Upcoming Programs

Exceptional professional learning builds an engaged and resilient nursing workforce and helps nurse leaders at stages of their leadership journey succeed in their roles.

Invest in yourself, your team, and your organization by participating in our interactive professional development programs led by esteemed faculty and distinguished thought leaders.

Click here to download our Fall 2025 Programs At-a-Glance

Winter/Spring '26 Leadership Lunch Series
Fridays: Jan. 16th, Feb. 20th, Mar. 20th, and Apr. 17th, 2026, 12:00-1:30 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

ONL's Leadership Lunch Series is a four-part, interactive, live educational program in which nurse leaders and nursing teams learn and gain inspiration from our remarkable faculty lineup who share diverse perspectives ranging from big-picture thinking to tactical, actionable strategies. During each session, participants spend 90 minutes hearing from a different nationally-recognized distinguished thought leader via Zoom, with protected time to enjoy their lunch!

This program offers something for everyone at all levels of leadership and is a great way for organizations to invest in their nursing teams. When viewed as a team, this program serves as a jumping off point for internal discussion of the ideas shared and collaboration on application and strategies for implementation.

Essential Leadership Skills for Charge Nurses
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM ET via Zoom
For current and aspiring charge nurses

Led by Dr. Crystal Lawson, this interactive virtual workshop equips and empowers new and aspiring charge nurses with the essential leadership skills needed to be effective and successful across key aspects of the charge nurse role, including promoting quality outcomes, cultivating a healthy work environment, and fostering teamwork. Participants gain practical tools and strategies that can be put to use immediately on their unit.

From Leader to Author: A Nurse Leader’s Guide to Getting Your Work Published
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM ET via Zoom

So many great ideas in nursing leadership never see publication because the process of writing a journal article can seem daunting to new authors. In this ONL Member Roundtable, Dr. Rose Sherman will demystify the publication process and provide practical tips and tools to help you become a published author in 2026.

Topics covered will include:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome as an author
• Turning presentations and projects into publications
• Developing a writing mindset
• Deciding on your target audience
• Choosing the right journal for your work
• Querying journal editors
• Positioning your work in what is already known about the subject
• Adhering to journal guidelines
• Thinking like a journal editor
• Avoiding the most common reasons for an article rejection
• Understanding journal timelines and requests for revision
• Deciding authorship in journals if writing with others
• Handling article rejections
• Using AI in your writing and editing

ONL Member Roundtables are no-cost professional learning opportunities open exclusively to ONL Members. Members, please login to your MyONL account to register for this session.

Elevating Your Executive Presence and Influence
Thursday, January 29th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
Nurse managers and directors with at least one full year of experience in a formal leadership role

Experienced leaders will tell you that getting results is not just about what you do, but how you go about doing it. Led by Dr. Dan Weberg, this interactive workshop will help nurse leaders enhance their executive presence and professional influence. Whether taking on a new role, working across departments, leading change, or building engagement, this session will prepare nurse leaders for higher-level leadership success in an increasingly complex, networked environment.

The Healthcare Impact of H.R. 1: Implications for Chief Nursing Officers and Senior Nurse Leaders
Friday, January 30th, 2026, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET via Zoom
For Chief Nursing Officers, Nursing Executives, and Senior Nurse Leaders

In this session for nursing executives and senior nurse leaders, Dr. Syl Trepanier, System Chief Nursing Officer at Providence, will review H.R. 1's key provisions affecting healthcare policy, including expanded coverage, patient protections, and funding strategies, and will discuss the vital role nurse leaders play in guiding their organizations through these changes. Through discussion, this session will bring to light opportunities for nurse leaders to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and engage in strategic decision-making as the healthcare landscape evolves under H.R. 1.

This session is free for ONL Members to attend, and is open to both members and not-yet-members.

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Leading Multi-Generational Nursing Teams
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Nursing teams today span multiple generations, each with distinct attitudes, communication styles, and workplace expectations. For nurse leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to bridge generational divides, foster collaboration, and lead teams that thrive. Led by Dr. Rose Sherman, this highly interactive workshop provides actionable tools and strategies for leaders at all levels to help their multigenerational nursing teams build bridges— not walls—as they work together to provide care.

The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM ET via Zoom For Nurse Managers & Directors
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM ET via Zoom For Charge Nurses, Emerging Leaders, Team Leads & Clinical Leaders

This highly-rated program offers fantastic foundational leadership training for nurse leaders newly in a leadership role.

Nurses are often promoted into leadership roles with little or no training in the leadership, management, and communication skills needed to succeed. This one-day, interactive workshop is designed to equip new leaders with the key skills and strategies needed to be successful: transitioning into a leadership role; communication and collaboration, including power and authority; resource management; and managing staff performance.

This workshop is offered on two different dates, with each date's program customized to bring focus and examples that are designed for the specified target audience.

Spring Quarterly Meeting  |  Influencing Policy: Strategies for Increasing Individual and Organizational Impact
Friday, March 6th, 2026, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Join us for ONL's Spring Quarterly Meeting to explore how leaders and organizations can meaningfully impact policy at the local, organizational, and national levels. Featuring AONL Chief Executive Officer Emeritus Dr. Robyn Begley and additional leaders sharing real-world strategies and inspiring personal journeys, the program will equip participants with practical tools to elevate nursing priorities and amplify their impact. This interactive, half-day virtual event is designed for nurses at all levels who are ready to strengthen their leadership voice and influence change within their communities and beyond. 

