Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria

Leading others doesn't mean carrying everything yourself

Leadership starts with you - Discover practical wellbeing tips for managers, educators and clinical leaders.

Leading others doesn't mean carrying everything yourself

Leadership in nursing and midwifery is incredibly rewarding—but it can also be emotionally demanding. Whether you're a NUM or MUM, a Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Support Nurse, or an ANUM or AMUM, Director of Nursing, or team leader, you're often the person others turn to for answers, support and reassurance.

While you're busy looking after your team, it's easy to forget to look after yourself.

The reality is that you can't pour from an empty cup. Looking after your own wellbeing isn't just good for you—it helps you lead with greater clarity, compassion and resilience.

Check in with yourself

As leaders, we regularly ask our staff, "How are you going?"

Take a moment to ask yourself the same question.

  • Am I running on empty?
  • When was the last time I took a proper break?
  • Am I carrying responsibilities that belong to someone else?
  • Have I made time to recharge this week?

Self-awareness is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop.

You don't have to have all the answers

Strong leaders don't solve every problem themselves—they create environments where others feel supported to find solutions.

It's okay to:

  • Delegate tasks.
  • Share responsibility.
  • Ask colleagues or peers for advice.
  • Acknowledge when something is outside your control.

Leadership is about guiding others, not carrying every burden alone.

Model the behaviour you want to see

Your team notices more than you think.

When you take your breaks, leave work on time when you can, ask for help, or prioritise your wellbeing, you send a powerful message that it's okay for others to do the same.

Healthy workplace cultures are built by leaders who model healthy behaviours.

Remember why you lead

Most midwives and nurses step into leadership because they want to make a positive difference—for patients, for colleagues and for the profession.

To continue making that difference, your wellbeing needs to matter too.

Taking care of yourself isn't stepping away from leadership—it's one of the most important ways you can lead.