What a freaking day—scratch that—what a freaking few weeks it’s been!
I can’t believe we’re already in the last quarter of the year.
Time is flying, and with 2025 right around the corner, it’s not just important to end this year strong; it’s equally crucial to prepare for the future.
One thing I’ve learned is that this role, being a Director of Nursing, can become overwhelming when planning and preparation are lacking.
So today, I want to share a few strategies I’ve implemented to help overcome leadership stress.
These are tools I’ve learned over time, and I promise, they will make a difference.
1. It Starts with You: Invest in Yourself
Everything begins and ends with YOU.
As leaders, we often forget that we’re forever students.
Just because you’ve landed this role doesn’t mean your learning journey is over.
In fact, it’s just the beginning.
Investing in yourself both personally and professionally is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Whether it’s through leadership development programs, attending workshops, reading, or taking time to reflect, continuous growth keeps you sharp, motivated, and stress-resilient.
Remember, when you pour into yourself, you have more to pour into others.
2. Master the Art of Delegation
Let’s face it, you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything yourself.
Learning to delegate is a superpower in leadership.
Delegation isn’t about dumping tasks on others; it’s about knowing what to delegate and to whom.
Identify tasks that are bogging you down and align them with the strengths of your team members.
Empower them by giving them responsibilities that challenge and grow them, but don’t overwhelm them.
The key is trusting your team. And as Zig Ziglar says, "Plan as if you’re going to Acapulco every day."
That way, you plan your day, rather than your day planning you!
3. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance (for Yourself and Your Team)
A healthy work-life balance is critical not only for you but for your entire team.
The more you nurture your team, the more they will nurture your residents.
Encourage your staff to take breaks, avoid burnout, and maintain personal time outside of work.
Remember, it’s not just about the hours they put in but the quality of work and care they can provide when they are rested and well-supported.
Model this balance for them—take care of yourself, set boundaries, and be present when you’re off duty.
When you show that balance is important, your team will follow suit, creating a healthier workplace for everyone.
4. Add Fun into the Workplace
Yes, we’re in healthcare, and yes, it’s serious business.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t add a little fun into the workplace.
When we incorporate fun, we boost morale, create stronger bonds within the team, and reduce the day-to-day stress that can feel overwhelming.
Consider team-building activities, small celebrations, or even just encouraging positive energy in daily interactions.
These moments of joy recharge your team’s energy and commitment.
5. But Did You Follow Through?
This is one of my favorite phrases, and it’s trademarked because that’s how important I think it is: “But Did You Follow Through?”.
Whether it’s a project, a care plan, or a team initiative, the work you start at the beginning of the shift should be completed (or at least have a plan for follow-up) by the end of it.
Follow-through is key in leadership.
It’s not just about setting plans into motion; it’s about making sure those plans are executed and yield results.
When you open a task, ensure it’s closed properly.
And if it’s not?
Create a specific action plan to ensure it gets completed. Your ability to follow through sets the tone for your team—they will model what they see.
6. Organization is Non-Negotiable
Organization isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for reducing stress.
As a Director of Nursing, your day is filled with meetings, reports, audits, and team management.
Without an organized system, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning.
That’s why I created the DON Planner, a tool specifically designed to help Directors of Nursing stay on top of their tasks, prioritize what matters most, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
It’s not just about managing your time—it’s about leading with intention and confidence.
Utilize tools like the DON Planner, a digital calendar, or task management apps to keep everything in order.
When your day is organized, those unexpected challenges become much easier to handle, and your stress is significantly reduced.
7. Set Boundaries (Yes, That Means Learning to Say No)
Finally, let’s talk about boundaries. Saying "no" is not only healthy—it’s necessary.
You’re one person, and while you wear many hats, you simply can’t do everything.
Learn to say no to tasks that don’t serve your core mission or stretch you too thin. Protecting your time and energy is vital, not just for your well-being but for the sustainability of your leadership.
Conclusion: Own Your Leadership Journey
Being a Director of Nursing is a challenging and rewarding journey.
It’s filled with moments of stress, but also moments of growth, connection, and purpose.
By implementing these strategies—investing in yourself, mastering delegation, promoting balance, adding fun, following through, staying organized, and setting boundaries—you’ll not only overcome leadership stress but thrive in your role.
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