Working in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s no secret that it can also be stressful. Some roles involve long hours, unpredictable shifts and a high emotional load, all of which can contribute to elevated stress over time. If left unmanaged, this can lead to burnout, impacting both your wellbeing and your ability to perform at work.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that define low-stress careers in healthcare, signs that it might be time for a change and highlight a range of low-stress jobs in Australia that may be a better fit for those feeling overwhelmed in their current roles.
Key characteristics of low-stress careers in healthcare
What makes a healthcare role low in stress can vary between individuals. While some may thrive in a fast-paced and unpredictable work environment, others may prefer slow-paced jobs that have more routine and structure.
Generally, however, there are a few key characteristics that make up low-stress careers in healthcare.
Predictable working hours
A report by the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) identified long hours and irregular shift work as key contributors to physical fatigue, stress and burnout among healthcare professionals.
Predictable hours or a consistent schedule you can rely on provides the stability to plan your life outside of work and can make a noticeable difference in managing day-to-day stress.
When you’ve got a structured work routine, it becomes easier to plan personal time, maintain regular sleep patterns and achieve a healthier work-life balance, all of which contribute to better mental health and lower overall stress.
💡 Looking to strike the right balance in your career and life? Take a look at healthcare jobs that offer work-life balance here.
Working in lower patient or client acuity environments
Patient or client acuity refers to the severity of a patient or client’s illness and the level of care they require. High-acuity patients or clients typically have complex or critical conditions that demand intensive monitoring and frequent interventions while low-acuity patients or clients have less severe, non-urgent conditions that usually require standard or routine care.
According to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, high levels of patient acuity are linked to increased stress among healthcare professionals whereas lower acuity is associated with a more manageable workload and reduced emotional strain.
Working in a role with lower patient or client acuity not only reduces mental and emotional fatigue, but also lowers overall stress levels as healthcare professionals have more time to complete their tasks and can direct their focus towards delivering high-quality, client or patient-centred care.
High job control
Job control refers to how much influence you have over how your work is carried out, whether that’s deciding how to structure your day, choosing how to approach certain tasks or having input into decision-making processes. In roles with higher job control, individuals often feel a greater sense of autonomy and ownership.
When job control is low, the likelihood of work-related stress can increase due to a lack of flexibility and decision-making power. In contrast, according to an article published in BMC Health Services Research, high job control is associated with lower levels of stress and higher job satisfaction.
Supportive work environment
The work environment plays a vital role in affecting stress levels in healthcare professionals. A positive workplace that fosters open communication, mutual respect and strong teamwork can reduce stress, even in roles that may be more emotionally demanding.
In contrast, a negative workplace culture marked by poor communication, limited training, lack of managerial support and strained workplace relationships can contribute to higher levels of stress and burnout.
💡Learn more about teamwork and how it drives better outcomes in healthcare here.
Minimal exposure to trauma or high-stakes situations
Some healthcare roles involve regular exposure to traumatic situations or high-pressure clinical decisions, which can contribute to work-induced stress. Repeated exposure to these situations, particularly without adequate support, can take a toll on one’s emotional wellbeing.
While many healthcare professionals that work in these environments find their roles meaningful and rewarding, the psychological demands can be intense and for some, difficult to sustain long-term.
In contrast, low-stress healthcare roles tend to have minimal exposure to trauma or crisis situations. Without the constant emotional intensity, these roles are generally more manageable and may be better for your wellbeing in the long run.
Signs you may need a lower-stress healthcare career
Healthcare can be a challenging field and it’s not uncommon to experience periods of stress. However, when that stress becomes persistent or begins to affect your wellbeing, it may be a sign that your current role isn’t the right fit for the long-term.
Recognising the signs early can help you take proactive steps, whether that means seeking support, adjusting your workload or exploring career paths that are better aligned with your needs.
Here are some signs that it might be time to consider a lower-stress healthcare career:
1. You’re experiencing ongoing physical symptoms
Stress can manifest through persistent physical symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the below, it may mean that your current role is taking a toll on your body and overall health.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscular tension
- Heart palpitations
2. Your mental health is starting to suffer
Mental health and emotional resilience can be impacted by sustained workplace stress. If you’re experiencing work-related stress, some of the psychological symptoms include:
- Feelings of anxiety or low mood
- Increased irritability or emotional reactivity
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- A persistent sense of being overwhelmed
- Loss of motivation or emotional exhaustion
3. You’re withdrawing or disengaging from work
Other than physical and psychological symptoms, you may also experience behavioural symptoms such as:
- A decline in work performance or focus
- Disengagement from team discussions or social activities
- Strained workplace relationships
- Avoidance of meetings, responsibilities or collaboration
- Reduced interest in your role or professional development
Examples of low-stress jobs in healthcare
The roles below have been selected as they align with key traits of low-stress healthcare careers. It can, however, differ between individuals and factors such as workplace culture and team dynamics, which are not accounted for here, can also influence how stressful a role may feel.
