What Type of Director of Nursing Do You Want to Be?

You landed your dream position as a Director of Nursing—congratulations!

But before you dive into the daily grind, have you asked yourself why you wanted this role in the first place?

And even more importantly, what type of Director of Nursing do you want to be?

I remember asking myself these same questions early on in my career as an LPN.

Nursing was my passion, and while I had once dreamed of becoming a surgeon, fear held me back. Still,

I knew I wanted to climb the ladder and make a lasting impact, not only on the residents but also on the staff.

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered many Directors of Nursing.

Each one had their own style, their own approach. Some were inspiring, while others, well... let’s just say they showed me what not to do. I took notes—mentally, of course.

I watched how they led (or didn’t), and eventually, I started to find my own groove, my own leadership style.

I realized that becoming a Director of Nursing wasn’t just about holding a title; it was about defining the kind of leader I wanted to be.

So, ask yourself—what type of leader do you want to be?

Is it someone who’s reactive, constantly putting out fires?

Or ... do you want to be the proactive kind, setting the tone for your team and creating an environment where both residents and staff thrive?

For me, it came down to one thing: being the change I wanted to see. I didn’t want to settle for the way things had always been done.

I wanted to challenge the norm, make things better, smoother, more supportive. It was about lifting my staff up so that they could perform their best, which in turn benefited the residents.

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Why did you take this path? And more importantly, what kind of impact do you want to leave behind?

Leadership isn’t just about managing people; it’s about inspiring them, guiding them, and being that steady force that helps them navigate the ups and downs of long-term care.

Whatever your answer, know that you have the power to shape your team and your facility. Your leadership matters more than you think.

I go more in depth in this video. I break down my journey and share tips on how you can craft your own leadership style.