2 answers
Amani
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What is the hardest part about your job in the medical field that you wish others were more transparent about?
I am currently a freshman in college and deciding between the pre-med and pre-nursing route. I love taking care and connecting with patients however I also love the analyzing and problem-solving aspect of medicine as well!
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2 answers
Shauntell Palecki
Certified nursing assistant
1
Answer
Greeley, Colorado
Updated
Shauntell’s Answer
I feel like the most common thing is how hard it actually is how burnt out you can become nursing is not for the weak it is very very rewarding, but you have to have a very good work ethic and tons of compassion. The medical field is very understaffed the hardest part as a cna was not having enough help being left to care for 30 people on your own I would go pre med if you have the ability to.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
64
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Healthcare is a wonderful, but challenging field. Unlike many countries, students in the USA usually take on a lot of debt in order to complete their educational requirements. That stress is on top of long hours, obligatory night and weekend work (for most, especially in the early phases of their careers), and managing complex medical and social problems.
Despite these problems, there are many rewards. Over time, the generous salaries for physicians ultimately leaves the majority in the upper middle class. Nursing tends to also pay reasonably well and offers good benefits in most places. The different types of care one can provide, and the needs for healthcare workers almost everywhere on the planet gives one amazing possibilities from which to choose. Most importantly, you know you are clearly helping others every single day at work. The intensity of emotion isn't for everyone, but for me it has always made me feel very human. I chose pediatric intensive care as my profession - working with the sickest infants, children, and adolescents. I had to be strong in all pediatric subspecialties, and got to work hand in hand with all surgical subspecialties. What a joy to have to/get to be a lifelong learner, trying to keep up with the deluge of new information that is published each week!
If one makes the effort to remember how much value you are adding to your community, you can make it through the difficult times.
Best of luck to you!
Despite these problems, there are many rewards. Over time, the generous salaries for physicians ultimately leaves the majority in the upper middle class. Nursing tends to also pay reasonably well and offers good benefits in most places. The different types of care one can provide, and the needs for healthcare workers almost everywhere on the planet gives one amazing possibilities from which to choose. Most importantly, you know you are clearly helping others every single day at work. The intensity of emotion isn't for everyone, but for me it has always made me feel very human. I chose pediatric intensive care as my profession - working with the sickest infants, children, and adolescents. I had to be strong in all pediatric subspecialties, and got to work hand in hand with all surgical subspecialties. What a joy to have to/get to be a lifelong learner, trying to keep up with the deluge of new information that is published each week!
If one makes the effort to remember how much value you are adding to your community, you can make it through the difficult times.
Best of luck to you!