5 Signs Your Healthcare Career is Stagnating (And What You Can Do About It)

One of the great myths of adulthood is that our careers only have one trajectory: up. Truth is, they ebb and flow like everything else in life. The problems start when things become stagnant and stay that way. One look at a stagnant pond will tell you this is never a good thing. If you’ve begun to sense a lack of, well, everything in your role, read on. Here are five signs your healthcare career is stagnating, and what you can do about it.  

1. Your motivation is in decline

The boss has asked for the minutes from this morning’s meeting. It’s a task you do on autopilot. Yet today, lunch has passed and no email has been sent. Your boss asks a second time, this time without a smile. Five minutes later, the minutes arrive in his inbox. 

Declining motivation can mean your situation has stalled. If doing small, simple tasks makes you yawn, it’s time to reassess matters. Outline your situation to your boss. A more complex and diverse workload might be the solution that reignites your motivation. 

It could be that you’ve outgrown your current role, and suddenly need to learn new skills. It’s a great thing to realize. For example, enrolling in an online MSN FNP program might be the decision that reignites your passion for healthcare and sets you back on a progression path. 

2. No room for growth

This week, your boss has asked you to lead the stakeholder meeting and present ideas for a new research proposal. While the task initially makes you nervous (given your passive role in past client meetings), it helps you grow and better understand how your boss and company value your contribution. 

If growth opportunities like these are rare or nonexistent, it might be time to consider a new role that promises—and delivers—growth. Again, it might take a frank meeting with your boss to determine whether this can happen in-house or whether you need to change clinics.  

3. Toxic workplace

Maybe your boss asked you to lead that meeting in front of the stakeholders, without time to prepare. And maybe they have a habit of putting you on the spot in front of colleagues and patients. Each time, the experience leaves you feeling anxious about your abilities and your professional relationships. These are signs that your workplace is toxic. 

Dealing with a toxic workplace demands a different approach, especially if your boss is the root cause of your discomfort. Speak with your healthcare union representative. A trusted opinion outside your workplace can help shed light on possible solutions. 

4. You’re moving in a different direction

Your clinic has recently shortened patient appointments in an attempt to see more patients. The decision compromises how well you’re able to treat each person you see. The added workload leaves you feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied.

Not every organization you work for will move in the same direction as you. The key is recognizing the fork in the road and making the necessary adjustments. Again, it might take a new role in a new workplace to get you back on track.  

5. That gut feeling

Sometimes, it’s a simple feeling you can’t ignore, even if you can’t quite define it. Your current role ticks all the boxes, yet something doesn’t feel right. If this is the case, don’t ignore how you’re feeling, as it will only get worse. 

Genuine self-reflection is the first step. There are no rules to this, so approach it any way that feels natural and helpful. Ask yourself: is this still the career I want? Be honest, no matter how uncomfortable you feel. 

It might seem a cliche but try the five-year plan exercise. If your goal is still to become a pediatric nurse, assess where you’re at in your journey. The stagnation you feel might be remedied with a simple adjustment.

If you’ve noticed any or all of the signs above, you’re in a wonderful position to act. The worst thing you can do is to let the situation stagnate further, hoping it will improve on its own. Be patient, honest, and kind with yourself. Setting aside the time to decide how you move forward will give you a fresh perspective, which is exactly what you need. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.