Whatever field you want to choose as a professional, you will surely hear myths about it. The same goes for the healthcare field, as people have different misconceptions regarding this field. Whether you are an experienced healthcare professional or just starting your career, long-held myths can stop you before even beginning your professional journey. As an aspiring nurse or doctor who wants to serve society, you need to find the truth yourself. It will help you clear your doubts and fulfill your duties efficiently as a competent professional.
The best way to overcome healthcare misconceptions is to spend time with experienced healthcare professionals. It will help you get beneath the surface to find out the ground realities. Eventually, you will be able to make the right career decisions based on facts, not on assumptions or misconceptions. Building your network with healthcare professionals before entering the industry can help you take the right steps throughout your professional journey. It can make a massive impact on your healthcare career as you will be able to follow a clear direction by avoiding falling for different fallacies. Without further ado, let’s find out some of the myths surrounding healthcare careers.
1- No Career Progression Opportunities in Healthcare
One of the common myths that are linked to the healthcare sector is that there are no career progression opportunities available. It is absolutely not true, as there is always a chance to advance in a healthcare career if you can attain high-level degrees and enhance your skillset.
For example, you can opt for a master’s degree in nursing as per your area of interest if you want to avail better career opportunities as a nurse. It will open the gates of new opportunities for you and help you to accomplish your career goals.
Just like in any other field, the secret makes progress is the same in the healthcare sector. You need to earn good qualifications and gain relevant experience to climb the ladder of success in the healthcare industry as well.
2- Healthcare Jobs are Low Paid
Another myth that is linked to the healthcare sector is that jobs are poorly paid in the healthcare sector. In reality, there are many opportunities to make good money in the healthcare sector. Healthcare jobs offer a fair pay structure to doctors, nurses, and other professionals. Depending on your qualifications, skills, and experience, you can get flexible benefits as a healthcare professional that can help you live a comfortable life with your family.
According to a research study, the average annual salary of a registered nurse (RN) is $77,460. Although, it depends on your qualifications and experience. But you should not worry about the pay structure while making your way into the healthcare industry. Another research study showed that the average annual salary of a doctor is around $299,000 per year.
3- It Takes A Lot Of Time To Get Your First Job
Another misconception that is associated with healthcare is getting the first job. You have to study for many years. There is an exception in a few cases, like if you want to become a doctor, it may take some years of study and residency. There are many healthcare positions that can help you to get into the workforce within a year or two.
It also depends on how long you take to complete your specialized degree program to get your first job in the healthcare sector. If there is no delay in your degree, you may get a job right after graduation. Also, it is better to have a clear idea beforehand of how much time it will take to earn a degree in your specialized area. For example, if you want to get an associate degree in nursing, it could take around 20 months. It also includes the time period that will prepare you to appear in the licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN).
4- You Do Not have Normal Working Hours
Although hospitals and healthcare institutions are opened 24/7 to better serve the public. However, it does not mean that you will not have normal working hours. Your working hours depend on your nature of position and seniority.
According to research studies, medical records technicians have to work regular hours and sometimes also work from home to manage the workload. Similarly, some nurses have to work overnight, on weekends, and in second shifts to fulfill their duties.
You should understand that a bigger position also brings bigger responsibilities with it. So, if you want to enjoy the good perks of a high-paying position in the healthcare sector, you should be mentally prepared to work long-hour shifts.
5- Direct Patient Care is Involved in Healthcare Jobs
Another misconception among people is that they have to directly work with patients and provide them with the necessary care. But in reality, you can opt for healthcare jobs that do not involve direct patient care. You can consider taking an administrative role in the healthcare sector, such as a medical office assistant and medical receptionist. You will be responsible for setting appointments with patients, but you will not be a part of direct care.
You can also explore coding and medical billing positions that play a key role in supporting healthcare organizations. While working in these positions, you have to ensure that insurance companies and patients receive accurate billing. You can also become a lab technician, where you have to use advanced medical equipment to prepare reports of medical tests. You may not be interacting with patients much, but there will be a huge responsibility on your shoulders to produce accurate medical reports.
One of the best ways to overcome myths is to find the truth yourself. The same applies to the healthcare industry, as you should try to uncover the ground realities by getting in touch with experienced healthcare professionals. It will give you a clear idea of the industry practices and trends, so you can make career decisions accordingly. In this way, you will be able to achieve your career goals and add real value to society by serving the healthcare sector.
