Fostering: An Alternative Job for Medical Professionals
1 in 5 healthcare professionals left jobs due to the pandemic
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a considerable number of medical professionals leave their profession in search of something new. There are many reasons for this. Not only are medical professionals overworked and underpaid but, in recent years, they’ve also had to deal with the stress and worry of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While research shows that a lot of these professionals have now retired, many of them have found other, more suitable roles. One of these roles is becoming a foster parent. But why are so many medical professionals choosing to leave their positions and become foster carers?
If you want to know more about fostering and why it is the perfect job for medical professionals, keep reading below. We will not only discuss the benefits of fostering but also talk about why medical professionals are the ideal people for the job.
Why are healthcare professionals looking for alternative jobs?
Research suggests that as many as 1 in 5 healthcare professionals has left their job since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these professionals have cited the pandemic as their main reason for going. However, this isn’t the only reason medical professionals are searching for new roles.
Here are some of the others:
- They found a new career
- They sought a more suitable salary
- They were overworked
- They wanted more career growth
- They were not looked after well enough by employers or the government during the pandemic – e.g. the lack of safety measures and equipment
- They did not feel appreciated
- They moved house
- They became a carer for a relative
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The best alternative jobs for medical professionals
As mentioned above, many medical professionals have left the profession since the start of the pandemic. One main reason for this was because they found a new career. But what are the best alternative roles for medical professionals? Here are just a few options:
- A foster parent – this has to be one of the best options available to medical professionals. Not only do medical professionals have all the attributes of a foster carer; for example, they’re kind, helpful and experienced in looking after people from a range of backgrounds, but a foster carer also receives excellent fostering pay.
- Locum work – if you don’t like working long hours for little money, then locum work is a great option. Locum work allows you to choose when and where you work, and it pays better too.
- Education – you could teach other medical professionals.
Why medical professionals should consider becoming a foster parent
You have undergone the proper training
Unfortunately, research has shown that many foster families in the UK shy away from fostering children with disabilities because they feel out of their depth. As a result, there is a vast number of disabled children left in the care system. The good news is that medical professionals can meet this demand. They already have all the necessary training and experience to care for a range of children, including vulnerable or disabled children.
You can make a real difference
One of the main reasons medical professionals go into the profession in the first place is to make a difference in other people's lives. However, many find they cannot make as much of a difference as they’d like. Fostering, however, allows you to make a massive difference in the lives of your foster children.
You can enable children to be free from difficult home circumstances
Medical professionals are used to looking after people who have had a difficult time. With their patience, resilience and empathy, they make the best foster parents and provide amazing care to children and young people who really need it.
You can improve positive outcomes for children in foster care
Evidence suggests that many children who have grown up in the care system struggle to adapt to everyday life when they reach 18. This is often because they haven’t had the support or guidance from the adults in their lives. By becoming a foster parent, you have the chance to change this.
It allows you to grow as a person
Although working as a medical professional is meant to be rewarding, many professionals say it is not. While this may be true, there are many careers out there that are not only perfect for medical professionals but also extremely fulfilling. Being a foster parent is one of these careers.
There are too many children looking for a foster family
It is reported that there are over 78,000 children in care in the UK. This is an enormous figure, and it doesn’t look like it will decrease anytime soon. By becoming a foster parent, you get the opportunity to take care of one or maybe more of these children and give them a happy home and a chance at a positive future.
Very few people regret becoming a foster carer
Research suggests that almost half of all medical professionals feel lonely both at work and at home. One of the main reasons for this is their long work hours. While caring for children is a 24/7 role, you get the opportunity to go out and meet new people. There’s a great support network for foster families as well as regular activities and events to be involved in. You’ll never feel lonely as part of such an incredible team of people.
You can show children that they can achieve anything they put their minds to
Almost all foster children have come from struggling families. Children from difficult backgrounds often grow up to follow the footsteps of their parents. However, this can be avoided if they are placed with the right foster family. Medical professionals are the perfect people to show these young people that no matter who they are or where they come from, they can reach their dreams if they put in the hard work.
How to start a career in fostering
Lots of people are put off becoming foster parents because they think they won't be accepted. However, this is often untrue. If you’re thinking of fostering a child, then here are the steps you need to take before you can foster a child:
- Contact a fostering agency
- Have a home visit to ensure your property is up to the standard required for fostering a child
- Go through the assessment process
- Take part in any necessary training – most medical professionals will have already completed most of the training required to become a foster carer
- Attend a fostering panel meeting
- Once approved, it is time to start fostering
Are you ready to start fostering?
It is clear that the number of healthcare professionals leaving is at an all-time high. This is unlikely to change soon, as more professionals look for new roles outside the healthcare system. Thankfully, there are lots of excellent positions that are perfect for these individuals, including the opportunity to become a foster parent. While being a foster carer can be a lot of hard work, it is also one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever do. If you’re a medical professional who is looking to leave the healthcare system in the UK, then why not consider becoming a foster carer?
Reasons to join Fosterplus...
Why choose us?
Everything we do is geared towards this idea of continuity, and it’s something that our foster parents experience too – with stable teams and consistent support and training.
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Support for the family
With Fosterplus, you'll be connected to the support you need 24/7/365. This ranges from a dedicated social worker, regular support groups, direct access to Fosterplus management and an out of hours service.
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Generous allowances
You’ll benefit from an attractive fostering payment for when a child is in your care, together with other benefits and rewards. Find out how much you could receive using our allowance calculator.
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