Why choose a career in health or care?
Working in health or care is not only rewarding, but somewhere you can build a life-long career with great benefits. You have the freedom and flexibility to choose what is best for you.
Thanks to the variety of development options and courses, you can decide to develop into different disciplines or up-skill, or if you would prefer, specialise in one area. Whatever your situation, whether you are looking for your first job or a complete career change, there is a place for you.
Where you can work …
Working in the ambulance service
The ambulance service
is an emergency response service. The service has two main functions; responding to an emergency and a patient transport service. They do not just respond to 999 calls! Several roles in this service provide support so that patients in an emergency receive the urgent care they need. This may not always be in a hospital setting and could be providing care at home or in the community.
Working in a care home
In a care home
is about providing physical, emotional and social support to help people at different stages in their lives. Some people need support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control. People who work in social care provide a range of services to support adults and older people.
Working in a dental practice
In a dental practice
can be quite dynamic, you’re often dealing with a variety of patients, from children to seniors, each with unique needs and concerns. It involves a mix of patient care, administrative tasks, and collaboration with other staff members. It can be rewarding to help people improve their oral health, but it also requires patience, attention to detail, and good communication skills.
Working in a doctor’s practice
In a doctor’s practice
is a busy environment who provide care to residents in their area. Staff that work here can build long-term relationships with their patients as there is the opportunity to follow patients over time, understand their medical history, get to know their families, and provide holistic care.
Working in an opticians
In an opticians
involves conducting eye exams, interpreting test results, assisting patients in selecting eyewear or vision correction options, and managing administrative tasks. It’s a mix of patient interaction, technical skills, and retail aspects. Attention to detail and good communication skills are essential for providing quality care and helping patients feel comfortable throughout their visit.
Working in the community
In the community
cover a wide range of services and provide care for people from birth to the end of their life. Community health teams play a vital role in supporting people with complex health and care needs to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Services also include health promotion services such as school health services and health visiting services. Many services involve partnership working across health and social care teams, made up of a wide variety of professionals including community nurses, allied health professionals, district nurses, mental health nurses, therapists and social care workers.
Working in a hospice
In a hospice
aims to improve the lives of people who have an incurable illness. Hospices provide care for people from the point at which their illness is diagnosed as terminal to the end of their life, however long that may be. That does not mean hospice care needs to be continuous. Sometimes people like to take a break from hospice care if their condition has become stable and they are feeling well. Hospice care places a high value on dignity, respect and the wishes of the person who is ill. It aims to look after their medical, emotional, social, practical, psychological, and spiritual needs and the needs of the person’s family and carers. This is often referred to as ‘holistic care’. Care also extends to those who are close to the patient, as well as into the bereavement period after the patient has died.
Working in a hospital
In a hospital
provides a fast paced and varied environment to learn from. Working in a hospital allows you to help people directly, making a real difference in their lives. Every day brings new challenges and experiences, as you interact with a diverse range of patients. It’s incredibly rewarding to help those in need and see the impact of your efforts. Plus, there’s always something new to learn, ensuring continuous growth and job stability. Teamwork is key, making the environment supportive and collaborative.
Working in mental health
In mental health
can bring the opportunity to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society and make a real difference to patients, their families and whole communities. Whether it be psychiatry, counselling, nursing or one of many different therapies or support roles on offer, a career in mental health means working in a fast-developing field, where funding is increasing, and progress is rapid. Every role in mental health plays a key part in ensuring patients get the right treatment at the right time, as close to home as possible. Providing mental health care is vital and we need our mental health workforce now more than ever.
Working in pharmacy
In a pharmacy
can be fast-paced and demanding but also rewarding. You’re often on your feet, interacting with patients, filling prescriptions accurately, and providing healthcare advice. Attention to detail is crucial, as is staying updated on medications and regulations. It’s a profession where you can make a real difference in people’s lives by ensuring they receive the right medications and information for their health needs. Pharmacies can typically be found in various locations, commonly in their own shop on the high street, or within a supermarket, doctors’ surgery and in hospital.
