Blog & News Updates

In April, we Spotlight Heather Resseger, DNP, RN, CNL, CPHQ, NEA-BC, the current ALSN Communications Director. With nearly 22 years in nursing, Heather’s career began with an associate degree from a community college in West Virginia, followed by clinical roles in telemetry and the ICU. Early in her career, she stepped into leadership as a lead nurse and later as manager of a medical-surgical unit. During that period, she completed her MSN and earned Certified Nurse Leader certification—milestones that solidified her aspiration to become a Chief Nurse Officer. Her leadership trajectory continued as she assumed director roles across multiple units and later oversaw most nursing departments within several organizations in California and Oregon. She also served as Assistant Vice President of Quality and Care Management. Today, she is the Senior Vice President, Chief Hospital Operations and Nursing Officer. Throughout her journey, she has remained deeply committed to leadership development and to cultivating leadership capacity in others. Influence of ALSN on Her Career Trajectory Her involvement in ALSN has expanded her professional network and deepened her engagement with leadership science. She values the opportunity to connect not only with operational nursing leaders but also with researchers whose work broadens her understanding of leadership as a scientific discipline. These relationships have enriched her perspective and strengthened her leadership practice. Opportunities Opened Through ALSN Through ALSN, she now serves as chair of the Communication Subgroup—a role that has increased her exposure to board level leadership and allowed her to further expand her skills and influence within the organization. Advice for Nurse Leaders Considering ALSN Membership She believes ALSN offers a unique mission and purpose for nurse leaders across all settings. For current and aspiring leaders, ALSN provides pathways for connection, growth, and professional development. She emphasizes that membership enhances leadership knowledge and skills regardless of one’s practice area. Interest in the Study of Nursing Leadership and ALSN’s Role Her passion for leadership has been present throughout her career, but advancing her education helped her recognize leadership as a true science. ALSN has inspired her to continue learning and growing as a leader while also encouraging her to contribute actively to the advancement of leadership science—not simply observe it. Balancing Academic and Practice Partnerships in Nursing Leadership She believes that meaningful collaboration between academic and operational experts is essential to strengthening nursing leadership science. Integrating research, best practices, and real-world application creates a more comprehensive and impactful body of knowledge. She sees ALSN as a key facilitator of this balance—particularly through recruiting a diverse membership and fostering collaborative committees, research efforts, and leadership initiatives. What She Wants ALSN Members to Know She highlights that ALSN’s members, board, and committees are composed of exceptional nursing leaders with diverse backgrounds and expertise. ALSN’s mission is clear, its community is welcoming, and its opportunities for meaningful contribution are abundant. For anyone seeking to make a difference in nursing leadership science, she believes ALSN is the place to be.

If you would like to connect with nurse leaders like Heather and be part of this community, learn more about ALSN membership at: ALSN.info/Membership

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the incredible success of ALSN’s inaugural Global Virtual Conference—an historic milestone for our organization and for the field of nursing leadership science. As our first-ever global virtual gathering, this conference marked a bold step forward in embracing our identity as an international community.

With nearly 200 registrants from around the world and strong attendance across both sessions spanning multiple time zones, this event truly brought our global community together in one shared, dynamic space. The energy and engagement throughout were nothing short of inspiring.

We were privileged to learn from two exceptional keynote speakers. Dr. Diana J. Mason challenged us to think beyond traditional boundaries, reminding us that health is inherently global and that nursing leadership must engage across sectors to advance meaningful change. Dr. Sophia Chan reinforced that leadership is a responsibility at every level of nursing, calling us to build resilient systems by empowering nurses across all stages of practice.

We also celebrate the outstanding contributions of our ALSN Global Ambassadors, representing 10 countries, whose presentations highlighted both the diversity and shared purpose of leadership science worldwide. Congratulations as well to our exceptional poster presenters for advancing scholarship and inquiry across our field.

I extend my deepest appreciation to Edmund Walsh, Conference Planning Chair, for his tireless energy, vision, and execution. My sincere thanks also go to the ALSN Membership Committee and to Dr. Mary Dolansky, whose extraordinary leadership made both the Global Ambassador Program and this inaugural conference possible. We are also profoundly grateful to The Ohio State University College of Nursing and Dean Karen Rose for their generous sponsorship.

