Healthcare is a vast industry, encompassing a huge amount of job roles, niche specialities, and career paths. There are a number of considerations and questions that anyone considering working in healthcare should ask themselves, such as their professional and salary expectations, the importance of work-life balance, and what benefits would be most beneficial.
Some of those questions have answers that are very specific to the individual but in this blog, we’re going to outline twelve of the best reasons to get into healthcare in the first place.
12 reasons to choose a career in the healthcare industry
No day will be the same
Even in a specialist role, no two days are ever alike. The medical needs and case histories of patients are always different, and there are always new challenges to overcome. Healthcare isn’t the workplace for anyone seeking a quiet life, but it’s the busy nature of the days that sharpens a person’s skills.
You’ll make a positive impact on people’s lives
Ask almost anyone, and they’ll tell you that they started working in healthcare to make a difference, to give back to the community, and to improve people’s lives. All of those things are true of a job in healthcare, from the big picture of healing people, to the smaller scale of making someone feel more comfortable and making sure that families are supported during extremely difficult times.
Develop professionally and personally
Every day in healthcare is a learning experience. You will absolutely be changed by the people you work with and the patients you meet. When it comes to professional development, both the NHS and private healthcare reward those who want to further their learning and deepen their skillset with paid training, as well as apprenticeships and other development schemes. Take a look at the Elysium career development page to see what we offer to our employees.
You’ll have job security
Healthcare is one of the most stable industries to work in, whether you are in the public or private sector. The demand for healthcare professionals is constant and only continues to grow, making it an excellent choice for those who value long-term job security. It also offers the flexibility to practice your speciality virtually anywhere, across the country or around the world.
Enjoy great benefits
Working in healthcare can be demanding, but it’s also well compensated. Outside of the positive impact on patients’ lives and the competitive salary, there are also plenty of secondary benefits. The NHS pension, for example, is generous, while private healthcare companies such as Elysium and great benefits and pension. There are also lifestyle boons, such as 24-hour GP services, employee assistant programmes, hospitality and retail discounts, and healthy meals provided on shifts.
Benefits differ depending on which company you work for. To find out more about Elysium Benefits, visit our benefits page.
It’s a fast-growing industry
The need for healthcare is always growing, and at pace. In the public sector, an ageing population means more patients are presenting to GP surgeries, hospitals, and outpatient departments than ever before. Meanwhile, a lack of sufficient funding means that many individuals are turning to private healthcare for elective treatments and procedures. In either environment, healthcare professionals are in high demand.
There are great salaries in healthcare
A career in healthcare is one that rewards loyalty and skills. There are ample chances for promotion and larger salaries thanks to both the NHS’s payment bands and wage increases in the private sector. Wherever your career takes you, you can work towards a salary that reflects your expertise.
It will make you smile
Healthcare is extremely rewarding. Whether you measure success by your salary, the reliance on your specialist skills, a sense of camaraderie with peers, or the impact you make on the lives of others, there’s no question that you’ll find a reason to smile at the end of each day in healthcare. It’s hard work, for sure, but it’s also an extremely satisfying career path.
Progress as far as you want to go
Sian Cook is an excellent example of someone who has deepened her knowledge and improved her skills to advance in a short space of time. In just three years, Sian has gone from Staff Nurse to Charge Nurse, before promotions to Ward Manager and Clinical Services Manager.
Career progress in healthcare isn’t always linear. Take Kyle, who retrained in mental health nursing after a degree in music. Ten years on from joining Elysium, Kyle is now a Registered Manager at one of our Learning Disabilities and Autism facilities.
Not willing to sit still, Kyle is already looking to the future: “I think the natural next step for me would be a regional role,” says Kyle. “I would really like to support a service opening from scratch. I’ve always wanted to learn. I’ve got a thirst for knowledge and expanding on what I can give back to the company.”
It’s a fast-paced workday
Nobody has ever complained of being bored or having nothing to do when working in healthcare! There’s always a patient to see, a care plan to create, or a procedure/tests to carry out. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but a day in healthcare will always keep you on your toes.
There are roles to suit all skills
Whatever your skills or expertise, there’s a role in healthcare. As well as a wealth of medical career paths, there are technical roles such as radiography, as well as the vital work of hospital support and logistics staff. And with learning and professional development encouraged in the industry, it’s always possible to grow, learn new skills, and progress in your career or in another field.
At Elysium there are examples of this shown in both the Apprenticeship and preceptorship programmes – Find out more on our Learning and Development page
Support throughout your career
If you choose Elysium for your healthcare career, you can be sure of a supportive and nurturing environment. Clare Peatson was part of a mentorship scheme throughout her Stage 2 training in Forensic Psychology. She says: “It really did feel like a hugely collaborative, hugely safe, hugely empowering partnership.”
“I felt really empowered throughout the journey and I felt trusted and supported to really grow, develop, and push myself into areas outside of my comfort zone. I learned so much from all the experience, wisdom and amazing skills that [my mentor] was able to share with me.”
So, why work in healthcare?
For the empathetic and ambitious, there’s no better career choice than working in healthcare.
Where else do you get a chance to have such positive effects, both small and large, on people every single day of the week? Where else can you choose a specialism and be supported and encouraged to reach your full potential? Healthcare offers all that and more, in a fast-paced, well-compensated, and challenging workplace.
No two days may ever be the same, but every day will bring its own rewards.
If you’re interested in working in the healthcare sector, learn more about the work environment, patient care and health systems from people who experience them every day. Our “why I love working in healthcare” post interviews our amazing healthcare professionals for their insights into why working in healthcare is so rewarding.