Compare And Contrast: This Reflection Paper Will Be Written

Compare/Contrast This reflection paper will be written about two healthcare career areas or positions or subsets that you have chosen or will select or have an interest in. These should be career areas that you have considered, but not reviewed or written about. They can also be anything that you have an interest.

Compare/Contrast This reflection paper will be written about two healthcare career areas or positions or subsets that you have chosen or will select or have an interest in. These should be career areas that you have considered, but not reviewed or written about. They can also be anything that you have an interest. This is a comparison and contrast reflection in that you will look at both careers areas and compare and contrast the two careers with each other. Reflection Requirement/Objectives 1) Introductory paragraph Introduce the reader to the healthcare related career you will be job discussing, and the types of research you have completed (the internet, and a book other sources). You will also clearly establish what your reflection is about and provide a preview to the paper. Here you will explain the two careers that you are comparing and contrasting. 2) Career Description(s) - Describe each healthcare career you selected. Include the following information: Overview and title of career/position and setting/environment. o Administration o Managerial o What field in healthcare: Hospital, clinic, supply chain, policy, specific department etc.—describe where this career is in healthcare. Common and specific work activities (what does the position/career entail) Skills and abilities required o Early skills or beginning skills o Middle level skills o Advanced skills Preparation (training, qualifications) Outlook for the job (career) o Expected growth o Number of opportunities 3) Aspects of the career that interest you: Why are you interested in these careers? Describe the parts of the career that interest you the most o Do not do all—select a couple How do the interests align with your assessments? How do the careers align with your goals about a career in healthcare? 5) Compare/Contrast: Review both careers and compare and contrast them against your goals and or interests. Answer the basic question: In looking at these two careers, which one appeals to me more? Compare and Contrast Questions to Guide You: List the most significant point concerning these job? What makes this significant about the job? Are the careers in the same field/setting: Example: Hospital or clinic. If they are in the same discuss that. If they are in different, discuss the differences. What are some key positive attributes of the positions? What education and/ or training are required? What is the outlook for these particular careers? Compare the salaries at entry, middle and end career. Describe the career entry into these positions. Is one easier to enter? Compare them. What is the career growth, compare if there is a significant difference in growth? What mentorship is available for you to succeed? Compare. What education and/ or training are required? Compare. What is the outlook for these positions and compare and contrast that outlook? Compare and contrast what the daily work life experience will be: Do you interact with people? Is it routine or diverse? Do you make decisions and act on them or do you take direction from others? How much autonomy do you have? What type of impact do the careers have? What is the satisfaction level? Reflection: Write the reflection. Summative Reflection •After comparing and contrasting—determine what careers you are leaning toward. Explain your selection. •What did you learn that surprised you about these careers? •What skills are going to have to be built on to succeed in this position or career? Evaluative Reflection •What are the strengths and weaknesses your current education that you need to be aware of for this position. •Reflect on a path to get this position: What might you do to best get this position. Do your personal assessments fit the career choices? Explain. Paper format must include the following: 1. Title page/ 2. Introduction with clear purpose, preview and direction for the paper. 2. The body of the paper needs to be 5-7 pages (no more than 7) double spaced, typed pages in length. Include all sections of the above that requires reflection and content. Size 11-12 Arial or Times New Roman font is required. No bold fonts * 1" margins on sides, top, and bottom of paper required. 3. Cite Sources on the final page, after the body of the paper. 4. College level writing expected. Sources: Two sources are required. o Must be sources that are established and reliable and validated sources. o One source from any published hard-copy source.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare industry offers a diverse array of career paths, each with unique responsibilities, skills, and growth opportunities. For this reflection, I have selected two career areas within healthcare: Healthcare Administration and Nursing Management. These roles, though interconnected, possess distinct characteristics that influence their day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and career outlooks. Through comparative analysis, I aim to understand which career aligns best with my interests, goals, and personal assessment of my skills.

Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration encompasses overseeing the operations of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, or specialized departments. The primary focus is on managing administrative functions, finances, staffing, and compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. Administrators typically work in hospital settings, health systems, or government agencies, ensuring that organizations run efficiently and effectively. Core activities include budgeting, policy development, staff coordination, and strategic planning. Skills needed range from strong organizational abilities and leadership to communication and problem-solving. Entry-level positions often require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, health management, or business, while advanced roles may necessitate a master’s degree such as an MHA or MBA. The job outlook for healthcare administrators is positive, driven by the increasing complexity of healthcare systems and expanding facilities, with opportunities projected to grow significantly over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Salaries vary across experience levels, with entry positions starting around $60,000 annually, mid-level roles earning approximately $90,000, and top executive positions exceeding $150,000.

