A hospital is a large medical facility which houses doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals. In addition to treating patients, hospitals also provide education and training to future health care providers. They are a key part of the healthcare system in many countries, serving as a major referral center for the community.
Few decisions in life carry more weight than selecting a hospital to treat yourself or a loved one. Choosing the right hospital can mean the difference between life and death. Those making the choice must consider the patient experience, peer recommendations, hospital quality metrics and implementation of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). The U.S. News rankings use these factors to determine the best hospitals in the nation.
In the Middle Ages, churches and wealthy individuals endowed hospitals to meet a growing need for institutional care. At this time, some hospitals were specialized in certain disease categories, for example, leprosy, cancer or eye diseases, while others were dedicated to general medical services.
Hospitals today are generally funded by private payment, health insurance or charitable donations. They operate in a fast-paced environment and require employees who can handle stressful situations, work longer shifts, and follow strict protocols. To prepare for a career at a hospital, students should research educational requirements for clinical and nonclinical roles and gain relevant healthcare experience through volunteering or internships. In the clinical realm, hospital workers should focus on developing critical thinking, communication and compassion skills to ensure the best possible care for patients.
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