Audiologist
Audiologists assess, diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders in children and adults. They typically work in outpatient settings such as private clinics, hospitals, community health centres or schools.
💡Learn more about what an audiologist does and how to become an audiologist in Australia here.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Standard weekday schedule
Audiologists generally work standard weekday hours, with most full-time professionals averaging around 40 hours per week. There’s minimal shift work or overtime and because appointments are booked in advance, each day tends to have a predictable flow.
Typically focuses on managing non-urgent conditions
While it can vary depending on the setting, audiologists typically manage non-urgent conditions such as hearing protection, tinnitus rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation and ear wax management with minimal exposure to emergencies or crisis care.
Autonomy in client care and decision-making
Audiologists typically have a high level of autonomy in their day-to-day work. They often manage their own caseloads and carry out key responsibilities such as conducting diagnostic assessments and developing treatment plans independently.
Medical laboratory technician
A medical laboratory technician prepares and tests blood, tissue and other biological samples to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Working in pathology labs, hospitals and private diagnostic centres, they ensure the accuracy of results that inform patient care.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Predictable work routine
Medical laboratory technicians often work standard weekday shifts or planned rotations with limited overtime. Their work is highly structured, involving manual and automated laboratory testing using established procedures. With consistency in both scheduling and workflow, the role tends to offer a clear day-to-day structure.
Behind-the-scenes role with a technical focus
The nature of a medical laboratory technician’s work is largely analytical and laboratory-based, centred on the processing and examination of biological samples. As the work typically doesn’t involve any frontline interactions, medical laboratory technicians are insulated from the high-pressure situations that can occur in some other healthcare roles.
Control over workflow
Although collaboration with other healthcare professionals is part of the role, medical laboratory technicians typically complete their procedures independently. This gives them a strong degree of control over how they organise their workload and approach each task, allowing for a greater sense of autonomy and ownership in their work.
Nurse educator
Nurse educators are experienced registered nurses who design, deliver and evaluate education and training programs for nurses. They use their clinical expertise and understanding of the latest practices and technologies in healthcare to support learning in settings such as hospitals, universities and community health organisations.
💡Learn more about how to become a nurse educator here.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Weekday hours with minimal shift work
Unlike many clinical nursing roles, nurse educators typically work standard weekday hours with limited shift work, night duty or weekend obligations. This schedule makes it easier to maintain a routine outside of work and avoid the physical and emotional fatigue often associated with rotating rosters or overnight shifts.
Less exposure to high-pressure clinical situations
Although nurse educators may supervise or support nurses in clinical settings, they are typically less involved in frontline patient care. Their primary responsibilities centre around curriculum design, student mentorship and delivering training sessions, which means less exposure to high acuity patient environments that may contribute to stress and burnout.
Ownership in developing and delivering programs
Nurse educators have a high degree of autonomy in their work as they’re often responsible for designing and delivering their own training programs from start to finish. Their work is largely self-directed, allowing them to draw on their own clinical experience to teach future nurses essential skills such as patient care methods, nursing fundamentals and communication.
💡Are you a registered nurse looking to become a nurse educator? Take the first step and explore the postgraduate nursing education courses offered by our university partners here.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists work with individuals and communities to improve health through food and diet. Some of their responsibilities may include helping people manage their weight, prevent chronic conditions or providing dietary guidance.
💡Read our step-by-step guide on how to become a nutritionist here.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Flexible working hours
Most nutritionists work standard business hours with little to no shift work or overtime. Those in private practice may also have the flexibility to manage their own schedule, allowing them to structure their working hours around lifestyle needs or personal obligations.
A focus on preventative care
The role typically centres on long-term health planning and preventative care, with a focus on supporting clients through dietary and lifestyle strategies. Whether it’s helping to manage chronic diseases like diabetes or promoting healthier eating habits, the work tends to be proactive and goal-oriented, having less urgency and pressure compared to some of the other healthcare roles.
Independent work
Most nutritionists work independently, particularly in private or consultancy-based roles. Even within multidisciplinary teams, they often have clear responsibility over the scope of their practice and considerable freedom in how they conduct assessments, develop care plans and educate clients.
School nurse
School nurses provide healthcare support to students within an educational setting. They manage a range of student health needs, from first aid and medication administration to health education.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Regular school-based hours
School nurses typically work during regular school hours with no night shifts, weekend work or rotating rosters. Their schedules often align with the academic calendar, meaning they also benefit from extended breaks during school holidays.
Routine, low-acuity care
The types of presentations school nurses manage are usually low in acuity and non-emergency in nature. Examples include minor injuries, asthma support, headaches or stomach discomfort. While the role can get busy, the clinical responsibilities are typically straightforward and unlikely to involve complex medical interventions.
High level of independence
In many schools, the school nurse is the sole individual responsible for providing first aid and managing health-related issues for students and staff. While this requires confidence and a proactive approach to care, it also grants substantial autonomy in decision-making and determining care priorities.
