Healthcare professionals around the world are asking themselves difficult questions: Should I go? Should I stay? Am I in control either way?

According to an article in PubMed Central Staffing shortages across the healthcare sector pose a threat to the continuity of the Canadian healthcare system and for CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospitals Union, 26% of respondents considered leaving their jobs, while 41% reported dreading going to work due to overwhelming workloads. 

Yet, despite these alarming numbers, the study revealed little change in the proportion of healthcare workers who actually left their positions during and after the pandemic.

This gap between intention and action highlights a critical reality: while many healthcare professionals feel the urge to leave, the decision to follow through is often shaped by personal, financial, and occupational considerations.


A report from Statistics Canada revealed 90,000 vacant healthcare positions nationwide in the second quarter of 2023, a 9.5% increase since 2022. Critically, staffing shortages are associated with compromised patient safety, increased patient mortality, increased cost, and elevated psychological burden on remaining staff. 

Most common reasons for leaving cited:
Challenging workplace conditions
Impacts on mental health and well-being
Lack of acknowledgement & support
Compromised patient care 
Compromised sense of pride in the care I can give under present conditions
If something better comes up I will take it

On the contrary, remaining in a role that consistently drains energy and contributes to burnout can have long-term consequences. 

Waiting for external change without taking proactive steps risks worsening mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Burnout not only affects professional performance but also personal well-being and relationships.

To provide the best care for others, self-care must come first.

1. Listen to Your Body

2. Establish Healthy Boundaries

3. Build or join a supportive network of peers, friends, or mentors 

4. Explore Options Proactively

I stayed for too long in an misaligned organisational culture for fear of the unknown and “For the Benefits”

I learned that the environment you are in influences the quality of work and care that you can give. Plant yourself in an environment that nourishes you and promotes growth. It is only in these environments that you can provide excellent care and evolve into the next best version of yourself.

In conclusion the question “Should I go or should I stay?” is deeply personal, but the answer begins with reclaiming control over your health and well-being. By prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support, healthcare professionals can make empowered decisions that honour both their personal needs and professional calling.