Career Progression in the Healthcare Industry
Find out what career progression in the healthcare industry looks like today. Accelerate your healthcare career with Medway Care Services.
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Understanding the current landscape can give care professionals an idea of their future career progressions.
The NHS reported that the ageing population in the UK is on the rise, and their increasingly complex needs have sparked a requirement for more healthcare professionals. The Department of Health and Social Care predicted that by 2038, 57% more adults over 65 will need at-home care services compared to 2018.
The expectations of healthcare workers are changing, too. Professional carers want meaningful work where they feel valued and have opportunities to grow. Along with flexible work and fair pay, career development is increasingly important for healthcare professionals.
In this blog, we explore career progression in the healthcare industry and how nursing and care agency work can support career development.
Understanding Career Progression in Healthcare
There are many barriers in the healthcare industry when it comes to career progression. The staff shortage brought on by the rise in ageing populations means that existing workers face increased workloads and intense schedules. This can often lead to burnout among nurses and professional caregivers.
In permanent nursing roles, healthcare workers often work in the same hospital and department every day. While this set-up works well for some, others can feel stuck in the same environment, hindering their professional development in other areas.
In some positions, there are few opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and work in new settings. Similarly, a lack of flexible working options, which are increasingly sought after, contributes to high turnover rates and burnout in the healthcare industry.
How a Nursing and Care Agency Supports Career Development
Working with a nursing or care agency over permanent employment can give healthcare employees the chance to develop a broader range of skills.
When you work with an agency, you are in control of your working environment.
Instead of working in the same place every day, you have the opportunity to explore different care settings, such as:
Nursing homes
Residential homes
Charities
Day care centres
Respite care
This variety allows you to discover new ways of working, determine which settings suit you best, and broaden your expertise.
At Medway Care Services, you complete annual mandatory training to prepare you for all these environments. You have access to courses, certifications, and workshops to constantly hone your skills. Our staff are trained to care for clients with needs such as:
Dementia
Alzheimer’s
Parkinson’s
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Stroke
Diabetes
Cancer
Rehabilitation
Mental health support
Learning difficulties
A Flexible, Balanced Career
You also have more control over your shift flexibility with agency work. You get to decide how many hours a week you work and when, according to a schedule that suits you. This is ideal for healthcare workers with other responsibilities, like childcare, to consider.
This also allows you to maintain a healthier work-life balance, reducing the risk of burnout and making your career progression more sustainable.
Career Guidance and Mentorship
One thing that stands out for our staff is the guidance they receive alongside their training. As an agency, we pride ourselves on supporting and mentoring our carers and nurses so they can provide the very best care for our clients.
One of our team recently said:
“I encourage everyone to join Medway as they will give you the support and care you deserve.”
Tips for Maximising Career Growth with an Agency
There are many ways to get the most out of working with an agency and benefit from a broad range of professional opportunities. With the right approach, you can maximise your career growth.
Be open to new experiences: Take the opportunity to work with patients in different care settings. By approaching agency work with an open mind, you can learn a lot about yourself and discover what you’re passionate about.
Embrace learning opportunities: In agency work, you will encounter many opportunities to expand your expertise and knowledge beyond complying with industry standards.
Consider the roles you want: While we recommend that our staff explore a range of healthcare settings, it’s also important to be open about what you want. If you have a specific goal or specialty in mind, you can tailor your work schedule to develop skills in this area.
Choose the right agency: Take the time to research nursing and care agencies to find an employer that matches your needs and values. For example, think about the training opportunities and flexibility you’re looking for.
At Medway Care Services, our nurses and carers can expect competitive pay rates, industry-leading training, flexible shift patterns, and continuous support throughout their career with us.