This conference reinforced a powerful truth: while we experience similar challenges across the globe, when we come together, we unlock new possibilities and solutions we could never achieve alone. It exemplified our values of collaboration, inquiry, and inclusion.

As the saying reminds us, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When we intentionally elevate one another across borders, we strengthen our profession and improve the health of those we serve. ALSN is a global network—one grounded in the understanding that advancing health care requires a strong, interconnected, and aligned effort worldwide.

Join Us in Person – ALSN 2026 International Conference

I invite you to continue this momentum by joining us in person for the ALSN 2026 International Conference, September 30–October 2, 2026, at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center in Los Angeles, California. This year’s theme, “Strengthening Collaborative Pathways to Shape the Future of Nursing: Leading with Intention and Innovating with Purpose” is especially fitting for the work that the ALSN Board, our committees, our partners, and each of you have been up to this year.

I want to extend a special thank you to Todd Tussing, Director of Programs & Professional Development, Coleen Wilson, Program Planning Committee Chair, and the entire Program Planning Committee, whose dedication and thoughtful work behind the scenes are bringing this conference to life with a truly engaging lineup of pre-conferences, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and poster presentations to be announced soon.

This conference is ALSN’s unique forum for nurse leaders, educators, and scholars to connect, learn, and shape the future of nursing leadership science together. I encourage each of you to bring a colleague or friend we can welcome into our community. Let’s reconnect and renew our energy through meaningful networking and our shared commitment to holding the door for others—one of the greatest strengths of our conference, year after year.

Together in leadership,
Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FAAN
President, Association for Leadership Science in Nursing 

This past year has been one of remarkable momentum for ALSN, marked by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing nursing leadership science with purpose and impact. Across every corner of our organization, members and leaders have leaned into bold ideas that are expanding our reach, strengthening our science, and shaping the future of nursing leadership, locally and globally.

One of the most exciting signs of this momentum is the growing international footprint of ALSN. Many of you challenged ALSN to fully lean into our identity as a global organization. You asked us to think bigger, reach wider, and lead boldly beyond boarders. I am thrilled to say: that vision is becoming reality.

This momentum comes alive most visibly through our International Ambassadors Program, launched in 2025, and our upcoming 2026 ALSN Virtual Global Nursing Leadership Science Conference (May 29, 2026), our first-ever virtual global conference. This gathering will bring nurse leaders, scholars, and innovators from around the world together to learn, connect, and collaborate, because the future of nursing leadership science is, unquestionably, global.

That same spirit of collaboration was on full display this past month with our international webinar, “Navigating the Future Together: Shaping Global Nursing Leadership through Collaborative Science and Practice.” Envisioned, developed, and implemented by the International Membership Committee, the response was extraordinary—over 300 registrations and 99 live attendees, making it the largest webinar ALSN has ever hosted. Featuring Dr. Pam Cipriano and Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, the conversation explored the current state of global collaboration in nursing leadership science and practice, why it matters now more than ever, and strategies to strengthen our collective work. This success speaks to both the relevance of the topic and the appetite within our community for global engagement.

I also want to recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts of our Programs Planning Committee, whose leadership has shaped a bold and inspiring vision for this year’s ALSN Annual Conference in Los Angeles. Centered on collaboration and leading with purpose, this theme reflects what nursing leadership science demands of us today, and what our members are uniquely positioned to deliver. Behind the scenes, the committee is now hard at work reviewing abstracts for the conference, and I’m thrilled to share that we received one of the largest numbers of abstract submissions in ALSN’s history. This extraordinary response reflects the vitality of our field and the trust our members place in ALSN as a home for innovative, high‑impact nursing leadership science.

