When a DON Pours Into You: A Reminder That Your Work Matters

Yesterday I called a new client of mine — a Director of Nursing leading a large facility. I thought it would be a quick check-in, but we ended up talking for almost an hour.

What she didn’t know was that she was pouring into me just as much as I was pouring into her.

She told me she reads every email I send. She told me her team prints them out and brings them into meetings. She told me she watches my YouTube videos and learns from them. And she told me she purchased the DON Planner because she wants to stay organized and lead better.

And I sat there, just listening, taking it all in.

Because nobody sees the late nights. Nobody sees the early mornings. Nobody sees the time, the planning, the rewriting, the creating with intention… except Allah.

But hearing a DON tell me:

“Bilquis… you’re helping me. You’re helping my team. You make our work easier.”

What a great feeling.

I didn’t tell her this, but she gave me something I didn’t even realize I needed — confirmation.

Confirmation that what I’m doing matters. Confirmation that the hours I spend creating tools, writing blogs, and building systems for nurse leaders are worth it.

Confirmation that when you show up consistently, Allah sends reminders that your work is seen — even when you think it’s not.

Because here’s the truth:

You never know who you’re helping. You never know who is learning from you, growing because of you, or becoming a stronger leader because you kept showing up.

As nurse leaders, we carry so much. We pour into everybody — staff, residents, families, department heads… everybody. So, when someone pours back into you? It hits different.

Yesterday reminded me why I do this.

Why I write.

Why I teach.

Why I create tools for Directors of Nursing.

Why I share my experiences so openly.

I genuinely enjoy being of service. And Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful every time someone tells me they feel supported because of something I created.

So, here’s your reminder, boo:

Your work is bigger than you think. Your consistency is touching people you haven’t even met yet. And your leadership is impacting lives in ways you may never fully see.

Keep going. Your team feels you. And someone out there is becoming a better leader because of you.

💜Lead with love,

Yourfavnurseleader,

Bilquis Ali