Is a Career in the Health Services Industry Right for You

Ask anyone who works in the health services industry and they’ll tell you the same thing; it’s an incredibly rewarding career that offers room to grow in every direction. But how can you know whether it’s the right path for you? Like any industry, there are a few key qualities that successful healthcare professionals possess and which may indicate you’re headed in the right direction.

Take a look at the traits below to see if you tick any of the boxes…

If you get satisfaction out of helping others…

First and foremost, working in the health services industry requires a genuine interest in helping those who need it. The best professionals in this field are the ones who are motivated by their desire to use their skills and knowledge to provide the highest quality of care possible. You must be willing to go above and beyond for your patients because, at the end of the day, you are dealing with real people and real lives, so only putting in half of your effort simply doesn’t cut it.

If you’re a people person…

If you’re someone who can’t stand small talk or gets nervous when interacting with strangers, you may have some trouble acclimatising to the health services world. Professionals such as paramedics, nurses, therapists and patient transfer personnel are all required to interact with a variety of people of different ages, backgrounds, nationalities and abilities on a regular basis. While it’s certainly true that many people learn how to communicate with patients while on the job, it certainly helps if you are already someone who can always think of something to talk about no matter who you’re talking to.

If you deal well with high pressure situations…

When your job is concerned with ensuring the health and wellbeing of a range of people in need, it goes without saying that you will be confronted with situations that require an immediate response. These circumstances require a level head and an ability to process information quickly and effectively in order to facilitate the appropriate response. That’s not to say that healthcare professionals don’t experience stress and anxiety throughout their careers; it simply means that they are more capable of working through these feelings in a way that ensures their quality of care is not affected. 

If you are planning on pursuing a career in the health services industry, it’s important to remember that with the right training, commitment and passion, there’s no reason as to why you can’t develop the skills you need to become a valued member of the industry.​