Each year at the Aspire Convention, ANPD presents prestigious awards to recognize members who have demonstrated excellence in nursing professional development. In this article, several 2024 ANPD Award winners share their thoughts on what makes a good leader.
2024 Belinda E. Puetz Award Recipient: Shannon Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, NPD-BC
Director of Professional Development and Education, Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania
A good leader in ambulatory professional development requires strong financial acumen as well as a progressive, divergent mindset to select, translate, and implement critical professional development throughputs. The ability to market and align your department with the NPD Practice Model is central to conserving the team’s impact and minimizing scope creep and role dilution—especially amidst a national workforce churn. Networking and collaboration with other professional development directors across the continuum supports standardization, care coordination, and capitalizes on finite NPD resources. Lastly, a good leader leads and develops programs from a point of inclusion versus exclusion by opening advancement models, preceptor courses, skills days, etc., to unlicensed assistive personnel—roles critical to steady the nursing workforce and stem turnover.
2024 Change Agent Award Recipient: Alisha Updike, MS, RN, PMGT-BC, NPD-BC
Nursing Professional Development Specialist Lead, Advocate Health
A good leader inspires others to embrace innovation and adaptability and motivates those in their sphere of influence to reach their full potential. Good leaders possess empathy, integrity, and the political acumen to navigate diverse perspectives and facilitate open dialogue amongst a team—fostering an environment where unconventional ideas are welcomed. Being a good leader means catalyzing transformation, while cultivating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration toward a shared purpose.
2024 Mentor Award Recipient: Emmika Elkin, MSN, RN, OCN, NPDA-BC®,
Nursing Professional Development Specialist, UCF Health
As a nursing professional development specialist with advanced certification (NPDA-BC®) and recipient of the 2024 Mentor Award, I believe that the essence of strong leadership lies in the unwavering commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Effective leadership in nursing professional development necessitates an adaptable mindset that welcomes change, cultivates a culture of growth and empowerment, and nurtures the ongoing education and mentorship of peers. A truly exceptional leader distinguishes themselves by embodying their values and principles, serving as motivation for their colleagues to strive for excellence within and beyond their roles. This commitment to leading by example not only inspires peers to achieve, but inevitably elevates the nursing profession as a whole.
2024 Leader Award Recipient: Jenny Harshman, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPN
Senior Director of Clinical Learning and Patient Education, Children’s Health
To me, being a good leader means two things. First, it means you have the responsibility to model the professional relationships and behaviors you want to see from your team—you have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Second, it means knowing that success isn’t about you anymore, but about your team and what you can do to give your team the opportunity to shine.
2024 Champion for Scientific Inquiry Award Recipient: Sandy Phan, DNP, RN, NPDA-BC®, CRRN
Nursing Professional Development Specialist, UC Davis Health
Being a good leader means influencing and inspiring others. Good leaders have a vision and provide a supportive, inclusive environment for learning and growth. They are approachable, transparent, and develop high-quality, trusting relationships.
2024 Partner for Practice Transitions Award Recipient: Stephanie Al-Adhami, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CAPA
Nurse Residency Program Manager, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
Good leadership boils down to self-awareness and humility. Own your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and surround yourself with others who can help fill in the gaps.
Learn more about the 2024 ANPD Awards and awardees on the ANPD website.