As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your career and set meaningful resolutions. For healthcare professionals, the demands of the industry can often leave little time for personal growth, but making small, actionable changes can lead to big transformations. Here are some career resolutions tailored for those in the healthcare field.

1. Invest in Continuing Education

Healthcare is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date is crucial. Whether it’s pursuing a certification, taking CEU courses, or enrolling in online college courses, committing to lifelong learning will enhance your skills and boost your career. Look for programs that align with your specialty or explore emerging areas like telehealth or precision medicine. Check with your manager about an education fund—you might be able to get certifications paid for, either ahead of time or in the form of a bonus after you have completed it. Also, see if your employer pays for LinkedIn Learning; there is a vast library of courses across all job types available there that you can use as a jumping-off point.

This education does not have to be healthcare-related! Expanding your knowledge in areas like project management, coding or digital marketing can also open new doors into a new career entirely. Approximately 30% of the population changes careers every year- don’t be afraid of changing your career path.

Resolution: Spend 1 hour a week on some type of learning or continuing education.

2. Build a Strong Professional Network

Networking isn’t just for corporate roles. Connect with colleagues, join professional associations, or attend healthcare conferences. These don’t have to be connections in healthcare; I occasionally like to attend a monthly happy hour for local business professionals. Building relationships can open doors to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and even new career paths. Don’t underestimate the value of a strong LinkedIn presence either—it’s an excellent tool for showcasing your expertise. And according to this article on LinkedIn, 70% of job seekers find new jobs through their network. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals outside your immediate circle, especially on LinkedIn. I’ve even had people message me through Reddit and Facebook to ask me for more information on my job, how I found it, and what I suggest to help them in their search. The people you reach out to were probably once in your shoes and are going to be empathetic to your search.

Resolution: Connect with 2 people every month, and engage in meaningful conversations. Attend 1 in-person event every other month.

3. Explore Non-Clinical Opportunities

If you’ve been feeling the pull to step away from the bedside, consider non-clinical roles that leverage your healthcare experience. Positions in education, informatics, medical writing, or consulting offer a chance to make an impact in different ways. Start researching roles that align with your interests and transferable skills.

This blog is a great place to start. If you are unsure what terminology to search, visit my Job Spotlight page. Every week I try to showcase a job in healthcare outside of traditional patient care roles—they might give you ideas on job titles, industries, and companies to search.

Resolution: Make a list of 5 non-clinical job titles and 3 companies to research by the end of January.

4. Prioritize Self-Care and Wellness

Healthcare professionals often put others’ needs above their own, but self-care is essential for long-term success. Neglecting your well-being can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and even physical health issues. Start small by identifying areas where you’ve been neglecting your needs. Are you skipping meals, losing sleep, or pushing through shifts without breaks?

Explore activities that nurture your physical and mental health, such as exercise, meditation, therapy, or hobbies that bring you joy. Consider revisiting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand how neglecting your physical needs can impact your mental health. (Check out my friend Dr. Serber’s blog post on this topic for deeper insights!)

Resolution: Schedule at least one self-care activity weekly, whether it’s a workout, a relaxing bath, or a coffee date with a friend.

5. Create a Career Development Plan

Having a clear roadmap for your career can make all the difference in achieving your goals. Start by reflecting on where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Identify the skills, certifications, or experiences you’ll need to get there. Break these down into smaller, actionable steps so you can make steady progress. For example, if your goal is to transition to a leadership role, your steps might include completing a management course, joining a mentorship program, and attending leadership workshops.

Need help getting started? Download my Career Resolution Worksheet to guide you through creating a personalized development plan. This worksheet will help you brainstorm your goals, map out your priorities, and stay focused throughout the year.

Resolution: Spend one afternoon in January using the worksheet to draft a career development plan, and set monthly check-ins to review and update your progress.

Start the Year Strong

The key to achieving these resolutions is to start small and stay consistent. Choose one or two areas to focus on and build from there. By the time December rolls around, you’ll be amazed at the progress you’ve made.

What are your career resolutions for 2025? Share them in the comments below and inspire others in the healthcare community!