Advice for Those Beginning a Career in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is always a popular career choice for young women, as most of the over 20 million workers in the industry are female. Whether you want to learn to be a doctor, nurse, technician, dentist, or something else, we’ve got some career advice for those beginning in healthcare below.

Find a Mentor

One of the first things that anyone starting their professional journey in the medical industry, whether they’re a nurse, physician, or technician, is to look for guidance from a mentor. While working in healthcare can be immensely rewarding and a stable career, it’s not a walk in the park, and there are many times when it’ll push you.

You don’t need a mentor who’s spent decades in the field but rather anyone who’s been through the same education and early development training. A mentor could be a professor, instructor, or just a friend or colleague who’s been around long enough to offer helpful tips and insight.

Grow Thick Skin

Another solid piece of advice for those beginning a healthcare career is to grow some thick skin and learn how to deal with the ups and downs of work and the industry. The thick skin isn’t just about dealing with challenges and stress but also the seemingly euphoric highs.

Some days, you may be working with a great patient who’s friendly and fun, and the next minute, dealing with one who’s unruly and rude. The contrast can be exhausting, so it’s integral for those starting their career to stay balanced throughout the days, weeks, months, and years and handle the job’s curveballs .

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Burnout and mental anguish are among the most significant challenges facing those in the healthcare industry, from nurses to doctors and orderlies. Many facilities have overstretched staff who put in strenuous hours that can leave them mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day.

Many aspects of working in the healthcare industry can take their toll on a person’s mental wellness, including the challenge of handling bad patient outcomes. Don’t forget that after caring for patients, you must prioritize your mental health so that your mind can rest and rejuvenate before the next shift.

Be Open to Change

It’s wise for anyone who wants to achieve in their career and field, whether healthcare, education, or food service, to have goals and ambition. Before your first day or while starting your first position, consider writing down some goals for the next year, two years, or five years—but don’t feel beholden to them.

In healthcare, careers and lives can change instantly when a position unexpectedly opens up or new jobs emerge. Be open to change even as you steer toward your goals—you never know when an unexpected opportunity could be the best thing to ever happen to you!

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