Thriving as a Nurse Leader: Increasing Productivity, Enhancing Work-Life Balance, and Preventing Burnout
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET via Zoom

In today’s fast-paced world, workloads are heavier than ever, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. In this ONL Member Roundtable, psychologist and habit coach Dr. Carol Perlman will share practical strategies and tricks for increasing productivity, which can lead to better stress management, work-life balance, and make new space for finding joy in work. ONL Member Roundtables are no-cost professional learning opportunities open exclusively to ONL Members. Members, please login to your MyONL account to register for this session.

Preparing Preceptors for Success
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM ET via Zoom
For current and aspiring clinical nursing preceptors

Good nurse preceptors are a valuable asset for units and organizations. When preceptors are able to successfully deliver a good onboarding experience for new hires, they can directly impact retention, build trust within the nursing team, and elevate nursing practice.

Led by Dr. Crystal Lawson, this interactive virtual workshop is designed to expose preceptors to the principles of adult learning theory and prepare them with tools to help newly hired nurses practice safely and feel welcomed. Participants will learn key strategies for giving feedback and practice skills that will help them effectively pass on their knowledge and promote safe practice.

Navigating Conflict With Clarity and Confidence
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Nurse leaders at all levels need the skills and know-how to navigate conflict with clarity and confidence. In this interactive program, conflict management expert Randy Keirn will equip nurse leaders with a step-by-step framework for managing and resolving conflict effectively and sustainably. Participants will leave with the ability to transform conflict situations into opportunities for improvement, increased accountability, and enhanced team performance.

ONL Leadership Catalyst
Wednesday and Thursday, April 29th and 30th, 2026, at the Conference Center at Waltham Woods in Waltham, Massachhusetts
For nurse leaders with two or more years of formal leadership experience

This two-day, in-person program offers immersive leadership development for nurse leaders with two or more years of formal leadership experience. Participants will deepen their strategic leadership capacity, gain insights about their leadership practice, and refine their leadership purpose to reflect their values. Upon completing the program, nurse leaders will be equipped with strategies for leading diverse and multi-generational teams, strategically navigating complex relationships, and strengthening teams by enhancing resilience, purpose, and replenishment.

Participants can expect two full days of engaging content, insightful discussions, and collaborative activities led by renowned faculty with extensive experience in healthcare leadership. Nurse leaders will also benefit from building meaningful connections face-to-face with their cohort of fellow nurse leaders from New England; program faculty; and ONL leaders during the workshops and networking sessions. These valuable relationships will provide a supportive professional network to whom participants can turn as fellow leaders. 

Succeeding in Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Nurse Leaders
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Difficult conversations are part of every leadership role, and feeling confident in challenging conversations takes practice. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Crystal Lawson will offer practical tools to empower nurse leaders to succeed in executing difficult conversations, reduce anxiety about giving feedback, and gain confidence in managing performance while also demonstrating respect.

Staying Power: Building a Culture of Retention in the New World of Work
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

More than half of all nurses now leave their organizations within their first two years of employment. Generation Z nurses have different ideas about work and will quickly leave organizations if their needs are not met. Turnover is costly, disruptive to teams, and impacts the quality and safety of nursing care. To effectively retain nurses in this new world of work, leaders need to build a culture with staying power. During this workshop, Dr. Rose Sherman will share actionable, forward-thinking recruitment and retention strategies to promote well-being, engagement, career advancement, and a sense of belonging among the current and next-generation nursing workforce.

2026 ONL Annual Meeting
Thursday and Friday, June 4th and 5th, 2026 at the Newport Marriott Hotel and Spa
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Join us for learning, community, and inspiration at ONL's 2026 Annual Meeting: a dynamic, interactive conference that will take a deep dive into some of the profession’s most complex opportunities and share ideas and strategies to help nurse leaders meet this moment and lead for tomorrow. Our 2026 Annual Meeting will offer an unparalleled opportunity for nurse leaders at all levels to connect, collaborate, and learn. Nurse leaders in all roles across both academic and practice settings including clinical leaders, nurse managers and directors, nursing executives, and others are invited to attend to gain valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for leading nursing teams.

Applying for AONL Fellow Designation
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET via Zoom

Are you considering applying for Fellow Designation in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)? Attend this ONL Member Roundtable learn more about the process and get assistance with your application from experienced ONL colleagues who have firsthand knowledge of the application process and tremendous insight to share. ONL Member Roundtables are no-cost professional learning opportunities open exclusively to ONL Members. Members, please login to your MyONL account to register for this session.

Leading Change: Why Leaders Struggle, and How to Flip the Script
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM ET via Zoom
For nurse leaders at every stage of their leadership journey

Leading change isn’t for the faint of heart—and in today’s healthcare landscape, those who hesitate risk getting left behind. Many leaders find themselves caught between big ideas and real-world barriers, unsure how to move forward.

Nurse leaders are responsible for maintaining ongoing operations and care while also translating organizational strategy into action—that's hard. This energizing, interactive session will explore why change feels so hard and share practical, actionable strategies for how nurse leaders can turn hesitation into momentum—and ideas into impact.