Why Following Chain of Command Reduces Burnout in Nursing Leadership

Let’s talk about something that every nurse leader eventually learns the hard way: When your team skips over the chain of command, it doesn’t make things easier — it makes things heavier.

You start off wanting to be approachable.

You want to have that open-door policy.

You want your team to feel like they can come to you. And you should!

But here’s the truth: Without structure, that open door becomes a floodgate.

What Happens When Chain of Command Is Ignored:

• You become consumed with issues that should’ve been handled at the charge nurse or unit manager level.

• You start solving problems that aren’t yours to solve.

• You take on responsibilities that prevent your team from growing.

• You burn out.

  
  

Why Chain of Command Matters:

• 💜 Following the chain of command provides structure.

• 💜 It holds people accountable at every level.

• 💜 It encourages autonomy.

• 💜 It protects your energy and prevents burnout.

  
  

What You Can Do Instead:

• Structure your open-door policy. Set specific hours when you are available to be interrupted.

• Educate your team on the proper steps to follow.

• Encourage your managers and charge nurses to uphold and promote the same system.

• Redirect with love when someone skips steps: "Did you speak with your charge nurse about this first?"

  
  

Because when you’re always the go-to, your team won’t know how to function without you.

You weren’t hired to be the fixer of everything — you were hired to lead.

Want to learn how to structure your leadership role to reduce burnout and build a stronger team? Schedule a call with me at directorofnursingtraining.com