the person and make sure that they feel as comfortable, safe, and supported as possible. Bedside manner is extremely important in healthcare and will play a major role in your success and reputation as a healthcare provider. Additionally, you need to make sure that you make time for the loved ones of patients so that you can offer support and answer any questions that they might have.
Look Into Accelerated Courses
Those looking to get into healthcare may be put off by the idea of studying for several years, but this is not your only way in. Online accelerated BSN programs prepare people for nursing roles with the main coursework completed online with a 2-week campus visit and clinical in the field. This can fast-track your way into the healthcare field while teaching you everything that you need to thrive in nursing. In a time where there is a nursing shortage, programs like this are ideal for those that are looking to change careers and enter healthcare.
Network
As with any industry, you always need to make an effort to build your professional network. This can be helpful in terms of finding new opportunities, improving your reputation, and building a supportive network. You should make an effort by networking in person and then use social media and the internet as a way to maintain these relationships over time. You may also be able to build a large, global network through online communities like Reddit.
Stay Current
Those that work in healthcare need to understand that it is a field that is constantly changing, and you need to make an effort to keep up with all of the latest trends, tech developments, and changes. There are many ways to do this, including journals and magazines, podcasts and blogs, social media, and attending industry events. This will help you to stay current, showcase your commitment and immerse yourself in healthcare.
Establish Career Goals
As mentioned in the intro, there is always room for progression in healthcare, and most people do not stay put in one role for too long. This is why it is a smart idea to spend time establishing what your career goals are and what area you want to specialize in. Once you have established this, you can then find ways to make this happen and speak to your boss and mentor to get support in your journey.
Be Willing To Move
Leading on from this, sometimes you will need to move to a new facility or even a new city in order to progress your career and achieve your goals. As mentioned, people do not stay too long in one role, and often this involves a move away from your current employer. This can be tough, especially if you enjoy working there, but sometimes it is necessary for your career.
Look After Your Own Health
Ironically, healthcare workers often find it difficult to look after their own health. This is because their work can be so demanding, and shift work can make it hard to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is possible, though, once you start scheduling your free time and prioritizing aspects like sleep, a healthy diet, and relaxing. Mental health is something that every healthcare worker needs to be wary of, and you should seek support if you are struggling at any point.
Hopefully, these tips will come in handy for any healthcare worker or someone getting started with a career in healthcare. Working in healthcare can be interesting and highly rewarding, but it is not the easiest field, and many people struggle when first getting started.