Hello all, I just got my bachelor's last year and am currently in a role that is not where I wanted to be.

10 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 2,2024 at 6:31PM UTC

   If you can, get a job in a local hospital. Many of them will cover the cost of training or have training on site for staff to fill roles where they are short staffed. Working at the hospital will allow you to figure out if that is where you really want to be.

2. Barb HansenOctober 2,2024 at 8:28PM UTC

   Both nursing and radiology require specialized post-secondary education and a general healthcare degree won't cut it. There are usually plenty of jobs for new grad nurses and paramedical (radiology, lab) techs, but even within health jobs there are fluctuations.

   Here are some questions I would ask myself if I was in a similar position

   What don't I like about my current role? Is it the work, the people I work with, the company I work for or healthcare in general?

   Am I currently working in a hospital or clinic setting? Do I think I would like working with patients in a hospital or clinic setting?

   What's drawing me to a clinical role?

   How long will it take me to complete either a nursing degree or a paramedical tech diploma/degree?

   Side note: My first career was in a hospital setting working as a laboratoy scientist and I transitioned into a business/technical role (working as a product lead in startups). I struggled as I was deciding that I needed to leave the hospital. Change can be hard and scary. Do your research and if you have a solid plan, you can make it happen.

3. AnonymousOctober 3,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

   You’re a fresh college graduate, you have a very long way to go to build your skills and experience to go along with your degree. What is it you do not like? Are your expectations realistic? Will it simply take time for you to get settled in as you learn the role? Going back to school may not be the answer if you simply need to build your experience level.

4. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 3,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

   First, CONGRATULATIONS!!

   Second, what a dichotomy we currently live in. Companies state they value college degrees. But then expect those same students to have experience when they apply for jobs.

   Is your degree in something specific to healthcare? Or just the industry in general? If it's specific - you'll have to build up experience - which may mean working an indirect job or two in order to get your feet wet. If it's generic - you may want to keep working, but consider school down the road to help pinpoint the direction you want to go.

   Whatever your path, I wish you all the best.

5. AnonymousOctober 3,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

   This is something that you need to decide. Keep in mind you won't know until you try and put yourself out there. We don't all look for the same thing in our next journeys.

6. AnonymousOctober 3,2024 at 8:55PM UTC

   Before throwing in the towel and returning to school, have you tried to find a job elsewhere that you may find a little more satisfying?

7. AnonymousOctober 4,2024 at 3:33PM UTC

   Slow down girlie, your career is a marathon NOT a sprint. Why do you want to leave your current job? Take the time to absorb it and get more experience under your belt no matter where you are. Is there room for mobility there? Either up or sideways? If not then really plot out a 3-5 year plan. Job hopping so early in your career won't be useful. Sure you can go get more education but do take the time to be immersed in the role you are in because you may just learn things that you need for those other functions you want later on. Perhaps some collaborative or soft skills that you could not get in a classroom. Take the time to breathe and don't rush what you don't have yet because if you do you could hurt the longevity of what I hope will be a long and happy career.

8. Frances SadlerOctober 6,2024 at 11:12PM UTC

   Health care providers have experiencedsharp declines in providers since the pandemic. All nursing titles and many specialty occupations are in very high demand. Check with workforce development organization in your state; the federal govt has given huge grants to states that applied that include full tuition, fees, etc, some payment to your employer for release time and many other supports including a JOB if you can get licensed in 3 years. There is a 3 year service payback If you live or work in NYS, email me at flynn525@yahoo.com.

9. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 1:33PM UTC

   You are right: If you return to school instead of working to gain experience, you will be in the same position when you finish. Look for programs that are either online or have flexible schedules that you can work around with your job. Don't do everything at once. Is your degree in healthcare administration, and are you discovering you want something more clinical? Why? What has changed? It's not a hard pivot; a few classes can put you where you want to be. If you are in a hospital, visit the different departments and talk to people doing what you think you might want to do. There are many uncomfortable and highly skilled requirements in nursing and radiology, so if you choose that pivot, understand what those are. My best friend in college had always wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl, which lasted until she had her first clinical assignment/class. She dropped the class, went to the registrar, and changed her major to insurance. Patient-facing roles are not for everyone, and it is not like what you see on TV.

10. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 10:12PM UTC

    I’ve. Been employed in healthcare for nearly 30 years. Demand fluctuates. Hospitals are NOT in the best financial shape right now.

    demand for RN and rad techs is high now, but that will likely change over the next 2-3 years as schools of nursing and radiology are full. You’re looking at a minimum of 2 years of additional schooling for both careers, which does not include the 9-12 month application process. And you will find yourself at the bottom of the totem pole when you graduate..

    I respectfully ask what we’re your plans when you started school for your healthcare degree? The answer to that question should guide your career decisions.

    Also, many jobs in healthcare administration require a masters degree. I moved up the ladder but hit a glass ceiling with my BSN, it was not until I completed my MSN that I reached my original career aspirations