🎙 The Cycle of Disempowerment: Why Nurses Stop Speaking Up (and How to Start Again)

🎧 Episode Overview:

In this episode, I’m walking you through a pattern I’ve seen over and over again—not just in healthcare, but across all kinds of systems: the cycle of disempowerment. It’s what happens when we bring up ideas or try to push for change, and we keep hearing “no” until we eventually stop speaking up. I’ll break down why this cycle happens, how to recognize it, and what you can do to break out of it—both for yourself and the people around you.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What the cycle of disempowerment looks like in action (and why it's so common in healthcare)
• The 5-stage framework that explains why we stop bringing ideas forward
• How our own protective responses unintentionally reinforce stagnant systems
• What to say to coworkers and leaders when you notice this pattern
• A practical, compassionate strategy to reclaim your voice—without burning out

🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You:

• Repeatedly being told “no” changes our behavior—even when we care deeply.
• Emotional withdrawal is protective, but it also keeps our systems stuck.
• Sometimes the cycle isn’t a leadership issue—it’s a culture issue.
• Speaking up again requires both courage and strategy—and it's okay to start small.

🎧 How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:

If you’ve been feeling disengaged at work—or watching your team shut down—this episode might name something you’ve struggled to articulate. Listen with curiosity and self-compassion. You’re not broken. But there is a way forward.

🛠️ Practical Actions You Can Take:

• Ask yourself: “Where have I stopped trying—and why?”
• Share this episode with a colleague and start a real conversation about what’s keeping you stuck
• Use the scripts I share to name the pattern (with your team or your boss)
• Reframe “no” as data—not a reflection of your value
• Decide: is it time to shift your strategy… or shift your environment?

📲 Call to Action:

• Share this episode with a coworker and talk about where you’ve both felt shut down
• DM me on Instagram @nursing.the.system if you want help navigating this
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future mindset + leadership tools
• Leave a review if this helped you—it really does help the show reach more nurse leaders