Working as a nurse unit manager was a huge adventure for me! I think that it’s a unique leadership position that has a lot of capacity to positively influence change in our teams and our patients' lives.

In this episode, I will share my thoughts and ideas about being a nurse unit manager based on my personal experience. For me, it has been quite a learning experience, and it has definitely shaped how I function as a nurse coach to this day.

I’m going to tell you about the power of our team’s collective thoughts, the value of believing in our ability as a leader, and how it can impact the results in our ward. If you are wondering what it feels like to be a nurse unit manager, or if you’re a nurse unit manager yourself, this episode is definitely for you! 

Key Takeaways:

1:58 - Working as a nurse unit manager 

4:33 - It’s not better there than here 

5:40 - Blind Leading the Blind

7:22 - Healthcare and its lack of technology

9:10 - People Pleasing

11:15 - Your mindset matters 

12:33 - The importance of your belief in your ability as a leader 

14:25 - The value of sharing thoughts about the ward 

15:58 - Impact of our thoughts as a team 

17:40 - Growth vs loneliness

20:47 - Setting up boundaries as a NUM 

21:55 - Knowing your low, middle, and top performers 

23:36 - Circle of influence and circle of concern 

27:57 - Having your own back!

Interested in how coaching can help and support you as a NUM? I work with NUMs/Leaders throughout the country to navigate the challenges this role present on a personal and professional level. You can book a call below to chat about your situation and we can make a plan to get you moving forward!

FREE RESOURCES

🚀 Want to start your own nurse-led business with the skills you already got?

✅ Download the Bedside to Business Roadmap – a step-by-step launch guide for nurses ready to build an online income stream.

🎓 Watch the Make Nursing Optional Masterclass – discover the 6 steps to turn your nursing skills into a profitable business (without needing another certificate).

CONNECT WITH ME

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @nursepreneuracademy

📩 Got an aha moment from this episode? I’d love to hear from you!

Email: [email protected]

If you’re a nurse who knows you’re made for more—and you’re craving bold conversations about building a freedom-based, impact-driven business using the skills you already have—The NursePreneur Podcast is for you.

You’ll love this show if you're already tuning into The NursePreneurs Podcast with Catie Harris for nurse entrepreneur spotlights, the Gritty Nurse Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley and Sara Fung for advocacy and raw honesty, The Nurse Break by Jackson Heilberg for real career stories, Scrubs and Stocks by Ellaine Maala for nurse wealth and investing, or Nurse John’s I Beg Your Pardon for comedic truth-telling from the bedside trenches.

Here, host Liam delivers behind-the-scenes strategy, belief-busting mindset shifts, and practical steps to help you build a soul-aligned nurse-led business—without needing another certificate to get started. This is the podcast for nurse entrepreneurs who are done waiting and ready to lead.