American Organization for Nursing Leadership

11/21/2025

AONL alongside 56 national nursing organizations urged the U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee to explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the regulatory definition of “professional degree programs” when creating rules to implement OBBBA.

This request is critical because the designation would allow post-baccalaureate nursing students to qualify for higher federal loan amounts than under the current “graduate degree” category.

"Recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing education as a professional degree is critical to building a stronger health care workforce and preparing the next generation of nurses to meet the nation’s needs,” said Claire Zangerle, AONL CEO.

The Department of Education is expected to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the coming weeks, providing stakeholders additional opportunities to submit comments and help shape the final policy. AONL is closely monitoring this process and will update members as developments occur.

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AONL alongside 56 national nursing organizations urged the U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee to

11/21/2025

On day two of the Emerging Nurse Leader Institute, participants dive into the skills that strengthen teams and elevate everyday practice. In fact, 94 percent of participants from 2024 report leaving with practical skills they could apply immediately.

That is proof that there is still time to meet your professional development goals this year!

Help your emerging leaders build confidence, strengthen collaboration and step into leadership moments with clarity and purpose.

📅 Dec. 3–4 | Virtual | Contact Hours Available
🔗 Learn more and register today: https://www.aonl.org/education/enli

11/20/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Our Newly Appointed AONL Board Members!

We’re proud to welcome Martha Grubaugh and Dahlia Maldonado as the newest appointed members of the AONL Board of Directors beginning their term Jan. 1, 2026.

Martha brings deep expertise in nursing science, inquiry and evidence-based practice to the AONL Board. Her background strengthens our commitment to advancing research-driven leadership across the field.

Dahlia brings a strong track record in advocacy, professional governance, practice excellence, outcomes improvement and Magnet readiness. Her experience will help shape AONL’s strategic priorities and empower nurse leaders across care settings.

Please join us in congratulating Martha and Dahlia on their appointments!

11/19/2025

🎉 Registration is OPEN for AONL 2026! 🎉

This year is set for Chicago March 29–April 1 — and after selling out last year, we’re bringing an even bigger, more inspiring experience for nurse leaders across the country.

AONL 2026 is the place where nurse leaders connect, collaborate and discover leadership solutions that move health care forward.

🔔 Early Bird Pricing is live!
AONL members save $300 when registering by Dec. 15.
🔗 https://inspiringleaders.aonl.org/

Don’t wait — secure your spot and join thousands of nurse leaders shaping the future of care.

11/19/2025

⏰ Applications for the 2026 APP Strategic Leadership Fellowship close Friday, Nov. 21.

If you’re an Advanced Practice Provider in a senior leadership role, this fellowship is your path to stronger strategic impact and executive-level readiness. Through immersive learning and a real-world leadership project, you’ll sharpen your influence, strengthen decision-making and lead change that drives measurable results.

Don’t miss your chance to advance your leadership journey.
👉 Apply by Friday: https://www.aonl.org/app-strategic-leadership-fellowship

11/18/2025

📘 Your New Guide to Academic–Practice Partnerships

AONL, in partnership with AACN, is excited to announce the upcoming release of the AACN/AONL Academic-Practice Partnership Playbook: From Shared Vision to Action — a comprehensive resource designed to help academic and practice leaders build strong, sustainable collaborations.

To dive deeper, AACN and AONL will host a webinar on November 25 to walk through key highlights, early implementation successes and what’s coming next.

👉 Register Here: https://www.aacnnursing.org/conferences-webinars/info/sessionaltcd/wf25_11_25/_zs/rnuam1/_zl/ovhsa

11/18/2025

💙 Thank you to our outgoing AONL Board members whose terms conclude on December 31.
Please join us in expressing gratitude to these exceptional nurse leaders for their service and dedication to shaping the future of health care and advancing nursing leadership.

Board President: Deborah Zimmermann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Region 5: Rachel Culpepper, DNP, RN, CENP
Region 7: Christi Nguyen, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Region 9: Syl Trepanier, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL
Appointed Board Member: Crystal Bennett Schiano, DNP, MBA, RN
Appointed Board Member: Nickolaus “Nick” Escobedo, DNP, RN, NE-BC

Their leadership during their time on the AONL Board of Directors has strengthened our community.

11/17/2025

Digital transformation in health care is accelerating and nurse leaders are shaping its future. In our latest episode of Today in Nursing Leadership, Kim Landers, MS, RN, CENP, FACHE, and Elizabeth Menschner, DNP, MAS, RN, NEA-BC, share insights from a national analysis of nurse leader interviews on technology, AI readiness and the structures needed to lead change effectively.

From securing a seat at the technology governance table to developing digitally fluent teams, the conversation underscores how leadership behaviors are evolving to meet the moment. As Liz shared, “Without a formal seat… nursing ends up reacting to technology rather than shaping it.”

If you're exploring how nursing leadership can influence digital strategy, elevate data literacy and advocate for patient-centered innovation, this episode offers powerful takeaways.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://www.aonl.org/data-direction-how-nurse-leaders-shape-digital-transformation

11/14/2025

Every nurse has a story—and every story can inspire change.

AONL’s Advocacy Program equips nurse leaders to educate lawmakers on the value of nursing and the impact of nurse-led care.

🎧 Tune in to the AONL podcast episode “How Can Nurses Become Effective Advocates?” to learn practical steps for using your experiences and data to influence policy.

Together, we can ensure the voice of nursing continues to shape the future of health care.

Listen to the episode here: https://www.aonl.org/how-can-nurses-become-effective-advocates-repost

11/13/2025

Leadership starts long before the title. At the Emerging Nurse Leader Institute, you’ll build the skills to lead with confidence and support your team’s success.

📅 Dec. 3–4 | Virtual | Contact Hours Available
🔗 Learn more and register today: https://www.aonl.org/education/enli?utm_source=web&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=edu-enli-winter-2025

💡 Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll explore on Day One:
• Insight Inventory
• Storytelling in leadership
• Authentic communication
• Coaching on the frontline
• Reflective practice

Join nurses from across the country for this two-day virtual program that turns real-world experience into leadership growth.

11/13/2025

The 2025 Nursing Leadership Insight Study highlights the top challenges nurse leaders face every day:
• Staff recruitment & retention — 49 %
• Staffing — 37 %
• Emotional health & well-being — 34 %
• Workplace violence — 25 %

These numbers reflect the complex realities nurse practitioners and leaders navigate as they strive to create safe, supportive and resilient care environments.

AONL continues to advocate for policies and solutions that empower nurse leaders to meet these challenges head-on.

Learn more:https://www.aonl.org/system/files/media/file/2025/03/AONL-Nursing-Leadership-Insight-Study-2025.pdf

11/12/2025

Leaders from across the nation came together in Chicago for the annual AONL Affiliate Meeting. 🌎✈️

Affiliates shared best practices, strengthened connections and explored how state organizations are advancing nursing leadership in their communities. Grateful to everyone who joined us to build a stronger future for nurse leaders. 🤝💙