4 answers
6
Asked 261 views

How much free time do you have during the week to see family and friends and do activities that you like?

I am a highschool student, interested in going to school for pediatrics.

healthcare
Thank you comment icon It will all depend with your schedule. Do you want to become a pediatric nurse or a doctor? Lou. M.
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
6

4 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Scott’s Answer

Hi Lilly! The amount of free time you will have depends on the type of pediatrician you ultimately become. It is difficult to be specific as there are many types of arrangements and the way practices are run is continuously evolving. When you are on call you are responsible for all of the patients under your care and all the doctors you may be covering for. This means being available for phone calls and if necessary seeng a patient. In a traditional pediatric practice which might be a solo practice (very rarely do pediatricians work alone) or a group practice with several other doctors, your on-call schedule will be based on the number of people you work with. For example, a solo practitioner will be on call every night and weekend unless they can arrange for someone else to be available. In a group practice, if there are 4 doctors in total you can expect to work every fourth night and weekend. In both these types of practices, if they are responsible for hospitalized patients, being on-call would include seeing those patients on the weekends also.
This arrangement may be different if you are employed by a hospital in which case there might be doctors specifically hired to work nights and weekends and the other doctors only work in the office Mondays-Fridays in which case the office-based doctors have no responsibility when they are not in the office. I was an internist having practiced for almost 40 years and though I cared for adults, not kids, the responsibilities were similar. A typical work day during the week could be anywhere from 8-12 hours and weekends when on call would be 2-6 hours of actually seeing people and then being available 24/7 for phone calls. My career began and lasted through a time quite different than current times. I think work-life balance is important and as I look back I do feel I gave up more family time than I would have liked but I would also say my career as a physician provided me with tremendous personal rewards both intellectually and emotionally. There is little more sacred than people trusting you with their lives and the lives of their loved ones. I think the tradeoff overall was worth it and in today's environment, you will have more choices for better balance. I wish you good luck in your journey!
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martin’s Answer

Excellent query! The majority of staff members typically work around nine hours each day, spanning five days a week. However, there are those who prefer a 4-day work week with 10-hour shifts, or even a 3-day work week with 12-hour shifts. You're entitled to your breaks and lunch time, but that there might not be ample time for personal activities outside the office, unless the office shuts down for a full hour.

During your work hours, much like any other job, personal contact is usually minimal, reserved only for emergencies. But here's the good news - once you clock out, your time is entirely yours! Be it evenings, weekends, or any other free time, it's all yours to enjoy.

The only slight variation could be in practices where staff members are on call. In such cases, you simply need to be within a reasonable distance from the facility, but apart from that, you're free to engage in any activity of your choice.

If you draw a comparison with the corporate world, you'll find that unexpected calls from superiors at odd hours are not a common occurrence. This gives you more control over your personal time, making it a profession that respects your work-life balance.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Linda’s Answer

It is great to see that you are seeking balance in your life! This is very important goal that requires careful thought and planning.. and really it isn't equally balancing work with family & activities every day because that is unrealistic. There will be times when family time is the most important because of special events that require your participation... just as there will be times when you have mission-critical, and perhaps life-saving, duties to perform for your work. And, taking time for yourself is very important as well... you will have very little to give to family or your work if you aren't taking time for recreation, hobbies, exercise, sleep and good nutrition. In my opinion, the most important consideration is ensuring you are fully present for whatever priority you have chosen for that space in time. Trying to be all things to all people all the time will drain you and be unsatisfying to your family & work colleagues. Flexibility, good planning and clear communication with your family & folks at work helps you manage your time and attention in a healthy way that maintains positive relationships. Establishing these effective habits and boundaries now will serve you well throughout your life. Take Care!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

George’s Answer

Hi Lilly. I think that you are very wise to think now about your time outside of work as you are planning your career in healthcare. It is very important to be dedicated and well-prepared for the healthcare career you will follow. This will require much studying and time. Expect this to continue throughout your working life. In my case my field is Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. If I chose to, I literally could have worked 24-hours per day. Part was seeing patients, part was staying current with what some people call "standard of care," part was learning to run a business. There were 4-day conferences, Surgical Rounds, preparation courses for Board Certification, lectures to meet Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements, teaching Residents and serving on some hospital committees, to name a few. All these activities, added to your patient contact hours, take you away from your "free" time with family and friends. However, in my case, the key was to seek a balance between all activities. I did this by trying to prioritize what was important to my family and I. It took planning and very honest discussions with my wife and children so that I was more aware of what mattered to them. This meant doing what it took to succeed in my career but not to the point of affecting my home life. Set realistic goals so that you can find that balance in your life. It may mean passing up opportunities to advance in your field because this would mean giving up too much free time. An example, may be a leadership position with your State or National Society that would require traveling and attending many meetings. It will not be easy at times but, I can tell you from personal experience, it is difficult to top the feelings I felt watching my daughters on stage during dance recitals and my son doing a floor exercise in gymnastics. Best of luck in your career and to the wonderful memories you will make with your family and friends.
0