Sometimes You Just Have to Pop Up

Hey boo hey 💜

It’s Sunday. And no, I wasn’t required to go to work — but sometimes, as a Director of Nursing, you just have to pop up.

Or in my Kendrick Lamar voice… “Sometimes you gotta pop out.” 😎

Lately, I’ve noticed more concerns on the weekend. I’m sure many of you can relate. Friday ended with five admissions, then one more on Saturday.

I knew what that meant — a long Monday morning clinical with endless reviews.

So instead of waiting for chaos, I decided to lead proactively.

I popped in today to meet my residents, see how their night was, meet families, review charts, check orders, and assess skin.

Not everyone was thrilled, lol — my supervisor had a lot going on — but here’s the thing: showing her the process of morning clinical wasn’t about checking up; it was about building her up.

That’s what leadership looks like.

💜 Leadership Means Showing Up Even When You Don’t Have To

Being a Director of Nursing isn’t about sitting in an office waiting for problems to find you. It’s about showing up before they do.

Sometimes that means visiting your facility on a weekend — not because you were called, but because you care. Because your presence matters. Because leadership is about visibility, accountability, and consistency.

It’s in those moments — the quiet weekend shifts, the tired nurses, the new residents — that your influence shapes the culture of care.

💜 Building Confidence in Your Team

When I showed up this morning, my goal wasn’t to manage — it was to mentor. By walking my supervisor through the structure of morning clinicals, I was showing her the why behind every review and discussion.

Leadership isn’t micromanagement. It’s development. It’s taking the time to show your leaders what excellence looks like, not just telling them.

And even when it’s uncomfortable — when people roll their eyes or wonder why you’re there — you remind them that your standard never changes, whether it’s Monday morning or Sunday at sunrise.

💜 The Power of Choice in Leadership

Tomorrow, I’ll continue my daily routine, but it won’t take nearly as long because of the choices I made today.

A choice to go in. A choice to educate. A choice to support.

This is my last week as a travel DON in this facility, and I’m grateful.

Grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, even if it’s just seven weeks.

Grateful to have strengthened the systems, supported the team, and made the residents feel seen.

That’s the kind of impact you can make when you choose to show up.

💜 Lead with Love

YourFavNurseLeader

Bilquis Ali