Generation Z Want Careers in Healthcare

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC

The Good News

There is some very good news as we look at the future of the healthcare workforce. Generation Z high schoolers now indicate that they want a career in medicine or health-related fields (46%) compared to science and engineering now coming in at a distant second (18%). These findings come from the latest National Society of High School Scholars (NGHSS) Annual career survey. Apple and Google not longer top the list of most desired employers. They have been replaced by St Jude Children’s Hospital (#1), Mayo Clinic (#2), Health Services Corp (#3) and local hospitals (#4).

Generation Z seem to be looking for careers that offer stability in what appears to be an unstable world. Gen Z is more skeptical about following one’s passions, citing concerns about making a sufficient income (63%), achieving a work-life balance (54%), and having job stability (52%). Most anticipate they will have student loans but want to quickly pay them off as they begin working.

When looking at potential employers, the most important factors are fair treatment of employees (28%), work-life balance (25%), and corporate social responsibility (14%). On top of health benefits (72%) Gen Z also values their personal time, with time-off (63%) and flexible work schedules (61%) as the most valued compensation and benefits. They are also keeping an eye on their next career move and seek out employers who will invest in them, with professional development opportunities (86%) and clear pathways to promotion (44%) as the most sought-after work experiences.

When looking at what type of leaders they want to work for, Nearly half of the scholars surveyed say the most important quality a manager can have is good/clear communication skills (48%). A third say it is honesty and integrity, while a fifth say it is someone to learn from. I would not have anticipated clear communication would rank so high but it is important information to consider as we develop leaders.

Things to be Cautious About

For Gen Zers interested in pursuing a career in medicine or other fields within healthcare, it is important to align expectations with reality. There are promising opportunities in healthcare but also looming challenges that receive less attention in the press. Work in healthcare can be difficult and may not be as creative or fun as in other industries.  Many current nurse managers express concern that Generation Z motivations for coming into healthcare today is more economically driven and far less focused on wanting to help others. While important, job stability will not be enough to sustain oneself in a career like nursing.

How to Use This Information

With this research in hand, healthcare leaders have a unique opportunity to reach out and establish partnerships with their local middle schools and high schools. Some of these efforts could be funded by federal, state and local workforce grants. Early exposure to healthcare professions can solidify a career choice or may lead some students with unrealistic expectations to decide that healthcare is not for them. Either way it is a win-win for the future of healthcare and one that we should capitalize on.