Finding My Voice: From Silence to Empowerment

I’ll never forget the day I lost my confidence at work.

It was my first week at a new job in a new company, and I wanted to make a great impression. My boss asked me to complete a task, and I agreed immediately. Wanting to go above and beyond, I offered a suggestion to make the process more efficient.

What happened next shocked me.

He hit the roof.

His anger was so intense that I was frozen. I wasn’t used to this kind of reaction. My suggestion wasn’t meant to challenge him—it was intended to help. But his response left me questioning everything.

In that moment, I decided it was safer to stay quiet.

Even when I saw problems that needed addressing, I didn’t speak up. I didn’t want to upset anyone or, worse, cause conflict. Instead, I focused on being a “good girl” who didn’t make waves.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but that situation had triggered something deep in me—trauma from my childhood, where staying quiet and following the rules meant staying safe. I thought I was protecting myself by staying silent, but in reality, I was losing myself.

As time passed, my confidence slowly began to return. But it wasn’t until I worked with a coach that I fully understood what was happening.

She helped me see the pattern I’d been trapped in. I was trying to manage other people’s responses rather than advocating for what I needed or believed was right. I wasn’t focusing on solutions or outcomes—I was just trying not to upset anyone.

This behavior wasn’t just disempowering; it was exhausting.

Through coaching, I learned a new way to approach difficult situations. Instead of tiptoeing around conflict, I began focusing on collaboration and solutions. I learned how to express myself clearly and respectfully while staying true to my values.

Most importantly, I learned what it feels like to be empowered.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it was worth every step. Today, I approach challenges with confidence. I speak up when something feels off because I know my voice matters.

If you’re a nurse who’s afraid to speak up—who avoids asking for what you need because you don’t want to cause problems or stir up conflict—I see you. I’ve been there.

And I want you to know it doesn’t have to stay this way.

You, too, can learn to find your voice and feel confident advocating for yourself and your patients. It starts with understanding what’s holding you back.

That’s why I created a free resource just for you: 3 Reasons Why Nurses Don’t Have Difficult Conversations (And How to Change That).

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to download it today. It’s a small step toward reclaiming your confidence and becoming the empowered nurse you’re meant to be.

Let’s start this journey together.