What an incredible few days it was attending the AONL 2025 Annual Conference in Boston. I left feeling inspired, energized, and more determined than ever to support our nurse leaders as they tackle some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. With over 5,000 talented nurse leaders from across the country, the sold-out event was filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. I wanted to share some of my key takeaways from this unforgettable experience.
Tackling common challenges together
One theme that stood out in nearly every conversation was the sense that nurse leaders are ready to move forward—but not alone. It was clear that everyone shared similar challenges, from addressing workforce shortages and retaining talent to alleviating administrative burdens. Yet, there was an undeniable optimism in the air. Nurse leaders are rolling up their sleeves, not only to find solutions but to lean on each other for support and guidance.
The staffing and retention crisis loomed large in many discussions. Leaders are working hard to find sustainable ways to make their organizations attractive to both bedside nurses and those stepping into first-time leadership roles. It underscored the need to not just recruit but also deeply invest in keeping nurses engaged and empowered throughout their careers.
Another major focus was the well-being of healthcare workers, especially leaders themselves. I was struck by how strongly this topic resonated across sessions and side conversations. Often, when a nurse transitions into a leadership role, the expectation is that they’ll carry the weight while supporting others. But it’s critical that we remember they need support too. Many discussions centered on building programs that prioritize mental health and create a culture where asking for help isn’t seen as a weakness, but a strength.
Inspiring and innovative presentations
Some of the most inspiring moments came from educational sessions. Chief Nursing Officer Brandy Mathews, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CENP, FACHE, of UK HealthCare in Kentucky, co-presented a session on fostering well-being through interdisciplinary collaboration. She dove deep into how collaboration among physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals can fuel a culture of support and synergy. Their approach to system-wide improvements, grounded in breaking down silos and building bridges between teams, resonated with me and what I’m striving to achieve in my role as CNIO of symplr.
I also found myself reflecting on a presentation by the Chief Nursing Executive at a Connecticut health system, who shared a bold new approach to healthcare policies, describing how they introduced patient-centered policies, while simultaneously creating education pipelines to uplift clinicians. These programs felt like actionable blueprints that other organizations could adapt, and it was heartening to see how policy can drive real change at the ground level.
Learning from each other
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was stepping into the shoes of other nurse leaders, hearing their stories, and understanding their struggles. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who truly “get it”—leaders who are managing staffing challenges, onboarding new clinical leaders, and navigating the demands of healthcare policy changes daily.
I had some enriching conversations with both emerging nurse leaders and seasoned experts. It was clear that this new generation of nurse leaders is driven by a hunger for innovation and connection. They want to do things differently, and their energy is contagious. At the same time, their openness to learning from seasoned counterparts reinforced the importance of mentorship and collaboration in nursing leadership.
Amidst all the learning and discussions, there were moments of celebration as well. One of the highlights was honoring our beloved CNO who recently passed away with an investment in the future, announcing the Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant. Karlene’s legacy of championing education and innovation in nursing leadership is one we hold dear, and this grant will help others carry that torch forward.
Our time at Fenway Park, where our team celebrated symplr’s recognition as the AONL Foundation 2025 Friend of the Year, was another proud moment.
Our time at Fenway Park, where our team celebrated symplr’s recognition as the AONL Foundation 2025 Friend of the Year, was another proud moment.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on my time in Boston, one thing is certain—we’re at a turning point in healthcare leadership. Nurse leaders aren’t just looking for quick fixes; they’re looking for long-term solutions that reduce burdens, improve outcomes, and support the emotional well-being of their staff. And for me, the biggest lesson was a simple but profound one: progress happens when we listen, learn, and collaborate.
To every leader I had the privilege of meeting and learning from at AONL 2025, thank you. Your stories remind me why our work matters and why, together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for healthcare where nurses have a voice and directly influence the direction of the industry and the profession. The opportunity to create connections—from formal presentations to casual chats over coffee or during evening events—underscored why gatherings like AONL are so vital. Boston may be behind us, but the momentum certainly isn’t.
