Starting as an LPN and working my way up to Director of Nursing, I thought I had a solid grasp on what it took to lead.
But even with the ladder climb, there were lessons I learned the hard way—mistakes that became stepping stones.
Now, I focus on sharing what I wish I’d known back then to help other DONs avoid similar pitfalls.
One of the biggest lessons?
Success in this role doesn’t come from being the smartest person in the room.
I used to think I needed to know it all, but true success lies in hiring people who are smarter than you in areas you’re not.
Rather than hiring those who mirror my strengths, I’ve learned to look for those who fill in my gaps, bringing complementary skills that make the team stronger.
Then, there’s delegation—a skill that sounds simple enough but is deceptively tricky.
Early on, I found myself holding onto tasks, thinking I had to do it all to get things done right.
This mindset only led to burnout.
Now, I realize that delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks but understanding what to delegate and how to empower others to take them on confidently.
Taking things personally was another hurdle.
I remember getting caught up in every detail, trying to control outcomes, and often feeling let down.
What I’ve since come to understand is that people bring their own strengths, weaknesses, and life experiences to the table.
Meeting them where they are, rather than where I expect them to be, has allowed me to lead with compassion and clarity.
Early on, I made the mistake of assuming everyone understood their roles fully.
But experience taught me that assumptions lead to missteps.
Taking the time to connect one-on-one with my team, reviewing their roles, and clarifying expectations has become a priority.
When they know I’m invested in their success, they’re more motivated to step up and succeed.
The myth of multitasking was another one I had to unlearn.
I prided myself on doing it all until I realized that focusing on one thing at a time actually allowed me to get more done and done well.
Multitasking only scattered my energy; by focusing, I could be fully present, whether with a patient, a team member, or a task.
Work-life balance also turned out to be more essential than I initially thought.
Early on, I believed that the harder I worked, the more successful I’d be.
But as DONs, the work will never truly be "done."
Setting boundaries was key to avoiding burnout.
I’ve learned that stepping away, even for a little while, made me a stronger leader.
Listening was another skill I had to develop.
In the beginning, I thought leading meant directing, but I discovered that listening is just as powerful.
When I made space to hear my team, residents, and families, solutions often surfaced naturally.
Listening brought insight that I couldn’t have seen alone, and it built a sense of trust and respect among us.
Then there was the journey of staying open to continuous education.
At first, I thought I’d already learned what I needed to know.
But the reality is, in this role, there’s always something new—whether it’s evolving best practices, regulations, or approaches to care.
Attending conferences and connecting with other leaders would have been a great help from the start, but I’m grateful for these opportunities now, as they expand my understanding and make me feel less alone in the challenges I face.
Navigating difficult conversations was another hurdle.
I used to avoid them, thinking that staying liked by everyone would help me lead effectively.
But honesty and open communication with my team have been game changers.
Addressing tough topics and being transparent created a culture where we could tackle issues together rather than letting them grow unchecked.
And finally, celebrating small wins.
Early in my career, I was so focused on the big goals that I overlooked the little victories that happened along the way.
I learned that acknowledging these smaller achievements wasn’t just a morale boost—it gave us all a sense of progress, even on those tough days.
Taking time to celebrate small wins became essential to keeping the team motivated and energized.
Now, as you’ve read this, you may notice that there aren’t any clinical areas I wish I’d known beforehand.
That’s because clinical knowledge is something you’ll build along the way.
The skills I’ve shared here are ones gained through experience and lessons learned—each of them shaping me into a stronger leader.
Embrace your journey, and know that you’re growing with every challenge.
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