💡Want to deepen your expertise in children’s health? Take a look at the specialised postgraduate nursing courses offered by our university partners here.
Optometrist
Optometrists are eye professionals who examine, diagnose and manage a range of vision and eye health concerns. They conduct eye tests, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, detect early signs of eye disease and treat a wide range of common eye conditions.
💡Learn more about how to become an optometrist here.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Regular hours with limited overtime
Optometrists typically work standard weekday hours in clinics and private practices. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, most full-time optometrists work an average of 40 hours per week, slightly below the national full-time average of 44 hours. While weekend shifts may be required in retail optical settings, there is generally minimal evening work. Most appointments are also booked in advance and overtime is uncommon.
Routine, ongoing patient care
Most patients who visit optometrists present with routine needs such as eye exams, prescription updates or long-term management of conditions like myopia or age-related vision changes. While some cases may be referred for specialist care, urgent or emergency situations are rare and the work tends to be fairly structured and predictable.
Autonomous work
Optometrists are primary care providers for eye health and typically oversee all aspects from conducting vision assessments and diagnosing conditions to prescribing corrective lenses and managing follow-ups. Even when working as part of a larger team, the role is largely self-managed, with a high degree of control over clinical decisions and care delivery.
Health promotion officer
Health promotion officers design, implement and evaluate programs aimed at helping communities adopt healthier behaviours. This often involves coordinating public campaigns, creating educational materials and running workshops or presentations to raise awareness around important health topics.
💡Learn more about what a career in health promotion could look like here.
Why is this considered a low-stress role?
Mostly stable weekday hours
Health promotion officers typically work standard weekday hours with occasional evening or weekend commitments for community events or workshops. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, their schedule also tends to have minimal overtime with full-time health promotion workers working an average of 41 hours per week, slightly below the national full-time average of 44 hours.
Emphasis on prevention and education
Health promotion officers focus on developing resources, campaigns and programs aimed at long-term improvements in public health. Rather than providing direct medical care, their work centres around education, awareness-building and facilitating healthier lifestyle choices. While managing deadlines and coordinating stakeholders can bring their own pressures, the role doesn’t typically carry the demands associated with high-acuity healthcare settings.
Ownership over tasks
Health promotion officers often have significant responsibility in planning, organising and delivering projects. Other than collaborating with community organisations, schools and other stakeholders, health promotion officers usually have the freedom to lead health promotion activities independently.
💡Interested in a role in health promotion or public health? Discover the postgraduate public health courses offered by our university partners here.
How to transition into a low-stress healthcare job
If you’re considering a shift into a lower-stress healthcare role, here are a few steps to help guide your next move:
1. Define what “low-stress” means for you
Stress can look different for everyone. Start by identifying which aspects of your current role feel overwhelming. Is it the shift work, emotional and mental toll, lack of autonomy or inconsistent workload? Understanding your personal stress triggers will help you pinpoint roles that may be better suited to your needs.
💡 Looking for a healthcare career with high rankings in job satisfaction? Discover some of the happiest jobs in healthcare here.
2. Consider alternative work settings
Sometimes, stress isn’t necessarily about the role itself, it might stem from the environment you’re in. Clinical or hospital settings, for example, can be fast-paced and intense. Shifting to a less demanding environment like primary care or community health could offer a more manageable and less stressful workload.
Additionally, workplace culture and team dynamics can have a major impact on your work experience. Even a role you normally enjoy may feel stressful in a toxic or unsupportive environment. In such an instance, finding a healthier, more positive work environment might significantly reduce your stress and enhance job satisfaction.
3. Reflect on your current skill set
If you’re thinking about moving into a different role, it’s helpful to first reflect on the skills you already possess. Many healthcare professionals have transferable skills, including clinical knowledge, strong communication, critical thinking and leadership capabilities that can open doors to a variety of roles. For example, a nurse’s clinical expertise and patient management skills might make them a strong candidate for a public health role. Identifying how your existing skills align with different career paths can help guide you towards your next steps.
4. Consider further study
Once you’ve reflected on your current skill set, exploring further education could be the next step to successfully transitioning into a new healthcare role. Completing a postgraduate healthcare course could enhance your current expertise or equip you with the knowledge needed for an entirely new career direction.
Many postgraduate courses are also designed specifically for working professionals, offering flexible formats such as online study, part-time learning and blended formats to help you balance study with your existing commitments.
💡 Discover tips on balancing life and study while completing a postgraduate course here.
Prioritise your wellbeing with a lower-stress healthcare role
While some healthcare careers can be intense, there are many paths within the healthcare sector that offer lower stress and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact without compromising your wellbeing.
At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer a variety of postgraduate healthcare courses, whether you’re looking for a career change or hoping to upskill. Simply select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Book a free professional strategy call with our Education Consultant who can help you explore your options.
