How many times have you heard a colleague or superior refer to something as “a matter of life or death?” How do you think you would handle it if this were actually true? Healthcare professionals have some of the most important and stressful jobs imaginable. Their responsibilities go beyond that of other professionals and they are faced with overwhelming situations and decisions every day.

With the healthcare industry projected to experience a substantial increase in job opportunities, it may be worth asking yourself if you could handle a job in this field. Nursing, for example, is a job that carries great responsibility and could induce stress. However, the rewards for such an important job are considerable. A job in nursing can result in a salary anywhere from $35,200 to $72,030 per year. Many employers offer flexible work schedules, child care services, educational benefits and even bonuses

Before you consider a career in nursing or healthcare, ask yourself the following questions

How do I handle stress?
If you are the type to buckle under pressure, or feel the need to isolate yourself when stressed, nursing may not be your ideal job. Healthcare professionals need to work efficiently and communicate effectively with each other when under significant stress. The ability to think logically and clearly when under strain is one of the defining traits healthcare workers share.

Am I committed?

Nursing and other healthcare jobs require a different level of education and dedication. For those wishing to enter the nursing industry, they must complete 2 ½ years at nursing schools and complete 150 hours of practical training. Nursing school is also quite competitive; The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that US nursing schools turned away 40,285 qualified applicants in 2007-08 due to a shortage of nursing faculty, a lack of clinical placement sites and budget constraints.

Before you consider joining the healthcare industry, remember that it is a constantly evolving industry and professionals are expected to keep up with current trends. Nurses, Doctors, Nursing Assistants, Phlebotomists, Respiratory Technicians, Ultrasound Technicians and other healthcare employees should always be learning and developing their skills.

Commitment is crucial in the early stages of this career but it is required in abundance when you begin working. Hospitals need to rely on their staff, as do clinics and nursing homes. Commitment to your job will ensure that you do your complete best, benefiting both you and the patients.

Can I trust my own judgment?
Nurses are expected to make decisions quickly, often in a chaotic environment. Confidence in your abilities is crucial as second guessing yourself could have serious consequences. Knowing how to apply your skills effectively is hugely important.

Can I handle the emotional demands?

The negative aspects of the healthcare industry are obvious. Death and illness will be a ubiquitous facet of your working life and you should ask yourself how you would deal with this. In the New York Times, Registered Nurse Theresa Brown explains how nurses can grow attached to patients: “We get to know them, their families, even their friends. And because we know them so well, in such an intense and intimate setting, we end up caring about them.”

Nurses can often be emotionally drained by their job. Someone who would like to pursue a career in healthcare should evaluate their emotional and mental stamina.  

Can I handle the physical demands?

While new technology is reducing the physical stress placed on medical professionals, nurses are often required to assist patients, work long and irregular shifts and maintain energy. The nontraditional routine of nursing will suit some, and not others. Many nurses work 3 shifts a week; 12 hours each time. Theresa Brown talks about a busy day: “On a bad day, lunch becomes an if rather than a when, and there may not even be time for a bathroom break, let alone coffee.”

Ask yourself; can you and your family deal with these irregular hours? Due to these physical demands, someone pursuing a career in healthcare should ensure that they could maintain a balanced lifestyle. If you are thinking about a career as a nurse, you should know the importance of eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.

Some people may be more suited to a job in nursing and healthcare than others. However, before making any big decision about your career you should evaluate the skills and traits required for the particular job. This will mean that you don’t enter into an industry you don’t like or can’t handle, and will enable you to pursue what job suits your personality and skills.