Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL)

Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) Positioning nurse leaders to create and influence the future of health care. Our members are diverse in their experience and talents.

Learn more about ACNL and join our organization, visit::
https://acnl.memberclicks.net/learn-more-about-acnl

For nearly 40 years, The Association of California Nurse Leaders has been living its vision of positioning nurse leaders to influence the future of health care. ACNL is a powerful voice for nurse leaders throughout California and serves as a statewide and national example of affecting positive change for nursing and health care by developing nurse leaders, advancing the professional practice of nursing, promoting quality and patient safety, and improving the health of California's communities. ACNL seeks the active engagement and participation of all its members. Through this collective strength, nurse leaders can best meet the needs of their organizations, clients and communities, while at the same time, advance the profession and practice of nursing. If you're a nurse leader, or aspiring to be one, ACNL is the organization for you! To learn more about ACNL and join our organization, visit::
https://acnl.memberclicks.net/learn-more-about-acnl

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the San Diego Region -- Dawn Carroll, DNP, RN, NE-BC, WHNP, and Nic Breela...
11/07/2025

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the San Diego Region -- Dawn Carroll, DNP, RN, NE-BC, WHNP, and Nic Breeland, MSN, RN, NE-BC!

Dawn is a Nurse Manager at UC San Diego, overseeing the Neuro ICU and Neuro PCU units. An ACNL member since 2014, she's served on the Philanthropy Committee and is currently the Board Liaison for the Recognition and Scholarship Committee. This is her first term on the board.

"Lead with intention, advocate boldly, and never underestimate the impact of your voice," she says. "Whether at the bedside or in leadership, your perspective is essential. Stay curious, remain compassionate, and remember—meaningful change starts with us."

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Nic is Director of Clinical & Ancillary Services at Sharp Healthcare. A newer member, he has been with ACNL for five years, quickly rising through the Health Policy Committee as a member and then co-chair. In addition to serving on the statewide ACNL Board, he is also Secretary of the San Diego ACNL Chapter.

"Get involved in a professional organization," he advises his fellow nurses. "It isn't just about networking - it's about shaping the future of nursing and amplifying your impact. Your voice can strengthen our profession, and open doors for those who follow."

Starting tomorrow!During the month of November, new members will receive a special discounted rate on their first year o...
11/07/2025

Starting tomorrow!

During the month of November, new members will receive a special discounted rate on their first year of ACNL membership.

Use code ACNL2025 to receive $35 off your first year of membership!

Enjoy amazing benefits like:

* discounts on our educational and CEU offerings
* opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration
* access to our members-only professional resources, including the research repository and health policy tracker
* and much more!

Visit acnl.org and use code ACNL2025 at checkout!

Turn up the volume on nursing leadership this February!Join your fellow nurse leaders in beautiful Rancho Mirage this Fe...
11/06/2025

Turn up the volume on nursing leadership this February!

Join your fellow nurse leaders in beautiful Rancho Mirage this February 8-11, 2026, for another exciting and engaging conference from ACNL!

Hear from renown leaders like Keynote Speaker Charles Kunkle, MSN, CEN, CCRN, BC-NA, founder of No Time To Care Solutions, a consultancy focused on giving healthcare leaders the tools they need to energize and empower bedside caregivers.

Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL, Chief Nursing Officer at Quadrivia.ai, will talk about advancing nursing excellence through innovation, and Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FAONL will explore how nurse leaders can move beyond performative diversity initiatives to create authentic, sustainable change within their organizations.

Turn the volume up at the end-of-program “Battle of the Bands” themed party, and bring it all home with Endnote Speaker Tara Rynders RN, MFA, BSN, BA and her presentation, When Nurse Leaders “Dare to Dance” Together.

Don’t miss plenty of other speakers, opportunities for networking, the fabulous ACNL Awards program, and much more at ACNL’s 48th Annual Conference!

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the South Region -- Brandi Cassingham, MSN, RN, and Danielle Gabele, DNP, ...
10/31/2025

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the South Region -- Brandi Cassingham, MSN, RN, and Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, CENP, CPHQ, CCRN-K!

Brandi is the VIce President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. She's been an ACNL member since early in her career, for almost 20 years now. This is her first term on the board, but she's been an important leader on our Annual Program Committee for about six years, serving as Co-Chair, Chair, and now Board Liaison.

Her advice for fellow nurses is characteristic of her empathy. "Take care of yourself so you can take care of others," she says. "Take time to pause and reflect. Celebrate all successes, big and small. Express gratitude daily and build your team members up. Always remember to stay patient- and family-centered."

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Danielle is the Chief Nurse Executive at Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital and has been an ACNL member for close to 10 years. This is also her first term on the board, but was an active member and then Co-Chair of the Healthy Work Environment committee for five years before joining the board. She serves as the Board Liaison for the Quality, Safety, and Engagement Committee, and she's hard at work resurrecting the San Fernando Valley Chapter of ACNL.

A dedicated leader, she advises fellow nurses to "be your authentic self. Be vulnerable and be honest as a leader about what you can and cannot do. People value authenticity and honesty more than anything else."


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Join the NLC Central San Joaquin Valley ACNL Chapter this November 12 at the Saint Agnes Medical Center for a meeting fo...
10/29/2025

Join the NLC Central San Joaquin Valley ACNL Chapter this November 12 at the Saint Agnes Medical Center for a meeting focused on legislative hot topics!

Registration is $10 and includes food and time for networking.

Scan the QR code or visit acnl.org to register.

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the Central Region -- Dr. Marshall H. Blue, Sr., DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNL, P...
10/17/2025

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the Central Region -- Dr. Marshall H. Blue, Sr., DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNL, PHN, and Joyce Eden, MHA, MSN, RN!

