Readers Write: What to Consider Before Accepting Your Next Healthcare IT Position

What to Consider Before Accepting Your Next Healthcare IT Position
By Frank Myeroff

In a competitive and growing job market like healthcare IT, it might be tempting to accept the next attractive job offer you receive. But before you do, take time to consider certain predictors that could determine whether you will be successful on the job or regretful that you took the job.

Is the organization in line with my values, attitudes, and goals?

You may have heard that people are hired for skill but fired for fit. It’s true. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you mesh with the culture of a healthcare organization. Their culture includes a combination of values, visions, attitudes, beliefs, and habits. These collective behaviors are taught to new organization members and affect the way people interact with each other and the way business is done.

What are the workload expectations?

Ask the hiring manager to address the workload expectations. There’s no doubt if you take the job that your boss will expect you to complete all your tasks on time and accurately. New hires usually want to meet and exceed organizational expectations by going over and above the job. But consider and evaluate if you have the staff support and resources you need to be successful.

Can I handle the commute to this job?

Always consider the commute to your job. Is it too far? How much will it cost? Gas? Parking? Will you need to be a “super commuter,” in other words, fly back and forth? The number of super commuters has increased sharply over the past few years. Be sure to determine your tolerance level and that of your family regarding the job commute.

What is the boss like?

Your career depends on understanding what makes the boss tick. Having a positive relationship with the boss is key to your success, but having a bad boss is the ultimate morale buster. Find out if the boss is a micro-manager or hands-off boss. Know if he or she has realistic or unrealistic expectations for employees. Find out if they foster innovation or discourage it. It’s important to work for a boss who values your efforts and makes it worthwhile to come to work every day.

What are the people like?

There may be a good reason why the job is open. Are the people the kind you want to work with, or are they the type to push buttons? For a workplace to be really great, it’s essential that you have a good relationship with your co-workers since you will see them so often, work with them on projects, or interact with them on a daily basis. For an office to be truly productive, there has to be some sort of harmony and cohesiveness.

What is the career progression?

This is an exciting time in healthcare IT. The demand for talented IT professionals continues to grow and the opportunities for advancement have never been better. The healthcare organization you join should be committed to meeting your current career aspirations as well as foster your future career path.

What is the training offered?

There is a clear, strategic value in continuously training and developing staff. Not only does it enable the healthcare organization to meet its mission, but allows their professional IT staff to stay current and ready for upcoming changes and trends. When considering your next IT position, make sure the organization places a strong emphasis on training and development for all IT levels. Training should focuses on individual needs such as job-related and specialized training and collective needs such as leadership and time management.

Before you jump to accept that job offer, remember that an offer is only half of the equation. The other part is performing your due diligence. Make sure the healthcare IT position and organization match your “must haves” both professionally and personally.

Frank Myeroff is managing partner and VP of business development and operations of Direct Consulting Associates of Solon, OH.