Blog & News Updates

Change rarely arrives with a clear plan. More often, it begins as a quiet nudge, a sense that the way we are moving through our days no longer fully reflects what matters most.

Recently, this came to mind during a conversation with a colleague about the pull of constant busyness, the kind that fills every moment, even when it no longer reflects what she values most. She shared how little time remained at the end of the day for self-care, exercise, rest, or meaningful time with her family. Her children, she said, simply wanted her to slow down and be present with them.

What stood out was not only her exhaustion, but also the quiet hope that she might give herself permission to choose differently. Many of us know what it feels like to keep moving, even when something within us is asking for a pause.

That moment reminded me that meaningful change often begins with intention and is strengthened through collaboration. For her, the questions became personal: What is getting in the way of living my values? And what small, realistic shift could help me honor what matters most? Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to listen and create room for honest reflection to lead to new possibilities.

This is the kind of human-centered collaboration ALSN members continue to create, not only working together on tasks but helping one another make intentional choices. It means giving ourselves permission to pause, recalibrate, and realign our daily actions with the values we hope to model as leaders. In doing so, we live out our values-centered leadership which is at the heart of ALSN.

As ALSN members, we are shaping the future of nursing leadership and systems science through the choices we make each day. This month, let us pause, recalibrate, and lead by choosing one small shift that aligns our actions with our values and inviting one ALSN colleague to do the same.

In this month’s President’s Column, ALSN President Dr. Heather Nelson-Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA BC, CNE, FAAN shares an update on ALSN’s new association management partnership with FirstPoint:

I’m excited to share important news that marks a pivotal moment for ALSN’s future. Please join me in warmly welcoming FirstPoint as our new association management company (AMC)—a partnership that positions us for our next chapter of growth and impact.   

Over the past several months, the ALSN AMC Search Taskforce reviewed more than ten proposals and conducted multiple rounds of interviews to identify the partner best aligned with ALSN’s mission, vision, and values. This thoughtful, thorough process led us to select FirstPoint for its strong alignment and clear potential to serve as a proactive partner in advancing and sustaining our work.   

I extend my sincere thanks to Joy Parchment, Todd Tussing, and the entire ALSN Board for their extraordinary time, care, and leadership throughout this effort. Their dedication ensures a strong and vibrant path forward for our organization.   

FirstPoint is a fully accredited AMC with more than 30 years of AMC experience, bringing deep expertise in event planning, international membership engagement, and certified virtual conferencing—capabilities that will enhance how we connect and serve you.   

We acknowledge Prime Management for their service to ALSN over the past five years and thank them for their contributions.   

This transition reflects a renewed commitment to excellence and positions ALSN for continued growth and long-term success. I look forward to all that lies ahead and to you meeting the FirstPoint team in person at our annual conference this September.   

To support you, FirstPoint will offer a dedicated phone line and email service for all ALSN needs. I encourage you to review the team bios included later in this newsletter to get acquainted with the professionals supporting our work.   

Thank you for your continued commitment to ALSN. Our future is bright, and I am inspired by what we will achieve together in this next chapter building on a long history of ALSN (and formerly CGEAN) contributions and impact.

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

There is so much we can learn from the natural world, especially
from even the smallest creatures. On a recent hike, my family and I
observed a long line of black ants stretching up one side of a hill
and down the other. Each ant carried a piece of a leaf and moved
with steady determination, as if it fully understood both its purpose
and its contribution to something greater.

When we asked our guide about this remarkable sight, we learned
they were leaf-cutter ants. Intrigued, I later learned more about
them. Despite their size, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes
that these ants play a powerful role in their ecosystem, they help
aerate the soil, can carry nearly fifty times their body weight, and
use natural defenses to protect their colonies from fungi. Their
example is a powerful reminder of what is possible when individuals
work with purpose and in community.

I see that same spirit in ALSN. Across roles, settings, states, and
countries, our members show up with intention, connecting,
building, and uplifting one another. Each effort matters. Each
contribution reinforces our collective impact. Together, we are not
only strengthening our organization, but we are also cultivating a
thriving community, with shared purpose and possibility.

Your turn: What idea are you growing? And who might help bring it
to life? I encourage you to connect across roles, regions, and
countries within ALSN to collaborate in new ways.

I would love to hear what you’re working on and what inspires you.
Please share one idea you’re exploring with me at
president.elect@alsn.email.

