3 things I wish I knew about working in health care

Have you ever walked into a health care setting and thought, "Wow, how do they keep up with all of this?"

Healthcare jobs can look exciting from the outside, but behind the scenes, they are fast-paced, emotionally demanding, and teamwork-focused. Many people begin their first position in healthcare without realizing how challenging the work can be.

Here is an insider's perspective on what I experienced as a new pharmacy worker and what I wish I had known on my first day, so you can feel confident and ready to thrive in your first role in healthcare.

Photo by Donald Wu on Unsplash

Often, working in a busy pharmacy means I have to multitask between entering prescription information into the system, helping patients with their medications, and attending to the non-stop ringing of the phone.

What you need to know:

• The environment can be unpredictable and high-pressure.

• You'll have to adapt to changing situations.

• You might feel overwhelmed in the beginning.

How to deal with a fast-paced environment if you're not used to it:

• Start with daily goals to stay focused, accomplish your tasks, and track your growth!

• Learn to prioritize your tasks based on time-sensitivity.

• Stay organized and communicate with your team.

What you need to know:

• You'll see people feeling negative emotions such as fear, pain, or grief.

• The job will be emotionally draining if you don't take time to recharge.

• Support systems are key.

My family was an amazing outlet for me when I felt drained from working in healthcare. They were there to listen to my stories, understand my emotions, and encourage me to keep moving forward with a better mindset.

Your support system could be your friend, partner, or therapist, someone you confide in and who can support you when necessary!

How to build emotional resilience:

1. Practice mindfulness. Try to take one-minute breathing exercises in between tasks

2. Look at stress as growth. Each busy shift helps you become more adaptable and confident in the workspace.

3. Reflect on your work days. Ask yourself questions like "What did I learn today?" or "What went well today?"

Often, I would write down three things that I learned after each of my shifts. These didn't have to be anything grand or extraordinary, but it was something that helped me see the positive moments, even if the days were long and stressful. This helped me gain a new outlook on my day and keep lessons noted for my future shifts.

What you need to know:

• You'll work with professionals from many different disciplines.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills are crucial.

• Respect and kindness need to be given to be received.

You may come across tricky situations where you disagree with someone or notice that someone has made a mistake. It's important to remember that you're all part of the same team! You are not against each other, but are working together toward a greater outcome.

I always make sure to communicate any issues with my team members and expect them to do the same. This helps me be more confident in the outcome of our work.

Pro tip: Learn everyone's names — it's a simple trick that builds trust quickly!

Prepare yourself to thrive in healthcare!