In today’s modern fast-paced world filled with technology, cost cutting and media reports on how overstretched the NHS is, it could be easy to assume that the compassionate care of patients has been pushed down the list of priorities. Some are even asking if it is a necessary skill. But, with the patient at the heart of all healthcare staff do, it is more important than ever that staff see them as people, not just numbers.
If you are passionate about high quality care and enjoy the experience of improving people’s lives, then there are a wide range of career opportunities available to you as a doctor. Doctors work in all areas of healthcare and cover a variety of roles including:
Healthcare assistants, also known as HCA’s, work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals. Those working as HCA’s can also be known as nursing assistants, nursing auxiliaries or auxiliary nurses depending on the setting.Although there are no set requirements to become a healthcare assistant, good levels of literacy and numeracy are expected.
Midwives are a vital part of our NHS. Involved in every stage of a woman’s pregnancy from the initial appointments to the postnatal period. Although there is a shortened training route for registered adult nurses to become midwives, it is actually a separate profession from nursing.
Nursing is the UK’s most employable degree type, with 94% of students getting a job within six months of finishing their course. (NHS Health Careers) With it offering such a rewarding career, it is no wonder that it is a popular choice for caring individuals. To qualify as a nurse, you must complete a degree in one of the four fields of nursing: