Top 10 Benefts Of Working In A Hospital

Many people avoid working in a hospital, and the reasons are obvious—long shifts and exposure to illness. However, working in a hospital has its advantages. Here are the top ten benefits of hospital work:

1. The joy of helping others: This is the obvious #1. It feels great to use your years of experience and expertise to help people in the community feel better.

2. Free food: We get plenty of opportunities for free meals. During COVID, for example, we had free food nearly every day from places like Hungry Howie’s, Mancino’s, and Jimmy John’s. Local owners supported us frontline workers, even when we weren’t always busy. Occasionally, admins organize meals for special occasions—summer picnics, holidays, etc. One doctor brings in bagels every Saturday I work with him—an excellent way to make friends! Sometimes, when we’re overwhelmed, someone (often a doctor) will order pizza for everyone. There are also random days when admins hand out candy or ice cream (Snickers, Klondike, Twix, etc.).

3. Healthy air: One of the reasons I went into healthcare was because hospital air is always clean and fresh. In the heat of summer, hospitals offer cool, dry, air-conditioned air—a welcome relief.

4. Free health supplies: While this may not be officially part of the deal, many healthcare workers 'borrow' supplies and never quite return them! In my 30 years as a respiratory therapist, I’ve never bought a nebulizer—I just grab one from work when needed. The same goes for band-aids, antibiotic ointments, knee wraps, and other small items.

5. Empathy and care: Working in a hospital is a good fit for me since I have asthma. If I’m having trouble breathing, my coworkers will encourage me to take a break, use my inhaler, or take a breathing treatment—whatever I need to feel better.

6. Free health advice: Everyone has health concerns at times. Maybe you cut yourself and wonder if you need stitches, so you ask a nurse or doctor friend. Or you're feeling short of breath—well, you’re surrounded by experts who can help immediately.

7. Learning what not to do: In healthcare, we see people at their worst. It serves as a daily reminder to take care of ourselves. That’s why many healthcare workers try to eat healthy, stay active, and exercise. We know what happens when you don’t.

These are some of the benefits I can think of. I am sure there are more. Please help me add to this list.