Do you work for the NHS? What's it like?

[SecondToughestInTheInfants]

I'm looking for a new job and have found something on the NHS site that looks interesting.

I'm not a healthcare professional - it's a managerial position - so can anyone tell me whether it's a good place to work or just bureaucratic,slow-moving and frustrating?

Thanks!

I've worked for the NHS in IT since 1998, in several different positions, and it varied wildly, just like any other workplace.

The good:

• Lots of paid annual leave
• Usually family friendly and flexible
• Good pension scheme (though not gold-plated no matter what the government says)
• Putting something back (big bugbear of mine, my specialty is IT in mental health, which is the Cinderella service of the Cinderella service. With friends and family affected I prefer to give my skills to this area and earn a bit less than earn pots of money).

The bad:

• The pay. Unless you're a very sdenior manager or exec, you'd earn more in the private sector (once again, no matter what the government says)
• Bureaucracy. Yes, it's real. NHS procurement processes for office equipment are a joke - poor value for money, slow, inefficient and inaccurate. This one really is ripe for reform. As for getting anything done in terms of managing IT - let's put it this way, I have a large flat patch on my forehead from all the brick walls)
• Being dependent on local culture. This is just the same in the private sector. There are bad bosses/offices/working environments in the NHS too - been there, done that.

My advice would be suck it and see, especially if you think you fit the bill.

Thank you pointythings, for your reply, much appreciated!

Supersal - that is a sensible reply! Paints a picture, at least... only problem is, I got chucked out of the Brownies!