Over the past year, the Professional Development Committee has worked tirelessly to increase the frequency, reach, and impact of ALSN webinars, delivering outstanding educational offerings that continue to grow our community and strengthen our influence. Of particular note is their commitment to deepening our partnership with the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC). Through co‑sponsored webinars spanning topics such as finance from the bedside to the boardroom, the epidemiology of compassion, and the nurse leader as coach, we have brought the best of both organizations to life. These collaborative efforts have created greater value for ALSN and NOBC members than either organization could have achieved alone.

A special thank you to Dr. Todd Tussing, Director of Programs and Professional Development, whose leadership, dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit are generating new learning opportunities for our members (stay tuned!) and shaping what promises to be an outstanding conference this September. Todd, you exemplify the values of leadership, service, and collaboration that define the very best of nurse leaders.

To every board member, committee chair, and committee member who has given time, talent, and vision to ALSN: you are making a meaningful difference. Your work is elevating our collective knowledge, expanding our networks, and amplifying our influence, globally.

I encourage each of you to stay engaged, take advantage of these opportunities, and register for both our 2026 Los Angeles (in-person) Conference and the 2026 Virtual Global Conference. I look forward to seeing each of you there! Together, we are leading with purpose and shaping the future of nursing leadership science.

Together in leadership,

Heather Nelson‑Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA‑BC, CNE, FAAN
President, ALSN

Spring has finally arrived, well, at least on the calendar.  Some of our members are still digging out from the snow and ice, while others are experiencing summer-like temperatures. Like the weather, things are heating up for our annual conference planning. The conference podium and poster opportunities offer excellent professional engagement experience for doctoral students and junior faculty. We have 26 abstract reviewers lined up to help read and choose our podium and poster presenters.  We are still working on the pre-conference and keynote speaker line up. More to come soon.

March 11, at 12 PM (EST), Dr. Sue Hassmiller gave an excellent presentation titled, Nurse Leader as Coach: Creating High Performance Teams. Her engagement with the participants left us reflecting on our roles as leaders and coach. Future webinars promise to be just as exciting and engaging. On April 7th, at 9 AM (EST) the Membership Committee is sponsoring an international themes webinar featuring a panel discussion moderated by our President, Dr. Heather Nelson-Brantley. Panel members include Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick (Director of the Marion K. Shaunessy Leadership Academy at Case Western Reserve) and Dr. Pam Cipriano—former president of the International Council on Nursing. The title of the discussion is Navigating the Future Together: Shaping Global Nursing Leadership Through Collaborative Science and Practice.   

Our next collaborative event with Nurses on Boards Coalition is on Tuesday, May 19th, 12p (EST), Dr. Oriana Beaudet will give a presentation on the theme of Innovation.  Dr. Teri Chenot and her team will present on June 3rd, 12p, Aligning Magnet with Safety Competence. National Action Plan. You’ll want to place a “hold” on your calendar for these exciting educational opportunities. Dr. Jaclyn Buck and her research team will present on Tuesday, July 14, 12 – 1p (EST) on a recent study they completed titled, VR and NM Burnout.

Additionally, the Professional Development committee is still seeking members to round out the team. If interested, please contact Dr. Todd Tussing: programs@alsn.email 

 Author: Dr. Todd Tussing, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FNAP

Fostering Value and Building Community Through ALSN Engagement

This month, as I continue to deepen my understanding of how ALSN operates, I am truly honored to participate in the Bylaws Committee meetings. In our meetings, I observed colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives working collaboratively, remaining dedicated and focused on our shared goals, and consistently contributing meaningful value by ensuring governance standards are in place. Our Bylaws are pivotal for consistence, transparency, and fairness in how ALSN is managed.

While no monetary compensation is exchanged, members invest time and attention to the committee’s work, while also demonstrating a passion for the broader professional community. This is what true value looks like. Over time, these professional connections often grow into long-lasting friendships with people who celebrate successes, encourage new opportunities, and help to remind you why you chose the field of nursing leadership and system science.

As a member of ALSN, you never have to grow alone; you are part of a community that enhances your practice, amplifies your voice, and strengthens your impact.

Your turn: How do you personally find value in ALSN’s mission and membership community? I encourage you to share your thoughts or ideas with me at: president.elect@alsn.email

This month's ALSN Member Spotlight features Dr. Todd Tussing, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FNAP -  Associate Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University and Director of Programs and Professional Development at ALSN.

