In most industries, a tradesperson’s success is measured in the comfort, functionality, or efficiency that they provide a homeowner or business owner. But in healthcare, the stakes are higher. The work of a hospital engineer isn’t just about keeping the lights on or the air cool, it’s about keeping people safe. The healthcare trades combine the precision of skilled labor with the responsibility of patient care. Whether you’re a plumber, HVAC technician, or electrician, working in a hospital environment demands a level of awareness, compliance, and collaboration that few other industries can match.
“When I worked residential HVAC,” said Michael Kunz, Senior Lead Engineer at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, “my focus was simple: make sure the customer was comfortable. Too hot? Too cold? That was my job.”
But hospitals redefine the word “comfort.” Temperature and humidity aren’t personal preferences, they’re clinical conditions. A few percentage points in humidity or pressure can determine whether a surgical suite remains sterile or a pharmacy remains safe.
“In healthcare,” Michael said, “air pressure, humidity, and filtration can affect infection control, equipment performance, and patient outcomes. That changes how you think about your work.”
In construction or commercial maintenance, a simple repair might mean grabbing a wrench and getting to work. In healthcare, that same repair often starts with an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), an Interim Life Safety Measure (ILSM), and coordination with clinical and safety teams.
“You can’t just pop a ceiling tile and start replacing a pipe,” said Jonathan Enloe, Lead Engineer at Saint Luke’s. “You have to plan for dust containment, negative air pressure, egress routes, and vibration. Even a small job can affect patient care if you’re not careful.” The result is that every tradesperson becomes part of the care team. A maintenance task might delay an imaging procedure or disrupt airflow in a critical isolation room. Understanding that connection changes everything, it transforms a technical job into a clinical one.
Working in healthcare means living in the world of codes, regulations, and inspections. Joint Commission standards, NFPA life safety codes, ASHRAE guidelines, they all shape how the trades operate in a hospital. “There’s a reason we joke that healthcare engineering has its own language,” said Michael. “You’re always learning something new, not just about systems, but about compliance. It’s not optional. Documentation, PM schedules, response logs, everything matters in healthcare.”
Unlike construction or residential environments where the focus is on output and timelines, healthcare trades emphasize consistency, reliability, and documentation. Preventive maintenance is not about convenience; it’s a regulatory requirement tied directly to patient safety and accreditation.
In most trades’ settings, your “customer” is the building owner. In a hospital, it’s the patient lying in bed. “We can’t help heal people directly,” Jonathan explained, “but we help take care of the systems that take care of them.” The Saint Luke’s team covers more than 1.7 million square feet, including acute care, hospice, childcare, and nursing education spaces.
“We’re not just fixing equipment,” said Dennis Hull, Lead Engineer. “We’re supporting caregivers. When an OR air handler goes down or a nurse call system fails, the ripple effect is immediate.” That proximity to mission makes the work personal. Many engineers describe it as “blue-collar purpose,” the satisfaction of knowing your hands-on skills directly support lifesaving care.
While healthcare engineering can sound intimidating, Michael says it’s accessible to anyone with curiosity and discipline. “You don’t need to start as a hospital expert. We can teach you the codes, the procedures, the systems. What matters most is attitude.” Hospitals offer a unique environment where every trade intersects and interacts as one. For younger tradespeople, it’s a living classroom. For experienced technicians, it’s a career path with stability, purpose, and constant learning.
The healthcare trades aren’t just another job, they’re a calling within the skilled trades profession. The pace is different. The expectations are higher. But so is the impact. “Without us,” Dennis said, “doctors and nurses can’t do their jobs. That’s what makes it worth it.” If you’re a tradesperson looking for a career that combines craftsmanship with meaning, healthcare facilities management may be the most important work you’ll ever do.
🚨 Subscribe to the Healthcare Facilities Network Podcast to gain awareness about the rewarding career of healthcare facilities management: @healthcarefacilitiesnetwork
Listen to the full episode:
=================================
Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of our publications. For all videos on my channel: This information is for general & educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, CPA, or financial professional for advice based on your specific situation. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use © Healthcare Facilities Network.
📬 For Business Inquiries: pmartin@cref.com