Pro's and Con's of working (full time) in the NHS?

WantToBeSE

I am applying for a few jobs within the NHS at the moment and i have never worked in the NHS before.
I am just wondering what the pros and cons are-can anyone suggest any please?

Cooper18

Depends on the role you're going into. So if its professional/technical:

Pros - it's as close to a job for life as you're ever going to get these days, provided you keep your nose clean. Pension. Sick pay. Good leave allowance and stat days.

Cons - morale has never been lower. Culture of promoting incompetent staff, not dealing with under-performing ones. Target driven, not patient driven. Fewer staff, with higher workload. Poor management.

Would I personally do it all again if I had my life over? No. Is it a good place to start from? Yes.

WantToBeSE

Thanks Cooper for your reply.
I don't want to disclose too much on a public forum, but its a position working with CAMHS.

CC-Warrior

Depending on the role there can certainly be a slower pace (less stress and pressure) than working for private companies. I've heard it also attracts people because of the pension offered.

Cooper18

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Thanks Cooper for your reply.
I don't want to disclose too much on a public forum, but its a position working with CAMHS.

Understand completely. But within that area you could be working admin, nursing, medical, professional, technical - so I can't speak for them all. I don't think admin roles are quite as "lifelong" as they once were for example. Good luck with it, the NHS is as rewarding as it is frustrating!

Cooper18

Less stress and pressure?! Are you for real?!

CC-Warrior

Like I said, totally depends on the role. In my experience (and for my field), it's a walk in the park compared to working for private companies.

WantToBeSE

I think it's the 'job for life' aspect that appeals to me, as well as the actual role, so it's nice to hear that this may be possible.
I agree that morale is low, from what I have heard, so I think that aspect of it may be quite challenging...but I certainly wouldn't have thought it was relaxed and less stressful.
I guess it depends on what you are used to though.

Thanks for the feedback so far.

Cooper18

We've certainly taken on staff recently and fully expect that their job is theirs for as long as they can tolerate it!!

I've thought about leaving countless times but there's always been too much to keep me there. And I'm a coward!

I've made a lot of friends working there, met some fantastic patients, heard some amazing stories - both sad and happy. You really could write a book after a few years in, it's never ever dull.

There are also other benefits - my car insurance is cheaper because I work in the NHS, I get discounted public transport with my trust, and there are often discount schemes you can join for literally a few pounds per month which get you vouchers for local businesses, restaurants, services etc.

silkyuk9

Ive worked for the NHS for over 20 years.

It once was a job for life not anymore. Stressful yes, job cuts etc etc etc.

pros, good for holidays and sickness pay

cons just about everything else

Cooper18

Silky, do you know anyone who has been in the NHS for more than 10 years who actually still loves their job?! I wonder if its just me and the folks I know who hate it!

Don't get me wrong, I love the job I'm supposed to do, but I'm not allowed to do it anymore. So overall I hate the place!