Every job has its advantages and disadvantages and healthcare jobs are no exception.  Where you work and the type of job you have can make all the difference in how much you love your job and (honestly) how easy it is to get up in the morning.

Hospitals are one of the largest employers of allied healthcare workers.  They range from tiny facilities with just a few doctors, nurses and support staff to enormous complexes that span city blocks with thousands of employees.

And like in any job, there are pros and cons of working in a hospital….factors that you have to weigh before making a decision on where to work.   

Pros

1. You can make the biggest impact.  In 2011, approximately 71 million people were admitted to hospitals.  If a healthcare career appeals to you because you want to help people, you can help the largest number of people in a hospital. In addition, nonprofit hospitals work to make the communities they serve better.  Many develop outreach programs and educational efforts, including health screenings and wellness activities.
2. Teamwork.  Hospitals employ many different types of people in many different types of roles, people and jobs that you might not be exposed to in if you work at a doctor’s office or clinic.
3. Growth potential.  Because of their size and the scope of their offerings, hospitals offer tremendous professional development.  Hospitals are on the cutting edge; there is always something to learn.

Cons

1. Exposure to germs.  Those 71 million people were admitted because they were (well) ill.  Hospital workers are exposed to germs every single day.  However, hospitals also have strict policies in place aims as eradicating the spread of germs.
2. 24/7 workplace. If you work in a doctor’s office, you know what time the office closes and –therefore – what time your day will end. It’s not like that at a hospital. Hospital work comes with the need to work all hours.  You will have to work some holidays, and you might have crazy hours when you start out.  Remember, your patients do not go home at night, so someone has to be physically on premise to care for them.
3. Different definition of flexibility.  Flexibility does not mean that you can simply cut out early to meeting the microwave repairman.  Hospitals offer a range of shifts and work options, but a certain level of rigidness remains within those shifts.  Patients cannot be put on hold while you run to the bank.

Focusing your healthcare career in a hospital setting can be very rewarding.  Just be aware of the pros and cons of the environment and do some soul searching on whether it can truly meet your needs.

When you are ready to begin your search, Snelling is here to help.  We have connections and the local knowledge to find you your best –fit medical job.  Register on our website today, and let’s get started.