Marshall, or "Blue" as his friends call him, is Director of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and he's been a very active ACNL member in his relatively short five years. This is his first term on the state-wide board, but he previously served for two years as Treasurer of his local chapter, and then as President and Immediate Past President. He's also been on the DEIAA committee for three years and serves as an instructor for our amazing Foundation for Leadership Excellence program.

"Nursing is a calling of the heart as an art form and as a science," Blue says. "From bedside to boardroom, I’ve learned resilience, compassion, and courage guides every step. Fellow nurses, embrace change and growth, lead with love, and never forget you are worthy to be seen and heard. You are enough as a person and as a professional, and you can truly change the world one patient encounter at a time."

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Joyce is a Nurse Leader Consultant, having previously held leadership positions at several hospitals throughout California over a 40-year career. She's been one of our most active and involved members since 2007, serving two terms on the Board of Directors representing the Central Region, as well as serving as Chair of the Nursing Leadership Development Committee and the Annual Program Committee; mentor for our ACNL Mentorship program; and a multi-term President of her local chapter.

"Be a mentor," Joyce advises her fellow nurses. "Receive mentoring. It will be the best gift you give and receive in your nursing career. God did not call us to be warehouses of our gifts. He called us to be distribution centers."

The San Fernando Valley ACNL Chapter was relaunched earlier this year. With 12 members already, President Emily Carlson ...
10/13/2025

The San Fernando Valley ACNL Chapter was relaunched earlier this year. With 12 members already, President Emily Carlson is making progress toward revitalizing the chapter. She and the other members are hard at work building a meeting calendar and planning for a full slate of elections. Contact us if you live in the area and are interested in learning more!

ACNL WEBINAR - October 23 at noon!This session explores Cedars-Sinai’s implementation of an AI-powered voice dictation t...
10/07/2025

ACNL WEBINAR - October 23 at noon!

This session explores Cedars-Sinai’s implementation of an AI-powered voice dictation technology to enhance nursing workflows by reducing administrative burden, improving efficiency, and elevating the patient and staff experience. It will cover key strategies for successful adoption, including staff training, workflow integration, building staff buy-in, and the organization's approach to AI governance in ensuring safe and effective use.

Upon completion of this webinar, learners will be able to:

· Explore how nurse-driven documentation solutions can optimize nursing workflows, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient care.

· Identify strategies to foster effective adoption and integration of AI-powered voice dictation technology into clinical workflow

Register now: https://web.cvent.com/event/d64f5153-5291-4394-a232-6b551b4c6fe8/summary

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the North Region -- Elisa Nguyen, DNP, RN, CMSRN, and Rose Colangelo, MSN,...
10/03/2025

Meet our Regional Board Members, representing the North Region -- Elisa Nguyen, DNP, RN, CMSRN, and Rose Colangelo, MSN, RN, CEN!

Elisa is Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Patient Care Services at Stanford Health Care. She's been a member of ACNL for eight years now and this is her first term on the board, having previously served as Co-Chair of the Member Experience Committee.

"As nurses and leaders, let us always anchor ourselves in purpose," Elisa says. "Remember that every action we take is in service of healing, dignity, and hope. Let us draw inspiration not only from the lives we touch, but also from each other, lifting one another through collaboration and compassion. And above all, let integrity guide us – because leadership is not just about decisions we make, but about the trust we build. When we lead with purpose, inspire with heart, and uphold integrity, we create a culture where both patients and nurses thrive."

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Rose is the Director of Emergency Services at Sutter Health. Like Elisa, Rose has been a member of ACNL for eight years and this is her first term on the board. She served a long tenure on the Quality, Safety, and Engagement Committee before becoming a board member, and now serves as the Board Liaison to the Nurse Leadership Development Committee.

"Leading in the nursing field is both an immense privilege and a deep responsibility," Rose says. "Being true to yourself, remembering why you became a nurse, and being transparent as a leader are essential for maintaining your authenticity and fostering trust among your team. Nursing isn’t just a job: it’s a calling. People follow leaders who are genuine. Be yourself. Lead with empathy, vulnerability, and humility. It’s okay to show your team that you’re human and that you care deeply about both their well-being and the patients they serve."

Join the San Diego ACNL Chapter this October 16 at the TRL Systems San Diego office for a SPOOK-TECH-ULAR innovation and...
09/23/2025

Join the San Diego ACNL Chapter this October 16 at the TRL Systems San Diego office for a SPOOK-TECH-ULAR innovation and healthcare technology event!

Registration is free and you can look forward to raffles, networking opportunities, robots, and more!

Scan the QR code or visit acnl.org to register.

Join the Ventura/Santa Barbara ACNL Chapter this October 7 at the Ventura County Medical Center. Kelly Hines-Stellisch, ...
09/23/2025

Join the Ventura/Santa Barbara ACNL Chapter this October 7 at the Ventura County Medical Center. Kelly Hines-Stellisch, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C, NC-BC, will be speaking on a nurse coaching pilot project.

Register at acnl.org

Address

180 Promenade Cir
Sacramento, CA
95833

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19167796949

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For nearly 40 years, The Association of California Nurse Leaders has been living its vision of positioning nurse leaders to influence the future of health care. ACNL is a powerful voice for nurse leaders throughout California and serves as a statewide and national example of affecting positive change for nursing and health care by developing nurse leaders, advancing the professional practice of nursing, promoting quality and patient safety, and improving the health of California's communities. Our members are diverse in their experience and talents. ACNL seeks the active engagement and participation of all its members. Through this collective strength, nurse leaders can best meet the needs of their organizations, clients and communities, while at the same time, advance the profession and practice of nursing. If you're a nurse leader, or aspiring to be one, ACNL is the organization for you! To learn more about ACNL and join our organization, visit:: https://www.acnl.org