The NHS is one of the biggest employers in the UK, and there are more than 300 different jobs available for those who are seeking a career with this enormous and prestigious organisation. While there are many roles across a broad spectrum of sectors, not only medicine, there are some jobs which are more in demand among the UK’s NHS Trusts. These include the following job roles:
Nursing
There is an enormous demand for nurses in all areas of the NHS, from accident and emergency departments to those who work in operating theatres. At the present time, many of the nurses who work in UK hospitals come from overseas, and many are bank nurses who are filling in on a temporary basis. The demand for qualified nurses at all levels outstrips supply significantly in most areas of the country, with especially large numbers of vacancies for specialist operating theatre and neonatal nurses. A nurse’s basic salary begins at around £22,000, however for those at the most senior level, it is possible to command a salary of up to £100,000.
Diagnostic Imaging
The sonography and radiology career pathways are still short of applicants across the UK, and yet have a vital role to play in the care and treatment of patients with a range of conditions. By using X ray and ultrasound technology as well as other forms of imaging, specialists in this field may help to diagnose conditions and to carry out interventions. Salaries start at around £22,000 and can progress up the scale to as much as £69,000 for those who reach consultant level.
Prosthetists/Orthotists
While not the most glamorous job in the NHS, prosthetists and orthotists play a key role in helping patients to regain their mobility. By providing artificial limb replacements for those who have gone through amputation or who were born without a limb, prosthetists have a very specific and valuable role to play in the hospital, ensuring that the prosthesis is designed specifically for the needs of each individual patient. Orthotists also have an important part to play in correctly deformity, relieving discomfort and aiding movement, helping those who have had a stroke, spinal conditions, cerebral palsy and arthritis. Using CAD, CAM and modern digital imaging techniques, this is a fascinating and essential career path.
Paramedics
Paramedics play one of the most essential roles within the entire NHS by providing immediate response emergency services. As the first senior health care professional to arrive on the scene, paramedics must take responsibility for offering first aid treatment for minor injuries and illnesses as well as delivering life saving treatment. With a payscale starting at £22,000 and progressing up to a maximum of £69,000 at consultant level, this demanding role is highly rewarding, and is highly in demand all across the UK. Although the work can be both physically demanding and emotionally challenging, there are courses and counselling systems in place to help paramedics to cope with the difficulties that they may encounter.
Emergency Medicine Doctors
Although doctors at all levels and in all disciplines are still highly in demand in most areas of the NHS, emergency medicine is a shortage area where many trusts are still looking for qualified and experienced staff. Although the medicine career path is not a quick or easy one, it is extremely rewarding, both financially and emotionally, especially for those who choose to specialise in emergency treatment who are literally at the cutting edge of life saving treatments. Working in an accident and emergency department may be challenging, however it is certainly and interested and varied pathway to take, with a great deal of variety to look forward to every day of the week. Doctors’ salaries begin at around £26,000, but when specialising in a particular field such as A&E care, the basic salary is £36,461. When at the top of the career ladder, a consultant in this field can earn as much as £103,500 a year. As an emergency doctor, there is an on call system which allows for an additional pay enhancement for working out of hours. Pursuing a career in emergency medicine involves quite long and complex training with a degree in medicine being required followed by a 2 year general training foundation programme and then specialist training in the chosen discipline, however once fully qualified and in post, it is an extremely rewarding career path.
There is plenty of information available online with regard to careers in UK hospitals, and there are many roles which are suited to candidates at all level of their career within the British healthcare system, whether just starting out or whether already highly experienced in the field. The NHS as a whole is an excellent employer and offers a wealth of opportunities.