Nursing Management

Nursing management involves overseeing nursing staff and ensuring quality patient care in clinical settings. These roles are often found within hospitals, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes. Nursing managers coordinate the daily activities of nursing teams, develop staffing schedules, and implement policies to maintain high standards of care. Essential skills include clinical expertise, leadership, conflict resolution, and communication. Becoming a nursing manager generally requires a registered nurse (RN) qualification, with additional education such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Experience as a bedside nurse is vital before advancing into management roles. Demand for nursing managers remains high due to ongoing healthcare needs, with growth anticipated in tandem with the expanding nursing workforce. Entry into this field may entail working as an RN for several years before progressing, and salaries typically start around $70,000, rising to over $110,000 with experience and advanced education (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, 2023). The role offers diverse daily interactions with healthcare professionals and patients, often involving decision-making authority and leadership responsibilities.

Interest in Careers

I am particularly interested in healthcare administration because of its strategic and leadership aspects. I enjoy planning, problem-solving, and organizing resources to improve organizational efficiency. Additionally, the broader scope of influence in healthcare policy and system management excites me. The aspect of managing large teams and overseeing organizational operations aligns with my goal of contributing to systemic improvements within healthcare. Conversely, nursing management appeals to my desire for direct patient engagement, leadership, and clinical problem-solving. Both careers align with my goal of impacting healthcare, but I am especially drawn to roles that allow for leadership and strategic planning, which makes healthcare administration more appealing to me at this stage.

Comparison and Contrast

When comparing healthcare administration and nursing management, several differences emerge. Healthcare administration generally involves a broader scope, focusing on organizational strategy, policy, and operational management within a healthcare setting. It requires formal education in healthcare or business management and offers higher starting salaries and faster entry pathways, often requiring a bachelor's degree with opportunities for advancement through further education. Nursing management, on the other hand, emphasizes clinical expertise and direct oversight of nursing staff, primarily in patient care settings. It demands a background in nursing, with additional qualifications like an MSN for higher roles. Salary levels tend to be comparable at middle and advanced stages, but entry into administration may be easier due to less dependence on clinical experience. The outlook for both careers is strong, driven by the constant demand for healthcare services and leadership roles in evolving healthcare systems.

Daily work experiences differ significantly: Healthcare administrators typically interact with hospital executives, department heads, and vendors, often working on strategic decisions, budgets, and policies. Their work can be somewhat routine but also involves problem-solving and meetings requiring critical thinking. Nursing managers interact closely with nursing staff, patients, and multidisciplinary teams, often making real-time decisions affecting patient care. They experience a mix of routine tasks and unpredictable situations requiring clinical judgment and leadership. Autonomy levels are relatively high in both roles, but administrative roles may have more strategic authority, while nursing managers focus on operational leadership within clinical teams. Both positions provide a significant impact on healthcare quality, with satisfaction derived from organizational success or patient outcomes.

Reflection and Personal Assessment

After comparing these careers, I am more inclined toward healthcare administration because of its strategic scope and leadership opportunities. I am motivated by the idea of managing organizational change and contributing to healthcare system improvement. During this process, I learned that both careers require dedicated education, experience, and ongoing professional development, but healthcare administration offers a slightly more accessible entry point for someone with my background. I recognize that developing my skills in leadership, finance, and health policy will be essential. I also see the importance of gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level roles to strengthen my candidacy.

Currently, I need to enhance my understanding of healthcare finance and leadership principles to succeed in administrative roles. My academic background provides a foundation, but gaining practical experience through volunteering, internships, or part-time work in healthcare organizations will be critical. My personal assessment aligns with the demands of healthcare administration, and I am motivated to pursue further education, such as a master’s in healthcare administration, to prepare myself for this career.

References

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Healthcare Administrators. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/healthcare-managers.htm
  • American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2023). Compensation and Benefits Survey. https://www.aonl.org
  • Healthcare Leadership Council. (2022). The Role of Healthcare Executives. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareleadership.org
  • American Nurses Association. (2022). Nursing Administration Scope and Standards of Practice. ANA Publications.
  • Donaldson, M. S. (2019). Leadership and management in healthcare. Journal of Health Administration Education, 5(2), 45-60.
  • Harrison, J. P., & Rainer, R. K. (2020). Healthcare management strategies. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(3), 182-195.
  • HealthCareSource. (2022). Salary trends for healthcare managers. Retrieved from https://www.healthcaresource.com
  • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2004). Managing the strategy-focused organization. Harvard Business School Press.
  • Sharma, S., & Kocakulah, M. C. (2021). The evolving role of healthcare leaders. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 13, 11-22.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Leadership in health: Strategies and experiences. WHO Publications.

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