Working in healthcare is widely considered a great career. Being a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, is a job that comes with respect, a good salary, and benefits. However, most people who don’t work in these roles may not realize some of the drawbacks and challenges of the profession.
While being a doctor might seem like a dream profession, it involves ongoing hard work. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be a healthcare provider, here are some things about the field you probably didn’t know.
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School Never Really Ends
One of the main things people know about being a healthcare provider is it takes college-level education. For physicians especially, becoming a doctor takes years – from undergraduate courses to medical school to residency.
Learning about the ever-changing field of medicine is essential for healthcare providers. After years of education are completed, it doesn’t end there. Doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and more must keep up with their fields through continuing education units. While these CEUs aren’t like college per se, they involve hours of attending seminars, workshops, online CEUs, etc.
Many Medical Professionals Have To Be On Call
If you’ve ever watched a medical drama on television, you may know that some doctors and physicians have to be on call for certain shifts, especially when they work at a hospital. However, while television dramatizes this role, it can be stressful for many providers.
When on call, the physician has to stay at the hospital or within a short distance of the hospital. Usually, these on-call shifts last around 24 hours. The physician can’t leave the area, and they don’t always know what emergency situation awaits them when the phone rings.
However, having doctors on call at all times is vital to providing constant medical care when people need it. It’s something many providers are willing to do because of this.
Difficult Patients Are A Concern
In some ways, being a healthcare provider is similar to other jobs, as even highly trained doctors have to deal with disgruntled patients. However, while many types of jobs involve handling angry or upset customers, doctors can face some more extreme situations.
Most physicians and nurses will meet patients from all walks of life. If the provider is working in a hospital or emergency setting, they may deal with patients coming in from prison, mentally unstable patients, and more.
Plus, healthcare providers often assist people when they are facing some of the worst times of their lives. If someone gets a terminal diagnosis or faces the death of a loved one, even the most rational person may lash out at the doctor or nurse.
The Job Takes An Emotional Toll
As mentioned above, many medical providers support and help people when they are facing tragedy and going through immense pain. Feeling responsible for saving lives is an extremely emotional thing, and even the most experienced providers can be impacted. While some medical providers rarely see patients who are severely ill or injured, many of them do.
Most providers who work with more severe medical situations learn to compartmentalize, but their mental health is a concern. It’s not easy to be the one to try your best to save someone, only to have to break the news to their family and friends. Medical providers need support for this role often.
The Benefits And Rewards Of Being A Healthcare Provider
Working as a physician, nurse, or any other healthcare provider isn’t always easy. There are drawbacks and difficulties that the average person might not realize. However, it can be a good career that’s quite rewarding for many people.
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