Nursing Leadership Today: Why It is Hard

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

I am worried about our nurse leaders. This is probably the most challenging time in my lifetime to be a leader. Nurse leaders tell me they are tired, worried, and quickly burning out. This comes as no surprise as we look at what is happening today with the COVID-19 pandemic. No region is being spared this time around from the havoc of a skyrocketing number of cases, bed shortages, and supply chain issues. I have been asking leaders to tell me what the hardest part of leading is for them. What follows are their answers as to why it is hard:

It is hard to post a schedule that cannot meet the staffing demands of the acuity of patients that we are seeing.
It is hard to sign a travel contract, expect nurses to report and then learn they have taken better-paying assignments.
It is hard to watch the shock and awe on the faces of some of our youngest nurses.
It is hard to tell staff that all vacation requests over the holidays are limited to 5 days.
It is hard to call a staff member at home that you know is exhausted and ask them to do overtime.
It is hard to have staff, patients, and families so negative and angry about what is happening.
It is hard to tell your own relatives to wear a mask and have them tell you that this is a hoax.
It is hard to reconcile that while hope with the vaccine is on the horizon, the next few months will be terrible.
It is hard to go to meetings and hear about possible PPE shortages soon.
It is hard to stay within budget when staffing is so unpredictable.
It is hard to be optimistic and hopeful because you have to be.
It is hard to see even my seasoned staff anxious and fearful about what they are seeing.
It is hard to sleep at night because you can’t do more for the staff.
It is hard to feel like you have lost control of your own unit because the surge is overwhelming.
It is hard to listen to staff tell you that they can’t go through this again.

There are no easy answers in a time like this. Resilience strategies will help, but the pain and suffering are there. What I tell leaders is that now is the time to exercise self-compassion. One thing that leaders have told me is beneficial is the support of other leaders – taking time out of every meeting to talk about what they are experiencing and gaining perspective. There will be light at the end of the tunnel, but when that is, no one is completely sure. For now – leadership, especially at the front lines of care, is tough – we need to acknowledge that.

Don’t let nurse leaders in your organization go without development. Virtual programs include Nurse Leader Coaching, Coaching Staff to Promote Resilience and Leading Teams in Turbulent Times or schedule your customized Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership Virtual Workshop taught by experts for either new or experienced leaders. Nuts and Bolts Flyer

Read Rose Sherman’s book available now – The Nurse Leader Coach: Become the Boss No One Wants to Leave