Speaking Up & Setting Boundaries: The Key to Thriving as a Nurse!
Mar 16, 2025
Nurses are givers by nature. We dedicate ourselves to others, often at the expense of our own well-being. But when we fail to set boundaries, we leave ourselves vulnerable to stress, burnout, and resentment—not just in our careers but in every aspect of our lives.
For many of us, the fear of speaking up—whether it’s asking for help, setting limits, or advocating for ourselves—keeps us stuck. We worry about being judged, rejected, or seen as "difficult." But here’s the truth: Not setting boundaries doesn’t protect us; it drains us.
And what happens when we are emotionally and physically drained? Our energy shifts—sometimes into exhaustion, frustration, or helplessness, making it even harder to take control of our lives.
How Energy Ties into Boundaries
iPEC’s 7 Levels of Energy explain how our thoughts and emotions impact how we experience life, respond to stress, and set (or fail to set) boundaries.
🔴 Catabolic Energy (Levels 1 & 2) – When we lack boundaries, we often find ourselves in low-energy, draining emotional states:
- Level 1 (Victim Thinking): “I have no choice. This is just the way things are.” → Leads to exhaustion, self-doubt, and resentment.
- Level 2 (Anger & Resistance): “I have to do everything myself. No one listens to me.” → Leads to burnout, frustration, and strained relationships.
🟡 Neutral Energy (Levels 3 & 4) – When we begin to set boundaries, we regain control.
- Level 3 (Coping & Rationalizing): “I’ll do this extra shift, but I’ll make sure to rest later.” → There’s still sacrifice, but awareness is growing.
- Level 4 (Caring & Service): “I want to help, but I also need to take care of myself.” → Boundaries become acts of self-respect.
🟢 Anabolic Energy (Levels 5-7) – Empowered, unapologetic boundary setting leads to freedom.
- Level 5 (Opportunity & Win-Win Thinking): “By setting clear boundaries, I create a better balance for myself and those around me.” → Increased confidence, self-worth, and fulfillment.
- Level 6 (Joy & Intuition): “I trust myself to know what’s best for me.” → You attract respect, healthier relationships, and true work-life harmony.
- Level 7 (Absolute Flow & Passion): “I am free to live my life exactly how I choose.” → Total alignment with your highest self.
💡 The more intentional we are with boundaries, the more we shift into higher levels of energy—feeling lighter, more confident, and in control.
The Impact of Boundaries on Every Area of Life
1. Work & Career
🔹 Without boundaries: Overworked, resentful, emotionally drained.
🔹 With boundaries: Confident, respected, balanced workload.
2. Fun & Joy
🔹 Without boundaries: No time for yourself, always "on call."
🔹 With boundaries: Guilt-free relaxation and enjoyment.
3. Money & Finances
🔹 Without boundaries: Fear of asking for fair pay or declining extra shifts.
🔹 With boundaries: Advocating for what you deserve, financial empowerment.
4. Home Environment
🔹 Without boundaries: Work stress spills into home life.
🔹 With boundaries: A peaceful, restorative space.
5. Personal Growth
🔹 Without boundaries: No time or energy to invest in yourself.
🔹 With boundaries: Prioritizing learning, self-care, and development.
6. Health & Wellbeing
🔹 Without boundaries: Skipping meals, ignoring exhaustion.
🔹 With boundaries: Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and movement.
7. Family & Romance
🔹 Without boundaries: Emotionally distant, overwhelmed.
🔹 With boundaries: Presence, connection, deeper relationships.
8. Friendships
🔹 Without boundaries: Saying yes out of obligation, feeling depleted.
🔹 With boundaries: Building healthy, reciprocal friendships.
From Fear to Freedom: Boundaries as Empowerment
At the core of boundary struggles is fear—fear of judgment, rejection, and disappointing others. But setting boundaries isn’t about being difficult—it’s about honoring yourself.
Boundaries are the bridge between fear and freedom. When you set them, you shift into a higher level of energy, reclaiming control over your life.
Where Are Your Boundaries Strong? Where Can They Be Strengthened?
If you’re wondering how boundaries impact your life, I invite you to take The Nurses Boundary Impact Wheel, a free quiz designed to help you identify where your boundaries are solid and where they need strengthening.
🔥 Take the free quiz now and start reclaiming your time, energy, and joy!
