July 24th marks International Self-Care Day, a topic that’s becoming more urgent, especially for those who dedicate their days to prioritizing the well-being of others over their own.

At Vitae Professionals, where we work closely with hundreds of nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, and medical imaging and radiology technicians, we know that self-care is not just about personal well-being, it's a crucial professional skill.

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Why is it urgent to talk about self-care in healthcare?

Regardless of their role or specialty, healthcare professionals face constant pressure: demanding schedules, exposure to suffering, physical and emotional strain, and often, the added challenge of being far from home when working abroad.

• Nurses handle long shifts, high clinical responsibility, and constant exposure to emotionally intense situations.

• Doctors make critical decisions in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

• Healthcare assistants are often the first to provide hands-on care, facing both physical and emotional stress on a daily basis.

• Medical imaging and radiology technicians work in highly technical settings that require precision and focus, often without proper recognition.

All of these professionals share something in common: they take care of others, but often forget to take care of themselves.

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Self-care: a skill, not a luxury

Self-care isn’t just about “resting when there’s time.” It means:

1. Recognizing signs of burnout

2. Managing emotions under pressure

3. Expressing personal limits, without guilt

4. Asking for help and accepting support

5. Creating routines that support mental and physical health

These habits are especially important in an increasingly demanding and globalized healthcare system. And they aren’t innate, they’re learned.

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Working abroad makes self-care even more critical

At Vitae Professionals, we support healthcare workers relocating to France, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Malta, and Portugal.

We understand that moving to another country comes with linguistic, cultural, and emotional challenges.

• That’s why, beyond handling the recruitment process, we partner with VP Training to prepare our candidates with:

• Technical and language training

• Emotional preparation and integration sessions

• Ongoing support—before and after they arrive in their new destination

• Whether it’s a nurse starting at a hospital in France, a radiology technician joining a clinic in Belgium, or a doctor launching their career in Ireland—the first step toward success is simple: learning to care for yourself, so you can care for others.

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A meaningful career starts with well-being

On this International Self-Care Day, we want to share a vital reminder with all the professionals we work with: Your health matters. Your well-being is part of your skillset.

At Vitae Professionals, we’re here to help you build an international career that’s strong, human, and sustainable, where your value is recognized and respected.