Whether you're a doctor, nurse or healthcare administration professional, it's an exciting time to be part of the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare in general is expected to grow about 19 percent by 2024. And as a healthcare professional, the real challenge will be deciding where you want to work. Hospitals are often a popular choice, and rightfully so. Here are a few reasons to consider working in a hospital setting:
Job security is a good thing
While the entire healthcare sector is expected to grow in the next few years, hospitals in particular will likely experience a large amount of growth. Currently, about 5.7 million people work in hospitals across the U.S., according to Monster. And that number is only expected to rise in the near future. As baby boomers continue to age, they're going to require an even greater level of healthcare than elderly generations do today. With the influx of patients, hospitals are going to need more than just doctors and nurses to deal with the extra workload.
Long but flexible hours
"Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
If you were to work in a traditional doctor's office or medical care facility, odds are the offices would be open somewhere in the range of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hospitals, on the other hand, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that employees can work different shifts around the clock to make time for other important parts of their life, such as raising a family or going back to school. The shifts you work may be longer than at other jobs, but there is also a greater potential for a flexible work schedule.
A chance to make a difference
Most people who work in healthcare do so because they want to help others improve their lives physically or mentally. There are few better places to do that than a hospital. Depending on where you work, you can have a role in helping patients recover from serious injuries or complicated medical procedures. You will be there for people at a time when they truly need the assistance. Plus, you'll be working alongside other individuals dedicated to improving others' lives. Anything you do to help them will be a help to their patients.
Little – if any – downtime
There is always something happening in a hospital. From working with patients to learning about new technologies at staff meetings, work life in a hospital can be exciting. Stimulating work like that can make your day job a little more rewarding. If you enjoy working with technology, the hospital is the perfect place for you. Hospitals – especially large research ones – use the latest technologies available to treat patients and organize medical records.
Part of a team
Working anywhere usually entails you'll be part of a team, but working at a hospital takes teamwork to a whole new level. Not only will you be providing and receiving support from your fellow co-workers, but you'll also become a part of a team that includes patients' families as well. Being around positivity on a regular basis will do nothing but increase your chances of success on a professional level.
All in all, working as a healthcare professional in any capacity is a good thing. Hospitals offer a stable workplace, a chance to learn new things and the support of your colleagues.