At the center of effective nursing leadership is something often overlooked: how nurses understand themselves within the profession.

In a past ALSN webinar, What is Professional Identity in Nursing? And Why Does It Matter?, Dr. Nelda Godfrey, PhD, ACNS-BC, RN, FAAN, ANEF, defines professional identity in nursing as “a sense of oneself, and in relationship with others, that is influenced by characteristics, norms, and values of the nursing discipline, resulting in an individual thinking, acting and feeling like a nurse.”

This concept moves beyond job descriptions or roles. It reflects how nurses internalize the values, knowledge, and expectations of the profession, and how that internalization shapes leadership behavior and patient outcomes.

As nursing roles continue to evolve, understanding this foundation is becoming increasingly important for individual nurses and the advancement of nursing leadership science .

Professional Identity in Nursing Is Not the Same as Professionalism

For years, nursing education and nurse leadership development have relied on the concept of “professionalism.” But as Dr. Godfrey explains, that language has limitations.

“The science is telling us that the term professionalism, particularly in our field, is inadequate to achieve the things that we want to achieve,” says Dr. Godfrey.

Professionalism is often interpreted narrowly as showing up on time, following rules, and meeting expectations. Professional identity in nursing takes a different approach. It develops over time and reflects how nurses think, make decisions, engage with others, and understand their role within the broader discipline.

This distinction matters for nurse leadership. Nurse leaders who operate with a strong professional identity do more than manage tasks. They shape culture, guide decision-making, and influence how nursing is practiced.

The Link Between Professional Identity in Nursing and Patient Outcomes

The impact of professional identity in nursing on patient care shows up in how nurses think, communicate, and make decisions in real clinical settings.

Nurses with a strong professional identity tend to demonstrate clearer clinical judgment, more effective communication, and a greater sense of responsibility for both patients and the profession. They are more likely to advocate for patients, uphold high practice standards, and engage meaningfully with their teams.

When that sense of identity is not well developed, the opposite patterns begin to emerge. Role confusion, self-doubt, and disengagement can take hold. These challenges affect not only the individual nurse, but also team dynamics and the quality of care being delivered.

Over time, these differences shape patient outcomes. Strong professional identity in nursing supports consistency, accountability, and trust within care environments, while its absence can lead to gaps in communication, reduced confidence in decision-making, and lower overall performance.

Why This Matters for Nursing Leadership

Nursing leadership extends across clinical, academic, and organizational settings, where roles and expectations continue to evolve. Professional identity provides a consistent foundation within that complexity.

As Dr. Godfrey explains, “A strong professional identity allows nurse leaders to distinguish between their disciplinary core, the professional identity of nursing, and the functional roles they may take on over time.”

This distinction matters. Nurse leaders may move between roles, but their identity as a nurse remains central to how they make decisions and guide others.

Without that foundation, leadership can become reactive or tied to a specific role. With it, leaders operate with greater clarity, consistency, and purpose.

The Four Domains of Professional Identity in Nursing

Professional identity in nursing is grounded in four core domains: values and ethics, knowledge, nurse as leader, and professional comportment.

These domains define what it means to think, act, and lead as a nurse. They provide a clear structure that can be applied across education, leadership development, and clinical practice. Rather than remaining a theoretical concept, professional identity becomes something that can be intentionally developed over time.

A Discipline Still Defining Itself

Nursing is a relatively young academic discipline, and that has shaped how professional identity has developed within the field.

“We’re very young as an academic discipline,” explains Dr. Godfrey.

While other professions have long integrated identity formation into education and practice, nursing is still establishing a shared understanding of what defines the discipline. This ongoing effort is helping to strengthen leadership, clarify expectations, and support more consistent practice across settings.

As healthcare continues to evolve, expectations for nurse leaders are expanding and the environments in which they work are becoming more complex. In that context, a clear foundation becomes increasingly important. Professional identity in nursing provides that foundation by shaping how nurses think, make decisions, and lead within the discipline.

Exploring Professional Identity in Nursing Through ALSN

The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN ) continues to bring forward research, dialogue, and practical frameworks that advance understanding of nursing leadership.

Through webinars like What is Professional Identity in Nursing? And Why Does It Matter?, ALSN connects nurse leaders, educators, and researchers to ideas that are shaping leadership and practice. These conversations help translate emerging research into real-world application.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of nursing leadership and stay connected to evolving research and practice, ALSN offers ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

Continue the Conversation 

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.

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