There are many things to look for when searching for dental nursing jobs, and a good employer is one of the most important aspects that you need to consider. But what makes a good employer, and what can you expect from them?
Approachable
To begin with, a good employer will value dental nurses and treat them with respect, and this means being approachable and open to the feedback you provide. You should be able to approach your employer with your concerns, ideas, and suggestions without fear of reproach or being ignored, because you are a part of the practice and dedicated to helping it grow and provide excellent care to patients. Employers who accept feedback and are open to discussions with their team are known for appreciating their staff, which in turn drives a more positive working environment.
Work/Life Balance
One of the most important aspects of work is maintaining a good work/life balance, and that means not always being stuck with late nights or weekend shifts. As noted above, you should be able to approach your manager if you have issues with this, and they should be understanding of you wanting to improve the balance between work and your personal life. A good employer will not hold it against you if you want to request changes to your schedule (even if they can’t be accommodated at that time) and will work with you to see what can be done to drive improvements.
Professional Growth
Good employers will not only encourage the professional development of their dental nurses – they will also recognise the good it could do for the practice and will be more inclined to utilise your skills so that your role doesn’t become dull or boring. Whether you undertake further training on courses such as these, or gain a new qualification through similar avenues, your employer should be supportive and understanding, and should not hold you back. Some employers see the professional development of their staff as one of their core responsibilities and will offer paid-for training, GDC registration, and CPD.
Recognition
There are many ways an employer can recognise their employees’ hard work, and it can begin with a verbal acknowledgement which showcases what has been done well and why it is appreciated. Following on from this, good employers will also offer incentives such as bonus schemes, target-driven reward systems, and pay rises to recognise and reward the dedication and hard work of their team. This recognition increases your feelings of being valued and appreciated and will make you more likely to enjoy your work and more willing to go above and beyond in your role.
Conclusion
Many things make a good employer, but most important is that they are someone who sees their staff as people, rather than just numbers on their payroll, and who recognises their hard work through rewards and pay increases. An employer who not only utilises their staff's key skills but also encourages growth and further development is also one who is understanding of you and your career, and who is more likely to see the need for a positive work/life balance and the ways to achieve it. They take you and your thoughts into consideration, and you find that you are always treated with respect and appreciation in your role.
Written by Natasha Garthwaite