How the 7 Levels of Energy Impact How Nurses Show Up at Work
Sep 22, 2025
Nursing isn’t just about skills, knowledge, and patient care—it’s also about energy. I’m not talking about caffeine or hours of sleep (though those matter too). I’m talking about the kind of energy that comes from your mindset, your perspective, and the way you see yourself and the world around you.
At iPEC, we call this Energy Leadership. It’s the idea that your energy shapes how you show up in any situation, whether you’re on the unit, in a team meeting, or advocating for a patient. When you understand the 7 Levels of Energy, you start to see why two nurses in the same situation might respond completely differently—and why your own response can change everything.
Let’s break it down.
Level 1: Victim Energy – “I have no control.”
At this level, a nurse may feel powerless, invisible, or stuck. Thoughts sound like: “No one listens to me anyway.” This energy often leads to withdrawal, burnout, or staying quiet when it’s time to speak up.
Level 2: Conflict Energy – “It’s me against them.”
Here, nurses push back—but usually with frustration or resentment. It can look like rolling eyes in meetings, venting at the nurse’s station, or resisting leadership decisions. Conflict can feel powerful in the moment but drains teams and relationships.
Level 3: Coping Energy – “I’ll make the best of it.”
At Level 3, nurses take responsibility but often by rationalizing or avoiding. They might say: “It is what it is—I’ll just deal with it.” This energy keeps things moving, but it often comes at the nurse’s expense—compromising their own wellbeing.
Level 4: Caregiver Energy – “How can I help?”
Nurses thrive here. Compassion, service, and collaboration flow naturally. But at this level, it’s easy to overgive—putting everyone else first, which often reinforces the “good girl” programming so many nurses carry.
Level 5: Opportunity Energy – “What’s the win-win?”
This is where creativity and leadership start to shine. A Level 5 nurse looks for solutions that benefit patients, coworkers, and themselves. They see possibilities instead of problems and often influence others with their positive perspective.
Level 6: Flow Energy – “We’re all connected.”
At this level, nurses operate almost effortlessly. They trust their intuition, collaborate seamlessly, and lead by presence rather than force. It feels expansive and deeply fulfilling—though it may not always be practical to stay here in the chaos of healthcare.
Level 7: Creator Energy – “I create my reality.”
This is the highest level of energy—pure passion, joy, and vision. It’s not about rules, approval, or fear—it’s about freedom. A Level 7 nurse can step back, see the bigger picture, and lead with clarity and purpose.
Why This Matters
As nurses, our energy impacts everything: our patient interactions, our teamwork, our ability to advocate, and even our own resilience. The truth is, we all move up and down these levels every day. Some days we’re stuck in Level 1. Other days we’re shining in Level 5 or 6.
The key isn’t to “get rid” of lower levels—they serve a purpose. It’s about awareness. Once you notice where your energy is, you have the power to shift it.
And when nurses shift their energy, they don’t just change how they show up at work—they change the workplace itself.
👉 If you’re ready to explore where your energy is right now and how it’s shaping your nursing career, let’s talk. I offer the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment and Debrief to help you see your unique energy profile and learn how to shift it for greater impact, confidence, and freedom.
