As a healthcare professional, you stand at the forefront of an important transformation within your industry. The job market throughout 2024 has continued to shift, presenting both challenges and new opportunities.
Our recent survey, conducted among 36,000+ healthcare professionals, including LVNs, RNs, Advanced Practitioners, and others, reveals important trends and feedback. Throughout this blog, we will unpack some of the key survey feedback and data to help you adapt and succeed in this evolving market.
Market Shift: Is It Time for a Career Move?
An alarming 47% of healthcare workers report that they will be considering new job opportunities this year, according to our 2024 healthcare workers survey. For you, the surge in individuals seeking change might signal a window of opportunity to advance your career or move to a role more aligned with your personal and professional goals and interests.
While the number of applications per job opening has hit a new high, with an average of 16 applicants competing for each job, the reality is more complex. Traditional talent acquisition methods are failing to deliver quality hires in a short timeframe. The current average of 18 job applicants to make one hire reveals an urgent need for companies to rethink how they find and hire healthcare talent.
Understanding the shift toward better hiring practices can be crucial when considering your next career move. Traditional staffing methods are losing their effectiveness, and new approaches like using candidate referral networks are becoming more popular and beneficial for everyone involved.
In today's competitive job market, staying informed about emerging job opportunities and industry trends is crucial. Consider diversifying your job search approach by leveraging professional networks, referral platforms like Relode, and peer recommendations to uncover hidden job opportunities. Investing in continuous learning and skill development can enhance your marketability and position you as a top candidate in your desired field.
Remember, it's more than just finding a job; it's about finding a role that truly fits your career goals and offers the benefits you deserve. Now, as the job market begins its transformation, your professional networks can become the most valuable.
Prioritize Your Goals with Adaptability
As the healthcare landscape undergoes financial adjustments, you may reassess your career priorities. With an increasing preference for permanent positions over contract or travel assignments, there's a growing need to align your personal goals with organizational realities. Embracing flexibility and adaptability can help you to navigate career transitions effectively, ensuring long-term career satisfaction and success.
In navigating career transitions, it's essential to evaluate your options based on personal values, goals, and financial considerations. Look for professional growth and advancement opportunities within your current company while also exploring alternative work schedules, like contracts or telehealth, to broaden your career potential and expand your skill set.
Addressing Burnout
Burnout remains a top issue among healthcare professionals, with 61% considering career changes due to work-related stress. In a recent Relode Healthcare Workers survey, over half of respondents rated their burnout at a high level (more than 5 out of 10), particularly among nurses, where 58% reported significant burnout. This statistic underscores the urgent need for intentional changes across the industry as a whole.
While impactful change is mainly needed from employers, recognizing the signs of burnout and prioritizing self-care are essential for your career longevity and personal well-being. By advocating for more supportive work environments and creating better work-life balance, you can reduce your risk of burnout and become more resilient in your professional journey.
Prioritizing self-care strategies, like meditation, regular exercise, spending time outdoors, and finding hobbies, is crucial for managing stress and preventing burnout. Additionally, advocating for workplace initiatives that improve staff well-being and mental health support can foster a supportive work environment that allows for professional growth and fulfillment.
How to Stay Ahead as a Healthcare Professional
It's important not to rely just on what has worked before but to stay up to date and be flexible with how you find new opportunities. Here are some helpful tips:
- Grow your network: Strong relationships with colleagues can lead to some of the best recommendations and job leads. Don't underestimate the power of your personal connections.
- Join professional groups: Engage with online communities, associations, and social media groups within your specific field. These groups can provide career guidance and lead to potential new job connections.
- Stay informed: Keep on top of industry changes. Knowledge is power when negotiating positions or exploring new career paths.
- Be flexible. Stay open to the idea of different types of employment, including travel or contract work, that might offer unique experiences and new skills and lead to full-time opportunities.
Become a Part of the Relode Healthcare Network
Now, face to face with these ongoing changes, how can you continue to grow and find professional success? The Relode network was built for exactly that. A place where you’re in control of your job search. Find exciting opportunities with top healthcare companies nationwide and connect with expert recruiters focused on helping you find your next exciting role.
Why Go Through the Process Alone?
With the Relode Healthcare Network, take control of your next career move. Empower friends, colleagues, and yourself with job opportunities with some of the most innovative companies across the country. Here are a few benefits of joining Relode:
1) Earn for Helping Your Friends Find Work
Refer your personal network of friends and colleagues to earn rewards each time they're sent to a hiring team for consideration, interviewed for a job, and hired! Login to our user-friendly platform to search top healthcare jobs and make referrals based on what suits your network’s skillset. You only need their contact info and resume; it's that simple.
➡️ Start referring today.
2) Access to Exciting Opportunities
Searching for a new position can feel like a full-time job. Our recruiters are experienced professionals who have been pre-vetted and are passionate about helping you find your dream job. They take the time to get to know your career goals, interests, and must-haves to provide a great job search experience from start to finish.
If you don’t see a job that fits your interests or skillset, create a free Relode profile to receive notifications anytime a role matching your preferences opens!
With a proactive mindset and a flexible approach, you can find a new job that’s rewarding and sustainable for the demands of your daily life. Adapt to the changing hiring landscape and position yourself to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.