AONL to Release Nurse Leader Competencies at Annual Conference

AONL will release the updated AONL Nurse Leader Core Competencies in March. Led by AONL board members Marie Prothero and Tera Gross, with the support of AONL staff member Julibeth Lauren, a dedicated task force of practice and academic leaders reexamined, refined and elevated the competencies that define excellence in nursing leadership. This work reflects the realities of today’s complex care environments and the evolving responsibilities of nurse leaders across all settings. Grounded in the highest quality evidence and strengthened by clearly articulated behavioral expectations, nurse leaders from academia, practice, operations and industry have rigorously vetted the refreshed competencies. This collaborative, nationwide effort ensures the updated framework is both contemporary and future ready.
 

Task force members will unveil the updated competencies at AONL 2026, March 29- April 1, in Chicago. “This milestone marks a significant step forward for the nursing leadership profession, providing a modern, evidence based foundation that will guide leadership development, organizational strategy and the next generation of nurse leaders,” notes Claire M. Zangerle, DNP, RN, AONL CEO and American Hospital Association CNE.