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 come to understand that my ability to communicate well can make or break the team and, ultimately, impact the quality of care we provide.
But let’s be honest: communicating effectively doesn’t always come naturally. It’s a skill we learn through experience, and if we’re lucky, from the mistakes we make along the way.
Here are a few of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned about communication as a DON, and why they matter.
One of the most challenging yet essential aspects of communication is clarity. I’ve found myself frustrated when a message didn’t come across the way I intended.
It wasn’t that my staff wasn’t listening; often, it was that I hadn’t been as clear as I thought. I learned the importance of confirming understanding—asking staff what they heard me say instead of assuming they got it right.
This simple step has transformed my interactions, ensuring we’re all on the same page.
Clarity is the foundation of effective communication, and it prevents unnecessary frustration for everyone involved.
We often think of communication as speaking, but the truth is, listening is just as important. I make it a point to actively listen to my team—not just to their words but to their concerns and frustrations.
Being genuinely present with someone when they’re speaking shows them that their input matters, and it’s amazing how much trust this can build.
Every DON has to face tough conversations, whether it’s addressing performance issues, delivering feedback, or handling conflicts. Early in my career, I found myself avoiding these discussions, hoping things would magically improve on their own.
Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Over time, I realized that these difficult conversations are necessary, and they’re best approached with empathy.
I’ve learned to focus on the behavior or issue—not the person—and to lead with understanding.
This has made these conversations more productive and less intimidating, for both me and my staff.
Our words are just part of the message we’re sending.
Body language can often say more than what we’re actually communicating verbally. Simple actions like making eye contact, nodding, and maintaining an open posture can show that you’re engaged and open to hearing others.
By consciously aligning my body language with my words, I can reinforce the message I’m delivering. It’s a subtle but impactful way to communicate respect and attention, and it often helps people feel more at ease.
One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the power of detaching emotion from communication.
In nursing, emotions can run high—we care deeply about our work, and sometimes, situations can feel personal. I’m certain we’ve all been caught up in our emotions when a negative outcome occurs, and the first thing we say is,
“It’s my license on the wall!” But leading with emotion can cloud judgment and lead to misunderstandings.
If I find myself in a particularly charged situation, I take a moment to breathe, assess, and approach the conversation with a calm, level-headed mindset.
This has been a game-changer, allowing me to communicate from a place of professionalism rather than reaction.
Communication isn’t just about giving direction or feedback. It’s also about building morale.
Recognizing achievements, both big and small, has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my role as a DON.
Taking a moment to acknowledge someone’s hard work not only boosts morale but also strengthens the bond within the team. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” or “great job” can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
It’s a small investment in words that can yield huge returns in team loyalty and motivation.
Communication is an art, a skill, and a powerful tool in leadership.
It’s not always easy, and sometimes it requires us to be vulnerable or to step out
of our comfort zones. But the rewards—trust, respect, understanding—are worth the effort.
In every conversation, remember: clarity, active listening, empathy, and a dash of gratitude can transform how your team experiences you as a leader.
So, let’s embrace the art of communication and use it to build a better, stronger team.
I look forward to reading your leadership post. They contain such informative and easy to follow skills to become a great and accomplished leader. Thank you