Last week I was inspired by a group of RNs who are also in leadership positions. They have tough jobs.

In the high-pressure environment of healthcare, nurse leaders often find themselves at the forefront of both patient care and administrative responsibilities. The relentless pace and emotional intensity can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and diminished personal accomplishment. When the leader of a nursing team experiences burnout, it not only affects their own health and well-being, but can also undermine their confidence in their leadership abilities.

Burnout among nurses, particularly those in leadership roles, can manifest as persistent tiredness, frustration, reduced motivation, and a sense of inefficacy – even when everyone around them thinks they are doing an excellent job. These symptoms may cause a leader to doubt their ability to manage and inspire their team effectively.

In talking to a friend last week, she confessed, “I feel that if I cannot manage myself, I have no business managing anyone else.”

The first step towards overcoming this doubt is recognizing burnout as a legitimate, addressable condition rather than a sign of personal failure.

What can she do to overcome burnout and doubt?

1. Acknowledge the Symptoms. Leaders should assess their own symptoms of burnout and recognize the need for change. This involves accepting that even leaders need help, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

2. Seek Help. Consulting with other professionals can provide best practices and ideas to manage stress and cope with the emotional demands of the job. Simply knowing that others are experiencing the same things is helpful.

3. Build a Support Network. Leadership does not mean going it alone. Building a network of peers who understand the unique challenges of nursing leadership can provide crucial support. Peer groups, mentoring relationships, and professional networks can offer advice, empathy, and encouragement.

4. Delegate. Effective delegation is a key skill for any leader. By entrusting tasks to others, nurse leaders can reduce their workload and focus on tasks that require their expertise. Empowering team members not only alleviates the leader’s burden but can boost the rest of the team’s confidence and competence.

5. Implement Work-Life Balance. That means work when it is time to work and leave work stress behind when it is time to be home. Nurse leaders are so used to caring for everyone else that it can be exceedingly difficult to leave work at work. Leaders must prioritize their well-being by setting boundaries between work and personal life. This may mean taking full advantage of days off, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with friends and family, as well as having alone time. Rest and recuperation are essential for maintaining the energy and perspective needed for leadership.

6. Gain Insights. Instituting regular feedback sessions with team members can help leaders gauge their effectiveness and address any concerns early on. Last week a group of medical leaders used my Leader’s Blind Spot Assessment to gain valuable feedback on their superpowers and abilities. This reinforces strengths, and highlights areas for improvement, providing a clearer path forward. 

7. Celebrate the Wins. It is important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of their teams and their own contributions. Acknowledging success boosts morale and reaffirms the leader’s role and impact.

Burnout is a serious challenge, particularly for those in nursing leadership. By recognizing the signs, seeking help, and implementing practical strategies to manage stress and workload, nurse leaders can regain their confidence and continue to inspire and lead their teams effectively. The key is to remember that taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of others and being able to thrive in even the most stressful situations.