Got a healthcare job offer? Here are some things to think about
By Dan Allard
You've aced the interview. They've made you an offer. It's a great feeling. But before you sign on the dotted line and pop the champagne cork, it's worth taking just a few minutes to ask yourself, "Is this really the right job for me?".
It doesn't matter whether it's a new nursing job or a step up in your career as a radiographer, occupational therapist or speech and language therapist; accepting a job offer is one of those big decisions in life that you should never take lightly. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself before you say 'yes'.
Is it a good career move?
If you're ready for a change, there's always a temptation to take the first job that comes along. But whether you're a nurse or working in one of the allied health professional roles, it's got to be the right move for your long-term career goals. Will the new job enable you to develop your skills and experience? What are the opportunities for continuing professional development, education and career progression? Is there a mentoring scheme in place?
What about the working culture?
Healthcare jobs are often challenging and pressured. Therefore, it's particularly important that the working culture of your setting is supportive and promotes good morale. If you didn't get a chance to ask about this in your interview or to experience the working environment first hand, why not give your prospective employer a call or drop them an email to find out more? You might even arrange to meet other members of the team or have an informal chat with the current postholder before you make your final decision about taking the job.
Are there any big changes on the horizon?
Healthcare is constantly evolving. Whether you're a nurse, a radiographer or a physiotherapist, dealing with changes in technology, protocols and working practices is a fact of life. That being said, you should always go into a new job with your eyes open if possible. That means being aware of any major changes on the cards that may significantly affect, or even transform, the role you're taking on, for example planned reorganisations at department or team level.
Flexibility and overtime
Whether you'll be working 9 to 5 or on shift patterns, it's good to know if there's any flexibility built in to your employment contract. How easy is it to swap shifts or get cover if you need to because of personal commitments, holidays etc? Will there be opportunities to boost your income by doing some overtime?
Commuting and parking costs
This may seem an obvious one, but it's something many people fail to take into account when applying for a new job. How easy will your journey to work be? Will it cost more and eat into the extra money you're going to earn? What's the availability of on-site parking like and will you have to pay for it? Even if you've bagged your dream nursing job or allied health role, you still need to think about practicalities before you make the commitment.
