7 Things You Need to Look Closer Before Getting That Hospital Job
May 28, 2021
Published by Kathrin O'Neill
Hospital employment is one of the most sought-after jobs in the medical field. Whether you’re a physician or other healthcare professionals, getting that coveted hospital spot can be incredibly competitive.
However, that doesn’t mean that you’ll accept the first hospital job that you’ll get without doing your due diligence. Especially in this period in the medical field where health workers are incredibly at risk due to the global pandemic.
So before you sign your employment contract, there are certain things that you need to take note of to make sure that the hospital you’ll be working on is the right fit for you as a healthcare professional and for your personal growth. Here are some of the things to look closer before applying or accepting a hospital job.
Just like at any other job, you have to go through the job description of the position that you’ll be applying for. Most healthcare positions are pretty standard through institutions but during these unique times, most institutions added additional responsibilities to their employees to make up for the capacity and shifting regulations.
What you need to look for is for any gaps between job descriptions. The job description of a position that you’re applying for should be detailed and thorough. If it’s too general or there are a lot of gaps between the details, then it’s a red flag. Make sure that you check with your employer on the scope and limitations of your position.
A site visit will greatly help you spot any potential red flags on the way the hospital manages its employees. While their brochures and promotional videos paint their institution on the limelight, you need to know what happens backstage.
So when hospital site visits are resumed, make sure to observe the work environment of the staff. Do they look more overworked than the standard? Does it seem like they have enough time to take a breather or are they always running around? Small behavioral tendencies like these will go a long way when you want to know the work environment of your hospital.
Most applicants usually forget to ask this question to their employers. But if you’re aiming to fill-in a specific hospital position, you should find out why it is vacant in the first place.
By asking this question, you’ll have a rough estimate of what is possibly expected from you and what you can expect from the workplace. There are red flags that you should always look and as much as possible, clarify these things with your employer. For example, if the hospital has a high turnover rate, then you should probably look for the reasons why employees are likely to leave the institution.
This is not to look for Yelp reviews per se, but more on medical news. Articles from news, publications, or reputable medical blogs can give you an outlook on the hospital administration and if the institution is facing any sort of crisis or troubles that might have a possibility to impede your career.
You can also gain good third-party insight on the Internet when it comes to the programs and career pathways that the hospital can offer you. You can even take the extra step and scour through medical forums and communities to know what the other healthcare professionals are thinking about the said hospital.
While some people might think this is a bit overboard, looking through the hospital’s data and census will help you determine if the institution is right for you and your lifestyle.
There’s always a standard when it comes to work management for every healthcare professional, but your workload will heavily depend on the hospital. Crunch the data when it comes to the number of patients you’re expected to see each day, how busy your department is, and so on.
By doing so, you can check if this sort of hospital lifestyle that they offer is appropriate for you. Some physicians prefer to spend more time with their patients while others are more fast-paced. Now with most non-COVID related consultations are moved online, this will help you maintain a balanced lifestyle and also have your work environment suited to your working preference.
One of the major reasons why healthcare professionals love to work in a big hospital in a major city is because of the range of facilities that they can offer and the top-of-the-line technology available for use.
It’s granted that your career advancement on those well-facilitated and well-funded hospitals will have more edge. Smaller hospitals will tend to have less updated and sophisticated equipment, so you have to factor in if you put value to that kind of career opportunity.
Of course, you can’t and shouldn’t skip the paycheck talk. The medical field is an incredibly competitive workplace which is why you should also expect a competitive pay especially if you’re considering being employed at a major hospital in a major city.
Try to create a personal comparison when it comes to salaries of the hospital that you’re looking to enter and other institutions. Do a self-evaluation if you think that the pay you’re going to receive is competitive enough and compensates your skills well.
You should also do the math and consider the cost of living and other expenses that you possibly have. Your remaining pay should at least be livable and will satisfy you. However, don’t forget to factor in other non-financial opportunities that the institution can offer you.
When it comes to determining what hospital is the right one for you, always remember that your happiness and wellbeing is your top priority. After all, your productivity and success as a healthcare profession greatly depend on it.