For many nurse leaders, the spark of ambition is lit early by those who model the way. For Dr. Todd Tussing, that inspiration came during nursing school while observing Neenah Grove, a head nurse on a 38-bed orthopedic unit. Her organizational prowess, high standards for quality, and calm demeanor when navigating complex dynamics with surgeons left a lasting impression.

"Early in my career, I found similar leadership attributes in the nursing supervisors and directors I encountered," Todd recalls. "I developed a desire to have my own team to foster and grow into the best nursing team possible."

Impact at Ohio State and ALSN

Today, Todd channels that passion into academia and engagement in professional organizations. At The Ohio State University College of Nursing, he serves as an Associate Clinical Professor and the Track Director for the Nurse Executive Track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. His work focuses on preparing the next generation of  nursing leaders through his leadership and mentorship for faculty and students, and teaching courses on quality improvement, economics, finance, and healthcare operations in both the DNP and Masters’ in Healthcare Innovation programs.

Within ALSN, Todd plays a pivotal role as the Director of Programs and Professional Development. In this capacity, he oversees the committees responsible for planning the annual conference (Programs Committee) and hosting the organization’s webinar series (Professional Development Committee)--essential platforms for knowledge-sharing and community building.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Future

When reflecting on the current state of healthcare, Todd identifies the "brain drain" of COVID and the post-pandemic era that resulted in the exodus of nurses across the continuum, including nursing leaders, as a significant concern. The departure of experienced leaders has created a mentorship gap that threatens nursing culture across healthcare.

"Nursing culture directly impacts quality of care and nurse retention," Todd explains. Without experienced mentors to guide them, early-career leaders face challenges in their own personal and professional development and their ability to create cultures that promote retention.

However, he remains excited and energized by the shift in nurses’ desire to  earn terminal degrees earlier in their careers. He believes that having doctorally-prepared nurses leading for decades—rather than just at the end of their careers—will transform clinical outcomes.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Todd attributes his own success to a variety of mentors that have helped shepherd him. His primary advice for aspiring leaders is to seek out diverse mentorship tailored to different professional needs. "My trajectory success has been a direct result of the mentors who have supported me," says Todd. He suggests maintaining two or three mentors simultaneously, citing his own experience of having separate mentors for administration, scholarship, and faculty roles. For those looking to make their mark, he views ALSN as the ideal home to find that support.

NOTE: Google Gemini was used in the generation of this work through support in creation of an outline creation and grammar checking. 

If you would like to connect with nurse leaders like Dr. Tussing and be part of this community, learn more about ALSN membership at: ALSN.info/Membership

A dear friend and colleague recently sent me a message that has stayed with me:

“Love yourself for everything you’ve been, everything you are, and everything you will be.”

These words resonate deeply, because embracing our whole selves, our histories, our strengths, our imperfections, and our aspirations, is essential to leading with purpose.

In a world filled with noise, conflict, and competing priorities, it is easy to lose sight of what first ignited our passion for this profession. It’s easy to grow weary, to turn inward, or to retreat from the magnitude of what needs changing. Yet it is precisely in these challenging moments that we must return to our inner compass, that place where purpose lives. Let that light be your true North.

Leading with purpose requires intention. It calls us to lean into the work that gives us meaning, to hold fast to the values that guide us, and to gently quiet the noise that distracts us or causes us to question our worth. The world will always offer reasons to doubt, delay, or diminish our voice, but you are here because you have already done great work, and because there is even greater work ahead.

For nurse leaders, whether in academe, practice, or research, leading with purpose is not a lofty ideal. It is a discipline. It is a daily commitment to show up with clarity, compassion, and courage. It means asking ourselves questions that matter:

• What is my leadership aspiration?
• What impact do I want to have on learners, colleagues, patients, and communities?
• How do I currently show up, and how might I show up more intentionally?
• What beliefs or habits might be holding me back from the leader I am becoming?

