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Bilquis Ali
Nov 29, 20242 min read
Weekend Prep: 3 Must-Do Tips for Directors of Nursing
Hey boo hey, Let’s talk about something every Director of Nursing dreads— weekends . While the weekend should be a time to unwind (or at...


Bilquis Ali
Nov 15, 20242 min read
Lead with Love: Advocacy Over Fear in Your Facility
Hey Boo Hey, Let’s talk about something we don’t always say out loud: that sinking feeling when state surveyors walk into your facility....

Bilquis Ali
Nov 6, 20243 min read
The Silent Superpower: Communication Skills for DONs
In nursing leadership, communication isn’t just another skill—it’s the core of everything we do. As a Director of Nursing (DON), I’ve...


Bilquis Ali
Nov 4, 20242 min read
My Top 5 Must-Have to Be Survey Ready
Hey boo hey! Let’s dive into my top five must-haves to be survey ready! Number 1: Rounding with a Purpose Let me see if you guessed...

Bilquis Ali
Nov 3, 20242 min read
The Number One Tool for Directors of Nursing: Stay Organized, Reduce Stress, and Prioritize Self-Care
When I transitioned from the role of Unit Manager to Director of Nursing, one major area I had to improve was my organizational skills....


Bilquis Ali
Oct 27, 20245 min read
Beyond the Clock: How Focusing on Value Can Boost Your Income as a DON
When I first stepped into the role of Director of Nursing, I was like many others—I focused on how much I’d make per hour. It seemed...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 26, 20245 min read
Top 5 Challenges for Directors of Nursing and How to Tackle Them Like a Pro
Being a Director of Nursing comes with its fair share of challenges. Some days, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 25, 20241 min read
Empowering Your Team: Why Training is Essential for Every Role in Long-Term Care
Empowering your team is everything as the Director of Nursing. I remember when I used to micromanage every task and every person—it was a...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 19, 20242 min read
5 Steps to Ensure Restful Nights for Nursing Directors
I am so grateful to finally have restful nights. This journey was not an easy one. I’ve gone from sleepless nights or having my rest...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 18, 20242 min read
Responsiblities of a Director of Nursing in the Nursing Home Setting
When people ask me, "What does a Director of Nursing (DON) do?" I often respond, "What don’t they do?" And I think that’s a fair...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 11, 20242 min read
The Chaos of Shift Change
You ever get that feeling of impending doom just waiting for everyone to show up for their shift? My goodness, your girl definitely can...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 10, 20243 min read
The Director of Nursing: Always the Teacher, Forever the Student
In the role of Director of Nursing, you’ll quickly realize that you are always the teacher. Your team will come to you for guidance,...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 9, 20243 min read
5 Underutilized Skills for a Director of Nursing
Throughout my years of being a nurse and then transitioning into the leadership role of a Director of Nursing (DON), there are certain...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 8, 20244 min read
7 Ways to Overcome Leadership Stress
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...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 7, 20242 min read
Commit to Practice, Not Perfection
I know you’ve heard it, just like I did— practice makes perfect . But let’s be real, there’s no such thing as perfect. What we often...

Bilquis Ali
Oct 7, 20243 min read
Dear Director of Nursing, Are You Ready to Strengthen Your Team and Lead with Confidence?
As a Director of Nursing, you already know the secret to success: you are only as strong as the team you build. Your team’s success is...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 6, 20243 min read
You Finally Land Your Dream Job: Now What?
You finally land your dream job—the Director of Nursing. It’s the position you envisioned yourself in ever since you first became a...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 5, 20243 min read
Deposition: A Nurse's Unexpected Call to Testify
Sitting at the table working on my laptop, my cell phone rang. I answered, and the caller introduced themselves as "so and so from so and...


Bilquis Ali
Oct 4, 20241 min read
Dear DON: You’ve Got Grit, Grace, and You Are A Badass
In case no one told you today, you are a badass. Yes, you! I recently read You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and it hit home. Not only do...


Bilquis Ali
Sep 28, 20242 min read
Stop Struggling with Staffing: Here’s How to Build a Strong Nursing Team
If you’ve been losing sleep over staffing issues, I know exactly how you feel. As a Director of Nursing, one of the biggest challenges I...
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