Advocating for Yourself as a Nurse: How to Protect Your Safety, Reputation & Mental Health
Nurses are taught to advocate for patients—but who’s advocating for the nurses?
Why Nurses Need to Speak Up for Themselves
Nurses are taught to advocate for patients—but who’s advocating for the nurses? Many nurses struggle to set boundaries, push back against unfair treatment, or ask for help when overwhelmed. The demanding nature of the profession can sometimes make self-advocacy feel uncomfortable or even impossible.
This blog will help new nurses learn how to protect themselves, their careers, and their mental health.
Let’s dive in.
Healthcare workers are twice as likely to experience depression compared to other professions
1️⃣ Advocating for Your Safety at Work
🚨 Common Issues:
Unsafe assignments (too many patients, violent patients, etc.).
Workplace violence (aggressive patients, bullying from coworkers).
Being pressured to take unsafe shortcuts to save time.
✅ How to Speak Up:
Know your hospital's safety policies and report unsafe situations immediately.
Use de-escalation techniques but don’t hesitate to call security when needed.
Nurses often encounter agitated patients, stressed-out family members, and tense workplace interactions. Knowing how to de-escalate situations can prevent violence, improve communication, and create a safer environment for everyone.
Here are some effective de-escalation interventions that nurses can use in various situations:
1️⃣ Stay Calm & Control Your Own Response
Before addressing the other person’s agitation, check your own body language, tone, and emotions.
✅ Speak slowly and softly.
✅ Keep your body language open (uncrossed arms, non-threatening posture).
✅ Take deep breaths to stay composed.
✅ Avoid mirroring aggression—stay neutral and professional.💡 Why it Works: When you stay calm, it helps to regulate the emotions of the other person and prevents escalation.
2️⃣ Use Active Listening & Empathy
When someone is upset, they want to be heard and understood before solutions are offered.
✅ Listen without interrupting.
✅ Acknowledge feelings: “I can see that you’re frustrated. Let’s talk about what’s going on.”
✅ Use reflective statements: “So, what I hear you saying is that you’re upset about the wait time. Is that right?”💡 Why it Works: Validating emotions helps calm people down and makes them feel respected.
3️⃣ Maintain Personal Space & Set Boundaries
Some people may react aggressively if they feel their space is being invaded or if they feel trapped.
✅ Keep a safe distance (at least arm’s length) when speaking with agitated individuals.
✅ Position yourself near an exit if possible.
✅ Use non-threatening gestures (avoid pointing or hovering over them).
✅ Set clear boundaries: “I want to help you, but I need you to lower your voice so we can talk.”💡 Why it Works: Respecting personal space can prevent physical altercations and keep everyone safer.
4️⃣ Offer Choices & Give a Sense of Control
When people feel out of control, they may lash out.
✅ Give two reasonable choices: “Would you like to sit down and talk, or would you prefer to step outside for some air?”
✅ Reinforce autonomy: “You have options. Let’s figure out what works best for you.”
✅ Provide a calm, clear next step: “Here’s what I can do to help…”💡 Why it Works: People are less likely to be aggressive when they feel they have some control over their situation.
5️⃣ Redirect or Distract When Necessary
If emotions are escalating quickly, redirecting the conversation can help diffuse tension.
✅ Change the subject slightly: “Let’s focus on what we can do right now.”
✅ Offer a distraction: “Would you like some water while we figure this out?”
✅ Use humor carefully—only if appropriate and in a way that respects the individual’s emotions.💡 Why it Works: Shifting focus can disrupt negative thought patterns and prevent further escalation.
6️⃣ Know When to Remove Yourself & Get Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a situation may continue to escalate.
🚨 If someone becomes physically aggressive or threatening:
✅ Call security or ask for backup from colleagues.
✅ Use your hospital’s emergency protocols.
✅ If possible, remove yourself from the situation safely.💡 Why it Works: Ensuring your own safety is just as important as de-escalating the situation.
De-Escalation is a Skill You Can Build!
✔️ Practice active listening in daily conversations.
✔️ Observe body language and tone during difficult interactions.
✔️ Role-play de-escalation scenarios with colleagues.
✔️ Know your hospital’s security policies and resources.
💡 The Goal: Keep yourself, your patients, and your coworkers safe while fostering a respectful and calm environment.
Would you like me to add specific scripts or real-life nursing scenarios for de-escalation? 😊
verything—if violence occurs, file an incident report and follow up.
💡 Example:“I feel unsafe caring for this violent patient alone. Can we implement extra safety measures?”
With the newest trends in technology, the lines of professionalism can become blurred.
2️⃣ Advocating for Your Professionalism & Reputation
📱 Common Issues:
Being pressured to participate in social media trends at work.
Seeing coworkers post questionable content (violating HIPAA, complaining about patients).
Being tagged in inappropriate content outside of work.
✅ How to Speak Up:
Politely decline if someone asks you to do something that could harm your reputation.
If you see a coworker posting risky content, report it through the right channels.
Make sure your own social media is private & professional.
💡 Example: “I love social media, but I’d rather keep my professional and personal life separate. Thanks for understanding!”
Seek support—with therapy, nurse mentors, or online nurse communities.
3️⃣ Advocating for Your Mental Health & Work-Life Balance
😩 Common Issues:
Being guilted into taking extra shifts when exhausted.
Being expected to “just deal with” burnout instead of getting help.
Feeling overwhelmed and unsupported as a new nurse.
✅ How to Speak Up:
It’s okay to say NO. Overworking yourself isn’t heroic—it’s dangerous.
If you need a mental health day, take it. You don’t have to explain why.
Seek support—therapy, nurse mentors, or online nurse communities.
💡 Example:“I’d love to help, but I’m already at my limit. I need to prioritize my well-being so I can continue providing quality care.”
Speaking Up is a Form of Self-Care
🔹 Nurses deserve safe working conditions, a strong professional reputation, and mental well-being.
🔹 You can’t pour from an empty cup—advocating for yourself allows you to provide better patient care.
🔹 Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to start protecting yourself. Start setting boundaries early.
💬 What’s the hardest thing for you to speak up about as a nurse? Let’s talk in the comments!
💬 Join the Conversation:
Let's collaborate towards creating a safer healthcare environment for all nurses and patients.
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Comment below!
I invite my readers to join a discussion in the blog comment section to share tips and support each other in developing this essential skill.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments:
What’s the hardest thing for you to speak up about as a nurse?
Who do you turn to for support when you are trying to advocate for yourself?
Any tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
Ready to embark on this learning journey? Let's make this learning experience interactive and fun!
Drop a comment or share your story—let’s learn and grow together!
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