Purpose-centered leadership also requires self-awareness. Many of us hold tightly to values like expertise, credibility, or achievement, values that serve us well, but can also unintentionally constrain us. When we focus too heavily on appearing knowledgeable, successful, or “put together,” we may limit our willingness to take risks, to be vulnerable, or to try new approaches that align with the leader we aspire to be.

As nurse leaders who champion quality improvement and believe in the power of PDSAs, this is our opportunity to create a small test of change in our own leadership practice.

• What story do you tell yourself that keeps you from stepping fully into your purpose?
• What would it look like to experiment with letting that story fade?
• What would success look like, not for perfection, but for progress?

As ALSN members, you are shaping the future of nursing leadership science. You are nurturing the next generation of nurse scholars and influencing systems that affect care across the continuum. Your purpose matters. Your presence matters. And your leadership, rooted in authenticity, reflection, and courage, has the power to transform the environments in which you work and the people you serve.

This month, I invite you to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with the purpose that called you to nursing leadership in the first place. Let it guide you. Let it strengthen you. And let it remind you that who you are, and who you are becoming, is exactly what our profession needs.

With gratitude for the purpose you carry,
Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FAAN

Imagine being entrusted with a rare and extraordinary pearl, an heirloom whose importance only grows as the years pass. Upon receiving this treasure, you might be captivated by its shimmering glow, watching as the light dances across its surface and reveals new depths of brilliance. The excitement to share such beauty would be undeniable, inspiring you to invite friends and colleagues to join in celebrating its radiance. With every story told and every expression of appreciation, the pearl's worth increases, enriching the lives of all who witness its luster.

For me, the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) is that dazzling pearl. ALSN has been instrumental in advancing knowledge, developing leadership education, and fostering a vibrant community dedicated to nursing leadership and systems science. Over a decade ago, when my PhD dissertation chair encouraged me to join, I felt as if I had been handed a unique and constantly evolving treasure. I was immediately struck by the openness, collaborative spirit, and generosity of experienced nurse scientists who eagerly shared their expertise, helping to refine our collective gem. Each member’s research, mentorship, advocacy, and passion make our pearl shine even more brightly.

A brilliant facet of ALSN’s legacy is its research committee. Early in my journey with ALSN, I joined the research team that set priorities for nursing leadership research. This collaborative experience not only advanced my own professional growth but also contributed valuable insights to the broader nursing community, further enhancing the radiance and significance of our shared pearl.

Reflecting on ALSN’s roots and its promising future, I am continually inspired by its expanding influence. Every new member, every shared discovery, and every collaborative achievement make our legacy glow even brighter. Together, we preserve this treasured pearl, the science of nursing leadership, as a priceless heirloom, growing in value for all who appreciate and contribute to its brilliance.

How about you? In what ways are you helping to further ALSN’s mission? I invite you to share your thoughts or ideas with me at: president.elect@alsn.email

Author: Dr. Joy Parchment, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPDC, ACC, FAAN 

Advancing Together Through Collaboration, Purpose, and Possibility

As we move into March, I continue to be inspired by the collective strength, creativity, and purpose that define the ALSN community. This year, we are leaning fully into collaboration, purpose driven leadership, and advancing nursing leadership science through optimism and innovation. Across our community, I see evidence that these values are not just aspirational. They are alive. They are shaping our partnerships, our global engagement, and the new pathways we are building for nurse leaders everywhere.

Our Collaborative Momentum: A Few Highlights

Last month, I shared how our partnerships, both established and emerging, are fueling meaningful progress across ALSN. As we look ahead, here are a few key reminders that reflect the power of our shared work:

• Our partnership with the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) continues to expand governance and leadership opportunities, with two upcoming co-sponsored webinars: Dr. Sue Hassmiller on March 11 and Dr. Oriana Beaudet on May 19. Visit our Live Webinars page for the latest information and to register.
  
  
• Our partnership with Galen College of Nursing is moving forward with a Delphi study that will help shape competencies for academic nurse leaders, blending the expertise of ALSN researchers with Galen’s innovative vision.
  
