Nursing as a career
Nursing is an extremely important and demanding career; millions of people rely on the care of nurses every day.
Advantages of nursing
Nursing is one of the most selfless and compassionate careers of all and can be extremely rewarding when you see what a difference your care makes to other people. The daily work of nurses helps to ease people’s pain and improve their lives every day. Nursing also allows people to work as part of a team and meet a diverse range of people each and every day; no two days are ever the same in a health care setting. Nursing also offers a large variety of specialities which means the work of nursing staff can be diverse, interesting and challenging. Nursing is also a good career choice as it is a secure job; there will always be a demand for nurses which can be an important factor in hard economic times.
Disadvantages of nursing
Nursing is notoriously poorly paid despite the importance of the work involved. Most nursing jobs also require shift work, which often includes working anti-social hours and night shifts. Nurses are also required to work on bank holidays. The work involved in nursing can be extremely stressful and both physically and emotionally draining; nurses can get very attached to their patients so it can be distressing when they become very ill. Many nurses also have to deal with abuse from patients who take out their anger on them; this can be frightening and upsetting.
Becoming a nurse
Most nursing staff undergo a university course which may result in them gaining a diploma or degree; these courses are available throughout the U.K and can be undertaken on a part time or full time basis. Some nurses choose to specialise which may involve following additional postgraduate study.
Midwifery as a career
Midwives are responsible for offering care to women and their families throughout their pregnancies, right up to and including the birth of their child.
Advantages of being a midwife
The most obvious advantage is being able to assist with delivering a new person into the world each day; this is a unique and special experience and is not comparable to any other profession. Midwives also encounter a range of people and work in a variety of settings. The work of a midwife can be challenging and hugely rewarding.
Disadvantages of midwifery
The most obvious disadvantage is having the responsibility of delivering bad news relating to the poor health of a baby or their mother; this can be extremely upsetting and distressing. It is essential for midwives to have good social skills and a compassionate, understanding and patient disposition. Midwives also have to work anti-social hours as babies arrive at all times of the day and night; often their shifts can be long and mentally and physically draining.
Becoming a midwife
In order to become a midwife you should first gain a degree in midwifery; during this time you will expected to complete practical work placements as well as academic assignments. Following the completion of the degree you will continue to gain valuable work experience on the wards.
Being a dentist
Advantages of being a dentist
Dentistry is a popular career choice as it ensures job security and a healthy income. Dentistry is also a varied and challenging career which is constantly evolving and modernising. Most dentists are able to determine their own hours by combing NHS work with private work, which can ensure a degree of flexibility; this can be beneficial for family life. Dentistry is a public service and millions of people each day benefit from the work of dentists; for this reason dentistry is a hugely rewarding career choice.
Disadvantages of dentistry
Dentistry is hard work and the years of studying involved can be a chore if you’re not completely committed to it. It is also not the most glamorous of career choices, but there are numerous advantages, as listed above.
Becoming a dentist
Dentists are required to complete a 5 year dentistry degree; this requires gaining exceptional grades at A-level and then completing a number of practical work placements and academic assignments. Most dentist go on to pursue further study which enables them to specialise in a certain area; there are a huge number of specialities on offer; these include paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery to name just a few.
Being a pharmacist
Pharmacists deal with the distribution of drugs and medical treatments and can act as the first port of call for many patients.
Advantages of being a pharmacist
Pharmacists meet a diverse range of people each day and are able to help out with a number of queries and medical problems; many people build up a good relationship with their pharmacist over a period of time. Pharmacists help people each and every day and are therefore instrumental to improving many people’s general health. Pharmacists also enable people who find it difficult to get out and about to receive treatment. Most pharmacists enjoy normal working hours, although some work in 24 hour establishments which may require them to work evenings and weekends as well as nigh shifts.
Disadvantages of being a pharmacist
The work of a pharmacist can be demanding as it requires a great deal of concentration and accuracy at all times. The hours may also occasionally be anti-social.
Becoming a pharmacist
To get onto a pharmacology degree course you will need to have good grades at A-level; you will be expected to gain an A grade in chemistry and have at least two other good grades which should usually be in related subjects such as maths, biology or physics. Most degree courses last 4 years which may involve a period of practical work experience in addition to theoretical and academic study. Following the completion of the degree course, pharmacists are expected to fulfil a period of practical training and sit a registration examination.