Types of Jobs in Hospitals

Hospitals can be very large organizations. Many hospitals have joined together to form networks in order to provide optimum care while decreasing the competition; each hospital has its focus area or specialty. Because of this, it takes many people doing a lot of different jobs to keep a hospital or hospital network running smoothly. From the admitting clerks and triage nurses to the medical staff, dieticians, nurse aides, lab technicians, and administrators, whether you are interested in patient care or the business aspect of health care, you will find a job that interests you in a hospital.

Because of the growing number of elderly people in the United States, hospitals are growing and the need for workers is increasing at a very fast rate. Before you pursue a job at a hospital, however, you should get a better idea of what its' like to work in one.

Types of Jobs Available in a Hospital

Just like the healthcare industry in general, the kinds of jobs you can get at a hospital fall into three main categories: medical care, administrative, research, or health care technicians. Here is more information about each one.

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Medical Care

Obviously, the two jobs most people think of when it comes to medical care are doctors and nurses. Of course there are many kinds of doctors and almost as many kinds of nurses. Hospitalists are becoming a more common type of physician in today's hospitals. They are doctors who contract with primary care physicians or certain types of specialists to provide care to their patients when they are in the hospital. The hospitalist allows the specialist to remain in his or her office examining and caring for patients there. Another common type of doctor in a hospital is the surgeon. Among surgeons are specialized surgeons. Emergency care doctors specialize in treating patients in the emergency room. Nurses are either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. They make sure the doctor's care orders are followed and often help prepare the care plan for the patient while he or she is hospitalized. Other medical care workers in the hospital include nurse aides, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Did you know? The number of physician assistant jobs in the United States is predicted to grow by 39% by the year 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Administrative Jobs in the Hospital

The hospital must hire many different people to handle the business and administrative tasks.

For example, there are billing specialists, medical record specialists, purchasing and supply coordinators, accounting personnel, communications personnel, information technology employees, and of course the hospital administrator, managers, and supervisors. Working in a hospital can be fast-paced and full of pressure, but if you like the business side of healthcare, this may a great choice for you.

Research Workers & Technicians

In addition to patient care, some hospitals also participate in research studies. This means there are workers there specifically trained to monitor test conditions or perform lab work or research on specimens taken from the patients. Technicians can be radiology technicians who are specially trained to provide patient images, or technicians who draw blood and perform various kinds of lab work. Just like doctors and nurses, you will need to obtain special training, and in some cases licensing, before you can get one of these jobs.

Volunteer Opportunities in Hospitals

If you're not sure if working in a hospital is what you want to do, one way you can find out is to volunteer at a hospital. Many volunteers are needed in several departments to assist at hospitals. While you won't be providing hands-on care to patients, you will find opportunities that will give you exposure to how the hospital operates and its work environment. In addition, once you've decided you do want to work in the hospital, the fact that you have volunteer experience can help you get a job. Here are some of the typical duties you may perform as a hospital volunteer:

• Work in the hospital gift shop.
• Answer phones.
• Help direct visitors to the patients they are there to see.
• Provide clerical or data entry help.
• Escort patients to the right department in the hospital.
• Run errands.
• Provide companionship to homebound patients under hospice care.

Whether you're interested in eventually working at a hospital, or you just have the desire to help others, these volunteer opportunities can help you reach those goals.

How Working at a Hospital is Different than Working in another Facility

By and large, hospitals employ more healthcare workers than any other kind of employer. But you should know that there are some aspects of working in a hospital that will be different than working at other healthcare organizations. For example, at a hospital it is quite likely that you may need to work different or longer shifts, depending on the position you hold. Even some administrative positions must work evenings or weekends to handle the processing of patients that are admitted during those times. While some doctor's offices or urgent care clinics are also open evenings and weekends, it is less common for healthcare workers in these jobs to work extended or nontraditional hours.

Another difference, especially when it comes to patient care, is that in the hospital you will be seeing all kinds of patients with a variety of illnesses, injuries, and disease. When you work at a doctor's office, you see patients for more routine care reasons, or even check ups or physicals. In hospitals you are exposed more to hazardous waste and communicable diseases.

The environment of the hospital is often more stressful and fast-paced than in other facilities. This is usually because hospitalized patients are usually admitted because they need acute care. While some doctor's offices can be very busy and at times stressful, it is still less pressure than in hospitals.

Another difference you should know about is that hospitals often pay higher salaries to their employees than other facilities. This is because of all the differences already named: it is a high pressure, stressful environment requiring more skills and decision making than at other healthcare organizations.

Working in a Hospital Summary:

• Hospitals hire more healthcare workers than any other kind of medical organization or facility.
• There are many different kinds of jobs available at a hospital, falling into three main categories: medical care providers, administrators, and research workers and technicians.
• Volunteering at a hospital can help you decide whether working in one is right for you and also help you get a job. There are many different things you can do as a volunteer.
• Working in a hospital can be more stressful, fast paced, and you may need to work non-traditional hours. However, the pay is usually better.

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