“How do I become confident as a Director of Nursing?”
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, and it’s a question that hits close to home. I remember the early days of my career, even before I stepped into the role of Director of Nursing, when confidence was something, I desperately lacked.
My lack of confidence didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it was born from the perception I had created of myself. I was often the only Black nurse in many of the places I worked. I knew that I would be overlooked, simply because I didn’t fit the mold of what a nurse was “supposed” to look like in my area. And being a Black Muslim woman? That came with its own set of challenges.
In order for me to be taken seriously, to be heard, I had to learn. I had to learn my role inside and out—and not just my role, but the roles of others around me. The more knowledge I gained, the more confident I became.
Knowledge was the key that unlocked my voice, transforming it from timid to strong, from stuttering to clear and direct. My posture shifted too—I went from walking with my head down to walking like I not only owned the room, but the whole damn building.
For me, confidence came with knowledge. The more I learned, the more I knew I could handle anything that came my way. But here’s the thing—too often, we step into leadership positions and stop learning. We think we’ve made it, and that’s enough. But if you want to build true confidence in your role, you have to keep learning. It’s the only way to stay strong, to stay sharp, and to stay confident.
I would then take what I learned and began teaching it to others. The repetitiveness in this allowed me to master that area.
If you’re struggling with confidence in your role as a Director of Nursing, here’s what I want you to do:
Attach yourself to someone you admire.
Find a nurse leader who embodies the qualities you want to exude. Ask yourself: What makes them stand out? How do they act, look, and speak? How do they carry themselves? What books do they read? What type of team have they built? These questions will help you identify the traits you want to develop in yourself.
Show Up as the Leader You Want to Be
Embody Leadership Qualities: Every day, show up as the leader you aspire to be. Dress the part, walk with confidence, and speak with authority. This daily practice will eventually become second nature.
Lead by Example: Be the role model your team can look up to. When you lead with integrity and confidence, your team will follow suit, further reinforcing your self-assurance.
Seek Mentorship and Build Connections
Find a Mentor: Attach yourself to someone you admire in your field. A mentor can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges. Learning from someone who’s been in your shoes can fast-track your growth.
Network with Peers: Surround yourself with like-minded professionals. Sharing ideas and challenges with others in similar roles can boost your confidence and give you fresh perspectives.
Never stop learning: Confidence comes from knowing your stuff—inside and out. Take every opportunity to learn more about your role, your team, and the industry. The more you know, the more secure you’ll feel in your decisions, and the more confident you’ll be in your leadership.
Set and Achieve Goals
Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like in your role. Set achievable short-term and long-term goals. Each goal you accomplish will boost your confidence.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes. Whether it’s completing a challenging project or successfully handling a difficult situation, recognizing your wins helps
Communicate Effectively
Work on Your Communication Skills: Clear, confident communication is key to effective leadership. Practice speaking with clarity and conviction. The better you communicate, the more confidently you’ll be able to lead.
Listen Actively: Confidence isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. Show empathy, understand your team’s needs, and build trust through active listening. Reinforce your capabilities.
Building confidence isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a journey, and it’s one you have to commit to every day.
But trust me when I say, when you start to see the shift in yourself, when you go from being unsure to owning your space—you’ll know it was all worth it.
So, if you’re ready to step into your confidence, start today. Find your role model, embody their qualities, and never stop learning. And remember—you’ve got this. You were meant for this. Walk like you own the building, because one day, you just might.
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