Boundary Setting in Nursing Leadership: My Story of Saying “No”

Set your Boundaries!

I had to hold my boundary and it wasn’t easy.

As a Director of Nursing, I stepped in to support the clinic during an unexpected staffing gap. Nurses were out due to illness and PTO, and while I offered to help with urgent needs, I made it clear:

I would not be providing routine care like injections or assessments that the provider team could manage.

The Moment It Was Tested

A provider asked for my help with routine care.I responded calmly:

“I won’t be able to help with that today.”

She seemed surprised.

“Oh, you’re not seeing patients?”

“No,” I replied again. And yes, it felt awkward to say it out loud. Even as a nurse leader, saying what you mean and sticking to it can feel uncomfortable. But I knew it was necessary.

Leadership Means Reflecting, Not People-Pleasing

Afterwards, I asked myself:

Why did this feel uncomfortable?

Here’s what I uncovered:

• I was being perceived as a clinical nurse

• But my role is administrative

• The lines blurred in that moment and that didn’t sit right with me

  
  

So, could I have handled it differently while still maintaining my boundary?

Next time, I might:

• Personally update providers on what “urgent care only” means

• Clarify that I’ll handle acute changes, not routine injections or patient education

• Choose one common nursing task I’m willing to take on, on my terms

  
  

Your Boundaries Deserve Reinforcement, Not Regret

Think of your boundaries like a fence. A strong wind (ie. workplace challenge) comes through and shakes it. After the storm, you don’t take the fence down, you reinforce it so it stands stronger next time.

✨Final Reminder:

Set your boundaries. Say them out loud. Stick with them. Because when you lead with clarity, you nurse better.