How to Say No as a Nurse (Without the Guilt)

by | Apr 23, 2025 | New Grad Nurse, Vitals + Vibes | 0 comments

Vitals & Vibes

Welcome to Vitals & Vibes—a series created just for new nurses navigating the real world of patient care – written by Kati Kleber, MSN RN. These quick reads are packed with practical tips, mindset shifts, and bedside wisdom to help you build confidence, one shift at a time. Whether you’re fresh off orientation or just trying to find your rhythm, this is your space to breathe, learn, and grow.

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t show up on your task list, but drains you faster than running back-to-back admissions: the constant stream of requests coming at you from every direction.

From the moment you clock in, it’s on:

  • Can you grab me a blanket?
  • Can you take the next admit?
  • Can you call pharmacy for me?
  • Will you float for four hours?
  • Will you watch my patients while I go on lunch?
  • Can you stay late again?

It’s constant. And if you’re like many nurses (especially early on in your career), your knee-jerk response is to say yes.

  • “Of course!”
  • “No problem!”
  • “I got it!”

Even when we’re running on fumes.

Saying no in the middle of a busy shift, to people you care about or respect, feels SO uncomfortable.

But here’s the truth: constantly saying yes when your body, mind, and calendar are saying no doesn’t make you a better nurse… it makes you a burnt-out one.

Why Saying No Feels So Hard

That awkward pause after you decline a request? It’s rough. Especially if your self-worth is tied to being helpful, needed, or well-liked.

I used to feel like saying no meant I wasn’t a team player—or worse, that I was letting people down. I’d buffer every “no” with a sorry, a long explanation, or an offer to make it up later. But learning to say no—clearly, kindly, and confidently—has been one of the most freeing skills I’ve developed in my nursing career.

But it didn’t happen overnight.

Practical Ways to Say No Right Now

Since personal growth takes time (and let’s face it, you probably need something you can use today), here are some quick, no-drama responses you can use in the moment:

🧠 “I’m not available to stay after.”

🧠 “I can’t work extra.”

🧠 “I can’t switch shifts.”

🧠 “I’ve got another commitment.”

🧠 “I’m unavailable.”

Short. Clear. No apologies.

Before, I’d read responses like this and feel the need to add in an excuse, a sorry, or a thank you. I just wanted to buffer the “No” a bit. 😣 If this sounds like you, here are my words of encouragement:

Remember This When You’re Struggling to Say No

✨ You don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you’re protecting your time.

✨ Your mental wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

✨ Not sure if it’s a yes? Ask: “Is this a HECK YES for me?” If not, it’s a no.

✨ That 5 seconds of awkward after saying no? Worth it. Resentment lasts way longer.

✨ Feel the emotional tug and discomfort, sit with it, and let it pass. Then move on with your day.

It’s okay to feel that little pull—the part of you that wants to say yes. You’re a caring, team-oriented person! That’s a beautiful thing. But part of caring includes caring for yourself.

Letting Go of People-Pleasing (And Still Being a Great Nurse)

Saying no doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you self-aware. It means you understand your limits and are taking responsibility for your well-being. You can absolutely be a team player and still have boundaries. In fact, you’re a better nurse when you do. Why? Because you’re showing up rested, grounded, and present—not overextended and emotionally fried.

And here’s what usually happens when you say no: they ask someone else, they move on, and by the end of the shift, it’s already forgotten. The world keeps turning. The truth is, people who respect their own boundaries will typically respect yours too. And those who don’t? More often than not, they’re struggling with healthy boundaries themselves.

Saying No Is Self-Care

When we talk about nurse self-care, we often imagine massages or long weekends off. But the truth? It starts with small, firm no’s.

  • No, I can’t stay late.
  • No, I won’t take a fifth patient.
  • No, I’m not picking up an extra shift this week.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of this job, start there. It might feel weird at first—but over time, it gets easier. Stronger. Empowering, even.

So here’s your permission slip: Be brave. Be clear. Be unapologetic.

You deserve that. And your patients deserve a nurse who isn’t running on empty. And your future self? They’ll thank you one day for this boundary-setting courage. Stay well, my nurse friend. Truly.

Until next time,

Kati 🪴

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Picture of Kati Kleber, founder of FRESHRN

Hi, I’m Kati.

I'm a nurse educator, author, national speaker, and host of the FreshRN® Podcast. I created FreshRN® – an online platform meant to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.

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Learn about FreshRN’s mission and values as well as my professional background.

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