By Nicole Dhanraj
I want to tell you a quick story and I have a feeling you’ll recognize the “weight” of it.
I’ve been in one of those stretches lately where you’re just … tired. Not the “I need a long nap” kind of tired, but the kind where the workload starts to blur, and you can’t tell if you’re moving forward or just surviving.
In leadership, you are often the “fixer.” The one everyone relies on. You can be the pillar of the department and still be quietly running on fumes. Then, out of nowhere, I was given a gift. It was a magic wand. A literal wand that lights up when you turn it on. The note said: “This to help you create magic for our department.”
I just stared at it. Because if you run imaging, you know that “creating magic” is actually in your job description. You create magic with staffing gaps, broken magnets and overflowing ER waiting rooms. You do it while keeping techs safe and patients moving, and quality from slipping. But here is the thing: It wasn’t the wand that changed my mood.
It was the fact that I was seen. Not a generic “good job.” Seen like, “We actually notice what you carry.”
And it did something immediate. My shoulders dropped. My brain got quieter. I felt like myself again. That moment taught me something every imaging director needs to hear. Sometimes what you think is “I’m done” is actually “depletion.” And the distinction is life-saving, because the fix is different.
Diagnostic Difference
Here is the simple way I can explain it: Depletion means you’re drained, overloaded and worn down but you still care. You’re tired, but you haven’t checked out.
It sounds like:
- “I can’t keep up like this … but I still want to.”
- “I still care, I just don’t have any fuel.”
- “If I could catch my breath, I’d be okay.”
Depletion is a fuel problem. The answer is oxygen: support, recognition, fewer interruptions, fewer open loops and a little pressure relief.
Disconnection
This is the one people hesitate to name. It also can be named burnout. It’s when something deeper starts breaking, your sense of meaning, hope, ownership or belief that the game is winnable.
It sounds like:
- “Even when things go right, I don’t feel it.”
- “Nothing changes here.”
- “I’m tired of caring more than everyone else.”
- “I don’t know if it’s worth it anymore.”
Disconnection is a system problem. The answer isn’t “try harder.” The math has to change: authority, resources, staffing strategy, expectations, support structure.
Litmus Test
Think about the last time someone genuinely supported you. Not a drive-by “thanks.” Not a generic “good job” email. I mean a moment where someone truly saw the weight you carry and showed up in a real way. If that moment would bring you back to life, even a little bit … you’re probably not “done.” You’re depleted.
Depleted people rebound when they get oxygen. Disconnected, burnt- out leaders don’t rebound with a “win” because the win doesn’t mean anything anymore.
Refill the Tank
If you realize you’re depleted, you don’t need a career change; you need an infusion.
Here are three things that actually help:
1. Close three small loops: Pick the three nagging tasks that follow you home and keep tapping your brain at night. Close them or move them forward enough that your brain stops refreshing them.
2. Stop being the department’s emergency button: If every minor hiccup is escalated to you, your nervous system never resets. Pick one category this week that gets routed through a lead first. One boundary can change your whole week.
b Create one hour a week where you aren’t a director. You’re just a person. No optimizing, no catching up, no “just one more thing.” Because you can’t create magic on empty forever.
Why I’m Telling You This
I know there are directors reading this who are quietly asking:
“Am I losing my passion?”
“Do I need to quit?”
“Why can’t I shake this?”
I’m not here to diagnose you in a newsletter. I’m just here to tell you that if one genuine moment of support makes you feel like “roaring” again, you aren’t broken. You aren’t weak. You’ve just been “creating magic” for a long time without anyone replenishing your wand. You deserve fuel.
Sometimes just saying “I’m running on empty” to someone who understands the industry is the first step to refilling the tank.
If you’re feeling more “burnt” than “depleted” and don’t know the next step, reach out. Let’s look at the math together and see where we can find you some oxygen.
And if you don’t want to share a story, here’s a simple challenge instead: This week: close one loop, set one boundary, protect one hour. That’s the start of refilling the tank.
If this story resonated with you, I’d love to hear your “Magic Wand” moment. Message me at nicoledhanraj@gmail.com
Nicole Dhanraj is a radiology administrator and workforce strategist focused on military-to-healthcare transition pathways. Radiology leaders interested in exploring this approach are encouraged to connect with her directly at nicoledhanraj@gmail.com.