  
• Our ALSN International Ambassador Program, uniting 11 Ambassadors across 11 countries, is enriching ALSN with vibrant international perspectives as we prepare for our inaugural ALSN International Virtual Conference May 29, 2026, where each Ambassador will showcase their work to our global community.

At our 2025 ALSN Conference in Atlanta, leaders from ALSN, NOBC, the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy, and AONL came together with all of you for a powerful collaborative session to identify synergies between each organization’s research priorities. Together, we began shaping a collaborative initiative to advance nursing leadership and governance science and build the momentum needed to move this work forward. This effort is groundbreaking in its shift from siloed approaches to a model of shared strength, one that leverages each organization’s unique contributions to create greater impact across nursing practice, healthcare systems, and communities. A manuscript capturing the session’s insights and outlining next steps is now in its final stages of development, and we look forward to sharing the outcomes and preparing for what comes next—together.

These efforts reflect the heart of our mission: building leadership capacity through shared knowledge, diverse voices, and intentional collaboration.

Looking Ahead with Optimism and Purpose

What gives me the greatest sense of hope is recognizing that our progress is not accidental. It is the result of intentional, purpose driven leadership from every member of our community. This year, as we deepen partnerships, welcome global voices, and innovate new pathways for nurse leaders, we are modeling what leadership can look like when it is anchored in collaboration, fueled by optimism, and guided by a shared mission to advance nursing leadership science.

Thank you for the work you do each day. Thank you for showing up with courage, curiosity, and compassion. And thank you for walking with me, and with each other, as we build a brighter future for our field, our healthcare settings, and our communities.

Together in Leadership,

Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA BC, CNE, FAAN

5 Communication Habits of Highly Effective Nurse Leaders

Nurse leadership is most often experienced through everyday communication, including how expectations are clarified, how feedback is given, and how concerns are addressed in professional settings.

Across practice, education, and governance roles, communication behaviors consistently emerge as defining characteristics of effective nurse leaders.

Relational leadership in nursing is often reflected in everyday communication behaviors. In the ALSN on-demand webinar, State of the Science of Relational Leadership , Dr. K. David Bailey, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, NEA-BC, FACHE described relational leadership through traits such as effective communication, being trustworthy, collaborative, empathetic, and flexible and open to dialogue.

Together, these leadership concepts can be observed in everyday practice. The following five communication habits represent behaviors commonly associated with effective nurse leaders.

1. Effective Nurse Leaders Listen Before They Intervene

For many nurses, leadership is defined by how leaders communicate in day-to-day situations. In the ALSN on-demand webinar, Human-Centered Leadership in Healthcare: Evolution of a Revolution , presenters described interviews with nurses across roles from bedside to executive leadership. Participants were asked to: “describe a leader… who you would follow to the end of the earth - what was it about that nurse leader that made you feel that way?” The responses were not about authority or expertise. They centered on how leaders listened, understood concerns, and responded thoughtfully before acting.

Listening allows nurse leaders to understand workflow realities, staff concerns, and patient care barriers before introducing solutions. When leaders respond without first understanding the situation, teams may comply, but engagement and trust are weaker.

In relational and human-centered leadership models, listening is not passive. It is how leaders gather context, interpret team needs, and make decisions that staff believe are informed rather than imposed.

2. Effective Nurse Leaders Clarify Context, Not Just Instructions

Healthcare settings require staff to make decisions quickly and often independently. Nurse leaders support this by communicating purpose, not only direction.

In the ALSN on-demand webinar Authentic Nurse Leadership Practice , Rosanne Raso, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FAONL described one component of authentic leadership as “balanced processing means listening, taking input, being open.”

When nurse leaders explain the reasoning behind decisions, staff understand priorities and can act appropriately even when the leader is not present. Clear context improves decision-making, reduces rework, and helps teams connect daily tasks to broader patient care goals.

3. Effective Nurse Leaders Maintain Ongoing Feedback Conversations

Ongoing communication about performance and development is a routine part of effective nurse leadership.

In relational leadership models, development and empowerment are central processes. Rosanne Raso, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, described leadership empowerment as “focusing on building people’s strengths and growth and development.”

