American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

A great day in Chicago yesterday with our Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Fellowship! 
In partnership with the University of California, San Francisco Leadership Institute, APPs came together for meaningful learning, engaging activities and the chance to build lasting connections. We’re thankful for this collaboration as we continue to grow opportunities for APP leadership development. Thank you to Amy Trueblood and Renae Waneka for help to lead this group.

A recent The Wall Street Journal article highlights something nurse leaders have long known: nursing is one of the most reliable and rewarding career paths in America today. With strong demand across every care setting, nursing offers: 💰 Stable, well paying jobs 💼 Clear advancement into leadership and advanced practice roles 🏠 Opportunities to build financial security, buy homes and support families 🫂 Meaningful work that improves lives and strengthens communities The article is especially powerful because it centers the voices of nurses themselves—showing how education, experience and commitment to care translate into real outcomes for individuals and the broader economy. As nurse leaders, we see this every day. Hospitals and health systems are actively investing in nurses through tuition assistance, loan repayment and support for advanced education. This recognizes that supporting nurses is an investment in patient care, workforce stability and the future of health care. 📖 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gfF59PPr #NurseLeaders #FutureOfHealthcare #WorkforceDevelopment #AdvancedPracticeNursing #APP

Shout out to Joint Commission for spreading the word at #AONL2026!

We were grateful to feature Schwartz Rounds in various breakout session at this year’s AONL Annual Conference. Thank you for reflecting on this powerful experience and for elevating an essential truth in nursing leadership: no leader—and no nurse—should ever feel alone in their hardest moments. Creating space for compassion, vulnerability and shared understanding is how we strengthen our profession together. #AONL2026 The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare

Grateful to the incredible speakers who helped us close out #AONL2026 with energy, inspiration, and heart. 🎶💙 Thank you to President‑Elect Stuart D. Downs DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, FAONL, FAAN, Cedars-Sinai, David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN, and our unforgettable keynote Speech Thomas for an impactful and energy‑filled finale that reminded us what bold, brave leadership looks like. What a powerful way to end an unforgettable conference. #NurseLeaders #NurseLeadership #AONL2026

One of the many sessions nurse leaders could choose from at this year’s AONL Conference explored how emerging technology and AI are showing up in real nursing workflows. We’re proud to bring together spaces where nurse leaders can learn from peers, ask hard questions and navigate the changing landscape of care together. Thank you to the speakers and attendees who shared insights and experiences around virtual nursing and what it means for teams and patients. #AONL2026

What a powerful way to close out #AONL2026. This keynote session was high energy, full of soul, and YES there was dancing. We opened with President‑Elect Stuart D. Downs DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, FAONL, FAAN, who presented the Nurse Leader Article of the Year Award, honoring bold thinking and meaningful impact in nursing leadership. Thank you to Cedars‑Sinai and David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN for welcoming our keynote speaker, Speech Thomas, to the stage. Speech delivered an experience our Nurse Leaders are sure to bring back to their teams. Through story, music and movement, he challenged us to embrace B.R.A.V.E. Leadership—Bold, Resilient, Adaptable, Vulnerable and Encouraging. Speech didn’t just inspire us—he moved us. The session closed with dancing, photos, signatures and a room full of nurse leaders re‑energized to lead bravely. #NurseLeaders #NurseLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #AONL2026 Nurse Leader Article of the Year: Mark Lee, Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ron E. Yolo

At yesterday's evening keynote, Christi Zuber, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN challenged nurse leaders to reclaim creativity, curiosity and reflection as essential leadership skills in an AI‑accelerated world. Her message was both timely and inspiring. During the keynote we celebrated Amany Farag PhD, RN as the Foundation Nurse Researcher of the Year and UKG and David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN as the Foundation Friends of the Year. We’re also proud to share that the AONL Foundation has officially raised $50,000, with a stretch goal of $60,000 to further support nurse leadership research and innovation. Heartfelt thanks to Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE and the AONL Foundation, and to Johnson & Johnson for hosting this powerful and forward‑thinking keynote. The next revolution is being led by nurses. https://lnkd.in/gEXuTNjq #NurseLeaders #AONL2026 #AONLFoundation

A look inside AONL’s future. During the AONL Business Meeting & AHA update keynote at the AONL Inspiring Leaders Conference 2026, our executive leaders shared progress on our strategic plan, the strength of our member-led committees and the impact of a passionate community driving change across health care. Featuring insights from Claire M. Zangerle, Ena M. Williams, Stuart Downs, and Jacqueline Herd, with moderation by Stacey Chappell.

This afternoon’s keynote underscored a simple truth: health care advances faster when nursing and system leadership are aligned. American Hospital Association President & CEO Rick Pollack and AHA EVP & COO Michelle Hood shared national insights on the forces shaping health care and why partnership with nurse leaders is essential. Key takeaways: ✅ Strong AHA–AONL synergy amplifies impact, from workforce optimization to leadership development. ✅ Dyad leadership matters. Collaboration between CNOs and CFOs strengthens decisions and outcomes. ✅ Collective voice drives influence. AONL benefits from AHA’s advocacy and resources, while AHA gains insights as the nursing perspective provides guidance. ✅ Membership strength counts. Growth and engagement help AONL better understand needs and deliver value. The session closed with AONL updates and a clear message: alignment, collaboration and shared purpose are our greatest strengths.