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What is the hardest part about being in the healthcare field?

I am a senior at East Wake High School. After I graduate, I want to attend ECU to become a Physical Therapist or an Athletic Trainer, or just something in the healthcare field. I love learning about the human body and mind. I like learning about all of our bodies systems and why we think they way we do.

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Allison’s Answer

Having a career as a physical therapist means that you get to make a difference in the lives of others. However, it definitely can be hard to separate work and life at times. Working in this kind of field means that you are probably a very compassionate person and want to do everything you can to help your patients, however in my experience especially as someone who works with young children, some with very complex medical needs, I find it hard to remember to take time for myself. It is helpful to have people around you to support you and make sure that you are taking care of yourself as well.
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Ashley’s Answer

The hardest part about being in healthcare isn’t usually the science. It’s the emotional weight. You care about people on some of their worst days. You can do everything right and still not get the outcome you hoped for. You’ll meet patients who don’t follow through, who are frustrated, in pain, or scared, and you still have to show up steady, professional, and compassionate. That emotional endurance is what surprises most people.

Another tough part is balance. Healthcare can blur into your personal life if you let it. You have to learn how to care deeply without carrying everything home with you. That’s a skill, not something people just naturally have. For PTs and athletic trainers specifically, it can also be challenging when progress is slow. Rehab takes time. Motivation fluctuates. You become part clinician, part coach, part counselor.

But here’s the flip side: the hard parts are what make it meaningful. Watching someone walk again after injury, return to their sport, or regain independence is incredibly rewarding. If you already love learning how systems connect and how the brain and body influence each other, you’re wired for this kind of work. The key is developing resilience alongside your knowledge, strong boundaries, good mentors, and healthy coping habits. Healthcare is demanding, yes. But for people who genuinely love understanding and helping others, it’s also deeply fulfilling.
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Maycee’s Answer

Hi! I just passed my Board of Certification of Athletic Training! I am happy to see that it is a career path you may be interested in. I would say the hardest part is taking care of yourself. When working in healthcare, you are constantly a giver and "fixer", but it may seem like that isn't always reciprocated. My advice for this is to surround yourself with a strong support system. Find those who will care for you at the end of the day when you are exhausted from caring for others. Please let me know if you have any follow up questions about AT or PT, I am happy to help and I love to talk about it. Good luck!
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Nancy’s Answer

Working in the healthcare field is incredibly rewarding. Most days, I head home feeling proud of the work I've done. One of the biggest challenges is remembering to take care of myself. I often prioritize my patients over my own needs. However, I've learned that if I don't look after myself, I can't effectively care for others. As a nurse, I aim to set a good example. If I'm advising a patient on the importance of weight loss, I need to embody that advice myself. Practicing what I teach has pushed me to improve and grow stronger, both mentally and physically.
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Hwal’s Answer

Brie,

A career as a PT or ATC, as you mentioned, should give you plenty of opportunities to put health science knowledge to practice. One of my favourite things about practicing medicine and working in health care is also one of the most challenging things: working with people. Because many occupations in health care involves direct engagement with not only clients and patients but staff and colleagues, and navigating the intricate dynamics and relationships in the workplace requires skills. And sometimes, misunderstandings happen despite your honest efforts, and feelings may inadvertently be hurt. I find that engaging in helping professions is a constant learning process. So, I would encourage you to make an effort to take care of your mental health before, during, and after your healthcare training, and make sure you build and foster trusting relationships with people in and outside of your professional world so you can support one another.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.

Hwal
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