Why do people pursue healthcare careers? Is it money or compassion to helping people?

Question

WHY DO THEY PURSUE THE MEDICAL FIELD? I SPOKE WITH A COUPLE RN'S AND RADIOLOGY TECHS AND MOST OF THEM CHOSE MONEY. THEY SAID "NOT ALOT OF SCHOOLING AND THE PAY IS GREAT." WHAT DO YOU THINK.

Answer 1

When I graduated from my BSN program after 4 years of study and I worked full time to put myself through school, I made $6.70 an hour as an RN. I can assure you I was not working for the money. There were times when A friend of mine went without heat, as an RN because he couldn't afford it, and he was single. We were getting by, but we did get a great feeling from the people we helped.

The nursing salary market has changed significantly since then, RNs make much more then I did, even CMAs make more than I did.

I have gone from $6 per hour to 6 figures a year, and have been able to set my retirement by 55. However, as I have cut back my clinical time, and I am working more on writing and research, I find I miss working with the patients, because that is the most rewarding part of health care.

Answer 2

As a mother of two premature babies (babies before their development was complete)... I would definitely suggest something in the field of find the "cure" for this increasing problem. Babies being born prematurely has been on the rise for many years and there are no concrete answers in reference to this upward trend. I'm sure whoever discovers these answers and helps people, like myself, to have healthier pregnancies will be a hero! I know you'd be a hero in my book! I have two babies, 5 years in between them because I was hoping the second pregnancy would be different; full term and healthy - that was not the case. If someone could give me answers, I'd do ANYTHING to have a healthy, full term pregnancy so I could have another baby. I think it is great that you want to be a hero and I do not think that is cheezy at all.. it's really a mind frame that more people should have. Good Luck with everything! I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Oh, it is so NOT the money. Where people think medical people get paid alot, I don't know. Everyone I know gets more $; particularly when you factor in the cost of education, the cost to upkeep your license (and continuing education), the malpractice/insurance; the long hours, every weekend & holiday, and the enormous amount of responsibility....not a lot at all.

I did it because I love medicine--the satisfaction or untangling a puzzle & helping someone; the satisfaction of doing an awesome suture job to a mangled body part, the satisfaction of whisking away someone's fear & pain....all that is priceless & helps compensate for all the negative.

Answer 4

There are a lot of jobs in health care and most careers will not require you to relocate, unless you want to. The pay is decent, but not always great. The workload is often heavy, both physically demanding and with productivity demands. It can be a rewarding field to work in, but like most jobs, many of us feel unappreciated by both employers and patients. Work hours can be long, and shift work is usually required, as is "on-call" hours.
It isn't for everyone. Here are a couple links to help you research various fields. Job descriptions, required education, expected pay, job market projections, etc. You are smart to be asking questions before jumping into anything. But you've got to take the plunge sooner or later, or life will pass you by.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
http://careers.stateuniversity.com/

Answer 5

I guess everyone has their own motives.

As a single parent, the hours you work in a doctor's office appeal to me. I could make more waiting tables, but you work practically all weekends and many holidays. Also many large health care facilities offer pretty decent benefits. I work as a CNA now and I am going back to school for medical admin. One thing I will say- if you get into health care to "help others" you may be disappointed a lot. Many patients/residents don't help themselves and are very combative and depressed. If you can get over that, and difficult family members, you may enjoy the job.

Answer 6

RN's have BSN so thats 4 years of school. i think a lot of them choose the healthcare field because you always have the opportunity for challenging situations. other reasons are that you will always find employment and of course the pay is awesome.

Answer 7

i think there are many reasons, but most people have to consider supporting themselves and their kids etc when they choose a career. just because they did it for money doesn't mean they dont' care or have compassion. you can help people and not get paid at all. start a soup kitchen. you can do all kinds of compassionate things that don't pay. but you have to pay the rent somehow

Answer 8

I think some people do it for the money and some for the reward of helping people. In both cases people are usually overwhelmed wwith the level of stress and the required hours. Know what your getting into.

Answer 9

I am in school to be an R.N. to help people, and feel I am making a difference in someones life. I like communicating with patiens. It is a very hard job and I like that it does compensate approprietely. Atleast more than it used to.

Answer 10

I chose it to help people and have a BIG dream of putting old fashion values back into health care. i.e: "the patient and their needs come first" Its definitely not the money.