Healthcare is a demanding field. Anyone who has gone through the process of studying, schooling, final testing, and certification knows how much work goes into becoming a medical professional. While there are plenty of varying levels of demand and experience required to do different jobs, all of the different paths are what end up separating those people who are capable and qualified enough to finally call themselves a medical professional.
For those who make it through the rigorous process of studying, testing, clinical work, and final hiring processes, it can still be intimidating to start a new career in healthcare. Though this feeling is not sequestered to healthcare careers alone, there are a collection of reasons why the intimidation factor may be a bit higher: the pressure to save lives, to carry knowledge effectively from classroom to workplace, and feel competent are just a few examples.
In order to lessen the intimidation factor and to help people start a career in healthcare on the right foot, here are a few ways to thrive in a nursing job.
Some Intimidating Factors for Healthcare Professionals
The healthcare industry can be intimidating for new hires. The complex systems of interplay between a multitude of departments, highly specialized terminology that has to become like a second language, and the ever-present stress of trying to keep people healthy— if not altogether saving lives— are all wrapped up in working with close-knit teams while trying to provide a wonderful patient experience.
The multifacetedness of healthcare, with its all-encompassing approach to wellness all maintained by huge teams of people from a broad range of ages, experience levels, and training contributes to the stress.
Specialized Knowledge
Healthcare, due to its serious nature, rightly requires a deep understanding of very challenging sciences. Anatomy, with all its nuances, physiology, kinesiology, surgery techniques, and everything in between is quite a lot of information to take in. Even those professionals who are well-established in their careers can often be found diligently studying and furthering their knowledge base so as to keep up with the ever-expanding understanding of human health.
For those without a background in the field but are contemplating entering the arena, such a mountain of knowledge is rightly intimidating. There are plenty of quality programs and hundreds of thousands of professionals that have shown it is possible to succeed with a career in healthcare.
High Stakes
Working in healthcare means that life and death are a daily (sometimes multiple times a day) occurrence. Any rational person who is considering a career in healthcare or has decades of experience knows this, acknowledges it, but does not let it hold them back from doing their best in every situation.
Being that there are so many people that have preceded newcomers into the profession, new hires or prospective students need not fear ever being alone in their worries. Healthcare has many people who have established themselves as trustworthy professionals who can be turned to and looked to in challenging moments.
Tips for Starting Out on the Right Footing
Networking
The word may sound cliche, but this is a tried and true method for any professional setting. Whether a prospective student considering entering into healthcare or a recent graduate who is looking to establish themselves a bit more quickly, networking can help to bolster anyone’s career.
Spending time reaching out to and talking with seasoned professionals is a wonderful way to gain more knowledge, be pointed in the direction of resources that might otherwise be a trade secret, and open doors to new jobs. Humans are social creatures and those who take the time to make those connections are usually not disappointed.
One five-minute conversation could turn into a new job, a new friendship, or a connection that might bring new business to the office, spotlighting the value of the one who did the leg work.
Mentorships
Mentorships are a great way to meet new people and grow in skill and knowledge. A mentor is one of the most valuable resources that someone can find because of the multifaceted nature of such a relationship. Being able to sit down, ask questions, vent frustrations, or just make a new friend is a great help to new hires.
A good mentorship will challenge, encourage, support, and strengthen the resolve of any willing participant all while opening up a whole new world of networking connections.
Photo Credit
Image by u_9p7tw4noz0 from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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