Leadership communication includes everyday coaching, recognition, and correction that help staff improve their practice.

Ongoing feedback reinforces safe practice, supports learning, and helps address small issues before they become significant problems. When communication about performance is consistent and expected, teams are more likely to engage in continuous improvement and professional growth.

For more on this nurse leadership topic, visit ALSN’s On-Demand Webinar library and watch: Authentic Nurse Leadership Practice .

4. Effective Nurse Leaders Create Psychological Safety Through Dialogue

In daily practice, leadership is experienced through conversation. How nurse leaders respond to questions, concerns, and uncertainty shapes whether staff feel comfortable speaking up.

In the ALSN on-demand webinar, Human-Centered Leadership in Healthcare: Evolution of a Revolution , Dr. Lucy Leclerc, PhD, RN, NPD-BC aptly noted that healthcare professionals “signed up to work with people every day, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year… and we believe that human-centered leaders recognize the humanity in ourselves and in each other.”  This perspective emphasizes that leadership communication involves understanding people’s experiences, concerns, and reactions, not only directing tasks. Because care occurs in constantly changing situations, communication becomes a primary nurse leadership tool.

Psychological safety develops when nurses feel they can ask questions, admit uncertainty, raise concerns, and respectfully disagree without negative consequences. Leaders who listen and respond thoughtfully show that input is welcome. Over time, this builds trust and encourages earlier communication.

Open communication directly affects patient care. When staff trust leadership responses, they report risks sooner, clarify orders more often, and address problems earlier. Environments where people hesitate to speak allow issues to grow.

Through everyday dialogue, nurse leaders influence both team culture and patient safety.

5. Effective Nurse Leaders Follow Up and Follow Through

One of the most overlooked leadership behaviors is follow-up. Staff frequently raise workflow concerns, patient care barriers, and operational frustrations, but communication does not end when the concern is voiced. From the staff perspective, communication ends when they know what happened afterward.

Relational leadership discussions in ALSN on-demand webinar, State of the Science of Relational Leadership , highlights that nurse leaders often act as representatives for their teams. In the webinar, Dr. K. David Bailey (Chief Nursing Officer, UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center ) explains: “When I walk into a room I represent the 4,500 nurses that work in this organization… I don’t represent David… I represent the 4,500 plus people that hold the title of nurse in our system.”

Because leaders speak upward on behalf of staff, reporting back becomes part of the leadership role.

Follow-through may include sharing decisions, explaining limitations, acknowledging suggestions, or updating teams on progress. Even when a solution cannot be implemented immediately, transparency about the process demonstrates that staff concerns were heard and considered.

Over time, consistent follow-up builds trust. When staff see that raising issues leads to communication rather than silence, they are more likely to speak up early, participate in improvement efforts, and remain engaged in patient care and team functioning.

Communication Behaviors Shape Nurse Leadership

Leadership is often associated with authority or title, but in nursing it is experienced behaviorally through daily interactions.

Across leadership models, similar relational behaviors appear consistently: listening, clarity, dialogue, feedback, and trust-building communication. These are not personality traits. They are professional communication practices that can be learned and developed.

Effective nurse leaders communicate in ways that help teams understand expectations, feel safe speaking up, and stay connected to the purpose of care. Over time, these everyday behaviors influence workplace culture, staff engagement, and ultimately patient outcomes.

Further Learning: Additional nurse leadership development topics are available in the ALSN On-Demand Webinar Library: https://alsn.info/On-Demand-Webinars

About The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN)

The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN ) was established in 1970 as the Council on Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing as a formal organization dedicated to collegial relationships and intellectual exchange among nurse educators whose focus was nursing administration at the graduate level.

ALSN’s diverse membership includes advanced practice nurses in leadership, education, research, and those fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. ALSN’s mission and vision are grounded in the commitment to advance leadership science providing evidence to improve quality outcomes for all those served.

Through ALSN’s many on-going activities, webinars, conferences, JONA journal articles and scholarly recognition awards, ALSN claims a wide span of influence on nursing leadership research. Learn more at ALSN.info