How to overcome the challenges of a healthcare career transition

In particular, there’s a global demand for nurses following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK, Germany, USA, Canada and Australia are actively recruiting Indian nurses to fill this gap.

But whether you’re opting to specialise in a new area or making the leap into the world of health for the first time, there are many challenges you may experience throughout the process. Challenges that can not only delay your move, but result in emotional strain, too.

While everyone’s career journey in healthcare may look a little different, there are some common barriers you could face. So today, we’ll be looking at some of those challenges, before offering some advice and guidance on how to overcome them as a healthcare job seeker.

Challenge 1: Healthcare is a complex sector

Those outside the world of healthcare may take the limited view that it’s a sector simply made up of “just nurses and doctors”. Yet, there are actually countless career paths that can be taken and specialisms to move into, and people make these moves for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps they’re looking for a higher salary, a more secure contract, opportunities in another country, or simply to act on personal ambition. What unites all these motivations, however, is that it all relies on gaining the right training and qualifications.

The move may be made even more complex by the fact that different countries have different requirements for their healthcare workforce. This can be a major roadblock for some people, with the process of moving into a new role taking months or even years to complete. Some of those requirements include:

• Specific role demands
  Whether you’re a Physician, Nurse, Midwife, Allied Health Professional or in a Social Care role, moving between specialities or non-clinical and clinical roles brings new requirements in terms of qualifications and licensure. Some roles may need further education at university, while others may just need prior healthcare experience. It’s important to get clued up on what is required in your role and chosen country to avoid further delays.
• Regulations and certifications
  When applying to work overseas, visa requirements are a key factor that can occupy a lot of time and headspace. Some countries operate on a point system, while others may require you to be sponsored by an employer, meaning you need a job before entering the country on a work visa. Whichever country you are moving to, it’s important to do all your research beforehand. And when it comes to regulations, these vary significantly between countries. It’s essential for healthcare professionals to familiarise themselves with laws and protocols to remain compliant in their new country, to protect both themselves and their patients.
• Language barriers
  English is the most commonly spoken language in healthcare, yet many countries teach their healthcare professionals in their own language. And even those who work in countries such as India, where English is widely spoken in practice, would be unlikely to reach the level of English required in exams like the IELTS. It can take up to 18 months to reach the level expected, and this doesn’t take into account the huge difference in language localities.
• Technological requirements
  Like most sectors, healthcare has undergone rapid change in recent years as a result of technological developments. From telemedicine to AI and even 3D printing, there are a wealth of technologies being used to improve both diagnosis and treatment for patients. Day-to-day, the use of technology has become more of a requirement across most roles. And when transitioning into a new role, staying updated with new tools and systems presents several challenges.

Challenge 2: A career move can be psychologically and emotionally draining

Making a career change is daunting at the best of times, but when you combine that with a move overseas or by undertaking a new qualification, it’s bound to take its toll psychologically. Some of these challenges include:

• Fear of the unknown and redefining your career
  Leaving a familiar role where you’ve established a reputation, as well as relationships with colleagues and patients, can be a real challenge during a career transition. Particularly if you’re changing roles or specialisms, it can feel like you’re starting your career all over again, which can be a real source of anxiety for some. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this feeling, and prioritising self-care is just as vital as any other step in the process of transitioning to a new career.
• Establishing a new work-life balance
  When starting a new role, it can be difficult to establish a work-life balance that protects your mental wellbeing. You will want to prove yourself in your new role, and this may mean you spend extra time at work or undertaking additional training courses. While it’s important to feel comfortable in your position, this shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, so make sure you establish a healthy routine and stick to it.
• Adjusting to a new salary or benefits
  Moving into a new role – especially if that role is overseas – can cause your salary to fluctuate or benefits to change. Some countries provide attractive benefits packages like paid holidays and housing allowances. Yet, even if your salary will be higher in your new country, the cost of living could also be a lot higher, so thinking about your monthly budget will ensure you don’t face any surprises in your new role.
• Feeling isolated from family and friends
  Adjusting to life without family and friends is a common experience for many people – especially with some countries changing their rules surrounding whether family members can accompany healthcare workers on their move overseas. The UK is one of the countries that has changed its rules, whereas the UAE allows sponsored workers to sponsor their family members, which is financially achievable and therefore can be more of a viable option.
  

Your career action plan: how to plan for a successful transition

With so many moving parts related to a healthcare career transition, having an action plan will keep you on-track and hopefully minimise stress. There are certain things you can do yourself – including setting clear goals – but there are also professional services available to provide resources and guidance throughout the process.

1. Identify transferrable skills and any skill gaps
In any health role, there are key skills that are applicable across both clinical and non-clinical roles. This can include everything from patient communication to data analysis, so having a list of these skills – as well as examples of times you’ve used them in a workplace setting – will be helpful in your transition. Here, you may also spot gaps in your skills, which can help you to clearly map out any additional CPD, online courses and certifications you can undertake prior to your move.

2. Look for mentorship opportunities and build a professional network
When you’re going through a big life change, it can help to connect with people who are also going through or have gone through the same process. If you’re moving overseas, finding a mentor who has experience in the location you’ll be working in will be invaluable throughout the journey.

3. Set clear and achievable goals
As we’ve already explored, going through a career transition can be a stressful and busy time. That’s why it can be helpful to set clear goals and put boundaries in place to look after your mental health. This may include establishing timeframes for undertaking certain tasks, for example completing any paperwork. Optionally, you may look for experience to gain while still in your current role, whether that’s volunteering or part-time work, to expand your skillset and experience.

4. Seek professional guidance
While there are some elements of a career transition that you can complete alone, sometimes, having a specialist to turn to can make the world of difference. Career counsellors, professional associations and other resources will guide you through your career transition, ensuring you not only meet all the requirements of your new role, but that the process is as seamless as possible, too.

How TalentFind can support your healthcare career transition

At TalentFind, we pride ourselves on bringing you everything you need to upskill and advance your career, all in one place. Our platform is ideal for those looking to transition to a new role, or those currently in the process who need further support. With a range of services designed to simplify any health career move, you’ll be able to successfully navigate your job transition and grow your career. The career transition resources we’re rolling out include:

Training and upskilling
We’re partnering with leading training schools and universities to bring you access to language training, upskilling, E-learning, placement and funding opportunities. Each course provider is accredited and recognised within their individual sector, so you can be sure you’ll receive the knowledge and training required to deliver the highest quality care in real-world settings.

Personalised career mapping
Because we have an in-depth global knowledge of healthcare training pathways, we can support you on your journey to growing your career, evolving our recommendations as you develop to align with your professional goals.

Leadership training
Prepare for a leadership opportunity with resources focused on healthcare management, ethical decision-making and leading a team.

Language courses
Browse Medical English, OET and IELTS preparation courses delivered by the UK’s leading English language provider, Specialist Language Courses (SLC). SLC offers an unparalleled range of healthcare exam-focused courses and tests.

Connect with your community
Connect and interact with a global community of other professionals sharing your healthcare journey.

Your successful career transition starts here

We know the thought of changing careers can be a daunting one, but hopefully you can see that with the right plans and support in place from a provider like TalentFind, you can move towards your career goals with confidence.

It’s time to join the thousands of other healthcare professionals intelligently managing their career worldwide. Register for TalentFind today and receive world-leading support in your healthcare career transition.