THE EVERYTHING GUIDE TO CAREERS IN HEALTH CARE
Find the job that's right for you
Kathy Quan, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N.
Copyright 2007, F+W Publications, Inc.
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THE GUIDE TO CAREERS IN HEALTH CARE
Dear Reader,
As you explore the possibilities of a career in health care, you will find that it can be one of the most rewarding and yet most challenging choices you will make in your lifetime.
In the post-9/11 era, many people have come to the realization that they want to do something with their lives that will make a difference in the lives of others. In their quest, many have found that health care careers offer a means to achieve that goal.
Today, hundreds of jobs exist in the health care industry. Just a few years ago, the only real jobs for health care providers were doctors, nurses, and dentists, along with a few ancillary support positions. Technological advances and an aging population have brought about vast changes.
As the population continues to age and the baby-boom generation moves into retirement, the health care industry will continue to face and meet the demands of the public. In contrast to fields that have seen sharp declines with the downturn of the economy in the early years of this new millennium, health care has grown and will continue to grow for many years to come. In fact, some health care fields such as nursing have experienced shortages that are approaching crisis levels. This is due in part to the many choices now available to those who wish to enter a caring profession.
Tomorrow promises more health care career choices, some of which are completely unknown today.
Dedication
To the loves of my life, who are always here for me: my husband, Tim, and my children, Amy, Rob, and Becky!
Welcome to the EVERYTHING Career Guide Series!
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With this groundbreaking EVERYTHING CAREER GUIDE series, you'll learn everything you need to know about the most popular, appealing, and potentially lucrative fields of endeavor. You'll learn where the best jobs are, what kind of training you'll need, and how to land the job of your dreams! In these enlightening, engaging guides, professional experts have done the research for you revealing the inside scoop on job descriptions, salaries, and the best way to get your foot in the door.
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Acknowledgments
I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of the health care professionals with whom I have worked over the past thirty years, and those whom I have observed and interviewed for this book.
Next I want to thank my family for their love, devotion, and help throughout the writing of this book: my husband, Tim; my children, Amy, Rob, and Becky; and our extended family of children, Chase, Heather, and Dana. Many thanks to my mother, who has always been my biggest fan and most honest critic. She has been a tremendous help and influence in writing this book. And to the girls, who have always encouraged me to reach beyond my comfort zone and follow my dreams. Thanks for your love and inspiration. Many thanks also to the rest of my family and friends for their encouragement and support throughout this effort. I love you!
To Barb Doyen, my agent, who has been a great source of support and encouragement through all the bumps along the way, thank you.
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