Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1541944
18 NURSING SPOTLIGHT can pave the way for a healthcare future that's both responsive and forward-thinking. In essence, leading nursing operations now invites us to embrace change and innovation while staying grounded in the core values that define our profession. ASN: A few years ago — especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — nursing leadership was almost entirely focused on operations. Many of us were embedded in incident command structures, working tirelessly to ensure staff safety and maintain high-quality patient care under extraordinary circumstances. Post-pandemic, operations remain a priority, but the context has shied. Today, leading nursing operations means balancing the day-to-day demands of patient care, relationship-building and data management with the need to standardize workflows across increasingly complex, matrixed health systems. As organizations grow and merge, integration becomes critical. For me, the most significant change is the need to lead with a systems mindset — sensitive to integration while still managing the essential components of nursing operations. It's challenging work, but it's also vital to the success of modern healthcare organizations. JT: e acuity of the patient, the changing landscape for hospitals as they seek to drive efficiencies and value, the impact of the aging demographics and rural healthcare (lack of community resources), the advent of technology opportunities and labor market challenges not just for RNs but the whole care team. All of these components are driving operational changes today. Q: Looking ahead, what new skills or leadership qualities do you think will define the most successful CNOs in the next phase of healthcare? DM: As we look toward the future of healthcare, the role of CNO is poised for significant transformation. is evolution will require a blend of new skills and leadership qualities to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of healthcare. First and foremost, adaptability and agility will be paramount. Successful CNOs will need to rapidly adapt to changes in healthcare regulations, technology advancements and shis in patient demographics. is agility will extend to making informed decisions swily, particularly in crisis situations where time is of the essence. Moreover, technological savvy will define the modern CNO. Proficiency in healthcare technology and data analytics will be essential to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. An understanding of artificial intelligence and automation tools will also be crucial, as these technologies offer new opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery and streamline processes. Strong communication skills will continue to be a cornerstone of effective leadership in nursing. CNOs must communicate clearly and effectively with staff, patients, and stakeholders to build trust and collaboration. is includes cultural competence, enabling them to communicate inclusively with diverse patient populations and a multicultural workforce. Emotional intelligence will be equally important. Successful leaders will need to maintain a compassionate approach, essential for leading teams and managing patient care under stress. Fostering resilience within oneself and the nursing team, while effectively managing stress and burnout, will be critical components of emotional intelligence in leadership. Strategic vision will set apart top CNOs. Visionary thinking will empower them to foresee industry trends and implement strategies that position their organizations for future success. Encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving among teams will drive improvements in healthcare delivery. Collaborative leadership will also be a defining trait. CNOs will need to foster strong partnerships across professions, ensuring cohesive and comprehensive care. Engaging with community stakeholders to address broader healthcare needs and social determinants of health will further enhance their collaborative efforts. Finally, ethical decision-making will underpin all aspects of effective leadership. A commitment to integrity and patient- centered care will uphold the values of the nursing profession. Transparency in policies and practices will promote trust and accountability. As CNOs anticipate these evolving demands, those who invest in developing these skills and qualities will be well-prepared to lead effectively in the next phase of healthcare, driving progress and innovation while maintaining a focus on compassionate care. ASN: Trust-building is, in my view, a core competency for any successful CNO. e ability to build and sustain trust—with teams, peers, dyad partners and communities — will be a key differentiator. e world has changed dramatically since the pandemic, and healthcare leaders must be attuned to the evolving needs of patients, staff and the broader community. Successful CNOs will need to remain informed, engaged and adaptable. As technology and AI continue to reshape healthcare, leaders must be comfortable with change and capable of pivoting quickly. Trust is what enables that agility. When trust is strong, teams can move faster, adapt more easily and stay aligned through uncertainty. VT: A good leader should always have emotional intelligence. ey have to be adaptable and a systems thinker. ose are nonnegotiable skills. CNOs of the future and healthcare leaders in general will have to be on top of data interpretation. ey also need to be okay with change and change management. Disruption is good. Change is hard for some folks, so you have to really be adept to change yourself so that you can help your teams grow. You have to be innovative and willing to bring on technology advancements. Underpinning all of those things is never losing sight of the patient. We can never lose sight of the patient and family, especially in pediatrics. I'm very passionate about that because it should always be the center; that's our hospital's mission. As long as you do that, you'll continue to drive on quality and safety. If you hold high expectations and that's what your team's delivering on, you'll build a strong culture and teams thrive on that — that's what drives recruitment and retention. JT: Broader operations experience and input — stepping up to own larger components of hospital and ambulatory operations, including assuming responsibility for teams not typically under the umbrella of nursing. Expanding accountability for transitions of care across the care continuum will also be critical, as well as fully engaging in technology and the performance indicators that will be needed to demonstrate impact. n