A hospital is a health care center that provides general or specialized treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with an illness or disease. It is a complex institution with a range of departments and services such as an emergency department, operating room, a medical laboratory, pharmacy, radiology and pathology. A hospital may also contain a range of specialized treatment units such as a coronary care unit or cancer center. Hospitals may also serve as a teaching facility for the training of health science students and auxiliary healthcare professionals.
Hospitals matter to people—they are often a focal point for community support and a source of hope during times of crisis and need. They matter to health systems—they are instrumental in care coordination and integration and they provide a critical base for clinical research.
A person is hospitalized when their doctor advises that they should stay in a facility because of severe or life-threatening illness or injury. Staying in a hospital can be scary and disruptive, but it is necessary to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care. During their stay, the patient will be visited daily by doctors and nurses. Other staff members, such as physiotherapists and dieticians, will also visit to help manage the patient’s condition.
Careers in hospitals are rewarding, fast-paced and require a wide range of skills. Start your hospital career by identifying roles that match your interests and education qualifications, and gain relevant experience through volunteering and internships while working toward your academic and licensing requirements.