The Benefits of Working in Healthcare
As a child, most of us have at least thought about pursuing a career in healthcare. Whether it is becoming a physician or nurse, helping other people and providing potentially life-saving treatment is something many of us would consider rewarding. Through social media, however, we as a society understand the harms and sacrifices in pursuing such a job, but we have forgotten about the benefits and positives that come with pursuing such a job. Working in healthcare comes with many amazing things, including being able to help others, staying financially stable, and having job security.
The first and, most obvious, benefit that comes with pursuing a career in healthcare is the fact that you can help people. Whether it is working in pediatrics or being a nurse in the operating room, all medical workers increase the quality of life of patients in one way or the other. Many, however, disregard the scientific benefits that come with assisting others so heavily. Generosity and the act of helping others act as their own anti-anxiety treatment, as Adam Grant - Wharton professor and author - writes that “Studies of volunteers show that do-gooders had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol on days they did volunteer work.” Helping others with their problems can also help you with your problems. Dr. Grant further explains that “When you talk other people through their problems, you come up with wiser perspectives and solutions for yourself.”
Secondly, a career in medicine is good financially. I know, I know - as cliche as it sounds, it is still true. The pay in the healthcare industry is good, and it comes with multiple benefits and facilities. It is enough to live a comfortable life even after paying all the bills. And it makes sense - the higher the degree you earn, the higher you will be paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctors in the US earn at least $200,000 on average, with nurse practitioners earning $111,000 (both of which change depending on where you practice and if you own your practice). Specific specialties, such as general surgery, make a lot more money with the top 10% earning more than $400,000.
Lastly, medical professions offer a large amount of job security. Compared to IT and AI jobs where many people are applying and spots are limited, jobs in healthcare are always on the increase, with the population rising and the number of applicants low. In fact, Keith Miller of FOW furthers that “The medical institutions of the United States are supplying about 25% of their open job opportunities to overseas applicants because there are not enough qualified candidates domestically to meet the current demand.” Nurses and doctors also have an extremely low rate of termination, with many of them staying in their job until they want to leave and are content with their position.
Overall, many of us know the negative effects and sacrifices that come with pursuing a job in the medical field, such as the long hours and many years needed to dedicate to the profession. However, over time, people have lost sight of the reasons why such a venture and journey is worth it. The healthcare industry allows you to provide life-saving care to people, is stable financially, and is an extremely secure industry compared to technology industries, which are on the rise right now. The next time someone tries to discourage you from the field, remember the many things you get in return.
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“The Science of Helping out (Published 2020).” The New York Times, 2022, www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/well/mind/coronavirus-resilience-psychology-anxiety-stress-volunteering.html#:~:text=To%20help%20yourself%2C%20start%20by,impact%20on%20our%20well%2Dbeing.. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.
