There are many careers out there that take a certain sort of person to do it – and most of those paths are to do with the public services like paramedics, police, firefighters and the army. And a lot is to do with caring for people. Doctors, nurses, midwives and healthcare personnel have to put up with a lot, work harder than most, and not have a salary anywhere near what they should. But a job in care can be one of the most rewarding things – you can save someone’s life, help cure an array of ailments, and even help ease someone’s passing. The later doesn’t sound like fun, but it can be the last kindness that person receives. With all that in mind – is it the right career for you?
Qualifications
No matter what job you aspire to have, there are always certain qualifications that must be achieved. Going into a career in care is no different. One of the basics that you will need is a bls certification (basic life support), and then you can grow from there. There is no end to the number of things you can learn if you are working in care, and you should always be ready to learn the newest and latest advances to better look after the people in your care. Obviously, if you are wanting to progress you must gain a degree in the necessary fields. You will have to go to medical school to become a doctor, and if you want to become a nurse there are accelerated nursing programs at gmercyu.edu where you can pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.”
Manner
When looking after sick or elderly people, they are at their most vulnerable. You will see them as their weakest, where they have to trust you implicitly with their dignity and pride. Your bedside manner is the only thing that will help them get through this time without them losing their pride or destroying their dignity. Some people think that a good bedside manner is being quick and quiet, and that does work for some patients. But for others, they need some of your time, to listen and to go that extra mile, even though your days would be long and with many tasks to do. If you are unable to do so, then this isn’t the right path for you.
Strength
The third thing that you need, and it’s arguably the most important for getting the job done, is strength. Strength of mind, strength of heart, and strength of stomach. The things that you will see at work are not for the feint hearted – from bed sores to gaping wounds, abscesses to drain and soiled people to clean – this and more will fall under your job description. As will watching people suffer from an ailment that you can’t cure, seeing people die – both young and old, and delivering life-changing news to unsuspecting patients. No one can go through all of that without it affecting them in some way. And for some, it will affect them quicker, and with more depth than with others.
Being a carer in any capacity isn’t for the half-hearted; it’s a job that you have to throw yourself into without reserve.
Like teachers, I think it takes a very special person to choose a career in care. I have nothing but admiration and awe for these selfless people.
Oh I totally agree with this!!! These jobs are draining, underpaid and overworked positions but SO rewarding!!! <3 Worth it?! I think so!
I love giving and sharing with people. I have been a nurse for thirty years. What a rewarding career. Thank you so much for sharing this great article. God Bless
I worked in the social work related fields for many years. It isnt for the faint of heart, and you also have to have emapthy and compassion. It is so easy to get burnt out. You made some great points. The only one missing is oddly people who care for others typically arent paid well- at least for what you go through. Many times staff see much more than people know, and know the patient/client better than anyone when someone isnt at their best. Kudos for those in hospice I know some in my class who do it and they are true heros to me.