The best thing about hospital dramas is that they always keep you on the edge of your seat. A mix of Hollywood and make-believe, these characters’ lives are never boring.
One thing’s for sure, beneath the theatrics, cries and laughter, there’s a semblance of truth. You will know it only if you dig deep enough.
Working as a healthcare professional takes guts, perseverance and determination. No amount of retakes, remakes or seasons can demonstrate how these people work diligently behind the scenes to ensure patients get the best care possible.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking healthcare is an easy nut to crack. It’s not. Nonetheless, there are many options to choose from when considering this field. Below, we’ll explain three of them.
#1. Nursing
Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the U.S., with nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) employed, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
No longer a gender-specific role, the percentage of male nurses increased dramatically from 2020 to 11.2%.
The good news is that nurses will always be in demand, worldwide. The federal government predicts that more than 203,000 new RN positions will be created until 2031.
Nursing encompasses other disciplines as well. Not only RNs dominate the healthcare landscape. RNs typically move on to other careers while remaining in nursing.
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) for instance, are the highest paid in their field. It’s a highly-skilled profession involving preparing and administering anesthesia to patients under the guidance of surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Certified nurse-midwifery is just as interesting. RNs choose this career path as it entails obstetrics, labor and delivery, and prenatal care. Certified nurse midwives work in OB/GYN practices or hospital settings. Many go on to open their practices.
How to Choose a Quality Nursing Program
Like every study program, researching nursing schools that offer your preferred degree is the best place to start.
Choosing a nursing program hinges on many factors. From the quality to the length of the nursing programs, these are questions that must be asked.
So many times, students have been duped by scam websites or fly-by-night institutions that claim to deliver collegiate nursing education but ghost them as soon as they’ve paid their tuition fees.
There are several pathways to a nursing career. The preferred degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and doing your national council licensure examination.
Potential employers value this degree because BSN-qualified nurses are favored for their critical thinking, case management and leadership skills.
A BSN program typically takes four years to complete, either online or on campus. This can be done online or on campus. Most students choosing to study at their pace register for accelerated BSN programs online. This means the coursework is 100% online with access to hybrid learning options. Plus they can be completed sooner than the conventional option,
According to Online ABSN Programs, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is a good option for students with a BS degree who want to transition into nursing. The program allows you to graduate in as little as 16 months.
#2. Occupational Therapist
There’s often some confusion about what occupational therapists (OTs) do. These healthcare providers work alongside other specialists to ensure patients learn how to move with the help of occupational therapy treatments.
These encompass a variety of interventions. People usually require occupational therapy following some sort of physical trauma like an injury or accident. The treatment manages the symptoms of the trauma so patients can safely complete daily tasks.
Everyone’s goals are different so OTs identify challenges and devise ways to meet those goals. OTs normally work with patients with the following injuries:
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Strokes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
Technology’s Role in Occupational Therapy
A team of OTs in the UK recently conducted a study to assess the impact of touch on clients.
The BBC reported that the Oxfordshire County Council started using a robot called Mona as a training tool during assessments. Researchers wanted to gauge how different types of people experienced being touched.
Like a real person, Mona recoiled and made a sound while experiencing pain. The robots used in the study, Embodied Intelligence, were programmed to copy different health concerns, such as arthritis and dementia.
Thus far, the study has provided some valuable insights for OTs who say the technology has given them more confidence in how they do their work.
USL researcher Dr Minna Nygren praised the program and told the BBC that non-verbal patients will benefit the most from it as OTs can take their cues from bodily communication.
Nicholette Baker, a physical therapy graduate, has started integrating 3D printing technology with occupational therapy. Baker anticipates a future where customization and accessibility can transform patient care.
While pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, she turned a passion project into something with a tangible impact. Baker explains that 3D printing items used in the treatment are relatively cheaper than commercially available products.
The use of 3D innovation allows occupational therapists to adapt tools to the client’s needs instead of forcing them to adapt to the equipment.
#3. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are specially trained to work with dentists and play an important part in dental healthcare. Very often, dental hygienists are also qualified dental therapists.
They usually take on a preventative role and educate clients on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Mostly, they treat gum disease.
You’ve probably been to a dental hygienist before because they are the professionals tasked with cleaning your teeth and removing any plaque or tartar.
The most important part of a dental hygienist’s job is showing you the best way to clean your teeth and maybe give advice on how to prevent tooth decay. Dental
Why Consider a Role as a Dental Hygienist
Every dental practice has that one person who holds your hand or minimizes your pain while in the dentist’s chair. Chances are, it’s probably the dental hygienist.
They’re a calming presence who assures you everything is going to be fine. They speak with empathy and talk you through the process. Not everyone can be a dental hygienist. Certain personality traits make you perfect for the job.
For starters, being passionate about oral health and improving the lives of others must be a priority for you. Another upside is the flexible working hours. Dental hygienists choose to work full-time, part-time or a few days a week.
Some practices offer floating positions, meaning you work at multiple places during the week. The set-up is perfect for a healthy work-life balance.
According to BLS, of the more than 200,000 dental hygienists in the U.S., about 93% work in dental offices while others work in private practice or for the government.
Like nursing, the demand for dental hygienists will always be constant. As the population ages and more people retain their original teeth, the need for dental care increases.
To qualify, you must obtain a dental hygiene associate degree.
You can choose many study pathways to enter the healthcare sector, but the key message is the same. Hard work, dedication and an unwavering willingness to help others will help you reach your goal.
