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  • 9 Jun 2026 6:27 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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.

  • 8 Jun 2026 3:50 PM | Admin (Administrator)

    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 

    To explore this topic further, visit ALSN’s On-Demand Webinar Library and watch: What is Professional Identity in Nursing? And Why Does It Matter?

    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
  • 4 Jun 2026 6:12 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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

  • 3 Jun 2026 2:23 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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 

  • 4 May 2026 5:54 PM | Admin (Administrator)

    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


  • 20 Apr 2026 5:42 PM | Admin (Administrator)

    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

  • 13 Apr 2026 3:07 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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

  • 9 Apr 2026 5:44 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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

  • 8 Apr 2026 2:26 PM | Admin (Administrator)


    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


  • 25 Mar 2026 6:45 PM | Admin (Administrator)

    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 

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