5 Popular Healthcare Roles
People usually think of doctors or maybe dentists when they think of the healthcare industry. There’s actually huge range of roles on offer, varying from audiologist to paramedic, operating theatre technician to acupuncturist. Here’s a summary of 5 popular Healthcare roles within the industry that you might not have thought about.
5 Popular Healthcare Roles
Enrolled Nurse
Enrolled nurses work with, and are supervised by registered nurses. They monitor patients for changes in their condition. Measure and record temperature, blood pressure, respiration and pulse in patient files. Enrolled nurses help patients with bathing, eating and completing rehabilitation and physical exercises. They also make beds, are on hand to help out in medical emergencies and maintain a safe environment for patients. Good communication and a tactful and reassuring nature are key elements as enrolled nurses deal with people of all ages from every walk of life. Nursing is a 24 hour occupation which means weekend and night shifts are a normal part of the job. To become an enrolled nurse you must complete a diploma of enrolled nursing.
For more details check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/319/nurse-enrolled
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense prescription and controlled medications, and give advice on how to safely take or use them. They also check for any potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Pharmacists advise members of the public on minor illnesses and recommend the appropriate pharmacy remedies. They also complete basic health screening such as diabetes testing or blood pressure checks. Some pharmacist work in hospital where they may visit wards and brief medical staff on changes to medications. If you work in a high street pharmacy then you would also need to understand the retail side of the business.
Pharmacists need to be exact and accurate in their work, as well as have good maths skills and scientific ability. Often pharmacists work evenings and weekends as most pharmacies are open extended hours. To become a pharmacist you need to complete a degree in pharmacy.
For more details check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/369/pharmacist
Psychologist
Psychologists are healthcare professionals who deal with mental, behavioural and emotional disorders. They assess the wellbeing of their clients using conversation, observation or psychometric tests. They then create a treatment plan which may include counselling, therapy or coping strategies. Often psychologists specialise in one area such as sports psychology or educational psychology. A key part of being a psychologist is to listen to clients without judgement and with empathy. Confidentiality, as well as maturity and patience, is very important for a psychologist. Depending on the area of speciality, psychologist may work from consulting rooms, in hospitals, correctional facilities or educational institutions. To become a psychologist you need to complete a degree in psychology and then either a postgraduate qualification or two years of supervised experience.
For more details check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/278/psychologist
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses look after patients, monitoring their condition and administering medications. They update patient records, record vital signs and watch for side effects from prescribed drugs. Registered nurses have to multitask looking after lots of patients at once, whilst following exact instructions for their individual care. They are patient advocates and must work with other medical professionals to assess, implement and re-evaluate care needs in the best interest of their patient.
Being a registered nurse is very demanding both physically and psychologically, and you need to able to cope with the challenges of the role. You also need to be calm under pressure and be able to provide emotional support to patients and their families. Registered nurses work in hospitals, medical centres, in the armed forces, educational and correctional facilities. Nurses are required to work weekends, nights and public holidays. To become a registered nurse you need a degree in nursing and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
For more details check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/320/nurse-registered
Phlebotomist/Pathology Collector
Pathology collectors or phlebotomists are medical professionals that collect biological samples from patients, such as blood or urine, for laboratory testing. They follow strict guidelines and procedures to ensure samples are not contaminated, are correctly labelled, stored properly and hygiene standards are maintained. Phlebotomists explain the procedure to patients before collecting their sample and answer any questions they may have concerning collection methods.
Phlebotomists need a steady hand and good practical skills. They must also be calm under pressure and communicate well with people of all ages and backgrounds. Usually phlebotomists work in hospitals, medical centres, diagnostic labs and blood donation centres. Often they are required to work at the weekend or in the evening on a shift basis. To become a pathology collector/phlebotomist you usually need a VET in laboratory technology or laboratory operations.
For more details check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/363/pathology-collectorphlebotomist
Whether you choose one of these 5 popular Healthcare roles or one of the many other healthcare jobs, this industry is thriving and provides strong prospects both now and in the future.