Leadership in Nursing Key Thought Leaders in the Nursing Industry

Companies seeking innovation and guidance in the nursing profession often struggle to identify impactful leaders.

Thought leaders in nursing offer valuable insights into healthcare trends, patient care strategies, and industry advancements.

They possess deep knowledge and experience that can guide policy development, improve practice standards, and quality of care, and foster innovation within healthcare organizations.

Engaging with these leaders allows healthcare organizations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

You're on the right page to solve that problem because we'll help you find these key thought leaders.

Who are Nursing Thought Leaders?

Nursing thought leaders are experienced professionals who shape the future of the healthcare field through their expertise, research, and advocacy.

Following them offers you access to cutting-edge practices, innovative approaches to patient care strategies, and the latest in healthcare policy.

These leaders not only inspire change but also provide a wide range of practical solutions to complex challenges in nursing.

By staying connected with their work, you gain insights that can elevate your practice, enhance your patient-centered approach, and position you at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Top 13 Nursing Thought Leaders in 2024

1. Rebecca Love

Business website: Commission for Nurse Reimbursement

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Innovation in Nursing, Nurse Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Transformation.

Rebecca Love is a pioneering nurse executive known for her significant contributions to nursing innovation and entrepreneurship.

As the first nurse featured on Ted.com and a panelist at SXSW, Rebecca has an active role in bringing nursing to the forefront of healthcare discussion.

She is a regular contributor to the Forbes Business Council and has been featured in major publications like BBC, Fortune, and Forbes.

Rebecca initiated the first Director of Nurse Innovation & Entrepreneurship role in the U.S. at Northeastern School of Nursing, launching a groundbreaking initiative to empower nurses as innovators.

She also co-founded SONSIEL, a society recognized by the United Nations for its impact on nursing innovation.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found HireNurses.com, which was later acquired, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate within the healthcare sector.

Currently, as the Chief Clinical Officer of IntelyCare, Inc., and the founder of the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement, Rebecca continues to drive forward the nursing profession with her vision and leadership, making her one of the most influential nurse leaders.

What you can learn from Rebecca Love:

Following Rebecca Love, you can learn how to harness the power of innovation within the nursing field to create tangible changes in healthcare delivery and policy. Her work exemplifies the impact of nursing leadership on global health challenges and showcases the potential for nurses to lead in the development of healthcare technologies and entrepreneurial ventures. Rebecca’s insights into nurse empowerment and entrepreneurship offer valuable strategies for nurses looking to expand their roles beyond traditional boundaries and lead in healthcare innovation.

2. Bonnie Clipper

Business website: Innovation Advantage

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Nursing Innovation, Virtual Nursing, and Healthcare Technology.

Dr. Bonnie Clipper is a distinguished nurse futurist and a leading authority on virtual nursing and innovation within the healthcare industry.

As the first Vice President of Innovation at the American Nurses Association (ANA), she played a pivotal role in integrating over 4 million nurses into the innovation technologies through educational initiatives, HIMSS Nurse Pitch™ events, and strategic partnerships, including the ANA + BD Innovation Awards and the ANA + J&J nursing innovation podcast.

As the CEO and Founder of Innovation Advantage, Dr. Clipper has been at the forefront of transforming practices and delivery of care with virtual nursing in hospitals.

Her recognition as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellow further solidifies her credentials, contributing significantly to nursing innovation research and literature.

What you can learn from Bonnie Clipper:

By following Dr. Clipper, you gain insights into her effective leadership activities regarding the future of nursing and healthcare, specifically the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics in nursing care. Her work in building cultures of innovation within the nursing workforce provides valuable lessons on fostering an environment that encourages creativity and forward-thinking. Dr. Clipper’s expertise in virtual nursing and her contributions to the development of health-tech solutions offer a roadmap for nurses and healthcare professionals aiming to adapt to and lead healthcare technology forward.

3. Dr. Dan Weberg

Business website: Kaiser Permanente

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Healthcare Innovation, Technology Strategy in Healthcare, Human-Centered Patient Design.

Dr. Dan Weberg is a healthcare executive and innovation expert with a rich background in aligning technology, clinical practice, and operations within health systems and academia.

His experience spans leading technology creation, adoption, and comprehensive health system change initiatives across 8 states and 38 hospitals, impacting the quality of care of 60,000 nurses and managing multi-million dollar budgets.

Dr. Weberg has also advised health tech startups, venture teams, and philanthropic funds, helping them grow and implement strategic initiatives on social media platforms and beyond.

He is an internationally recognized speaker and consultant in healthcare innovation with a deep clinical background in emergency and trauma nursing.

What you can learn from Dr. Dan Weberg:

Following Dr. Weberg, you'll delve into the intersection of nursing, healthcare innovation, and technology, gaining insights into how to drive change and improve patient-centered care through human-centered design.

His work with Trusted Health as Head of Clinical Innovation showcases how to leverage staffing solutions to foster innovation within the healthcare workforce. Dr. Weberg’s experiences at Kaiser Permanente and his academic roles provide a comprehensive view of the implementation of innovative practices in healthcare teams, offering practical strategies and vision for nursing leadership looking to navigate the complexities of healthcare technology and operations.

4. Casey Green

Business website: Towson University

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Emergency Nursing Expertise, Critical Care Insights, Nursing Education.

Casey Green is a dedicated critical care nurse with 8 years of experience in high-stakes healthcare environments, including emergency departments, healthcare teams, various ICUs, and critical care ground transport.

Beyond her clinical roles, Casey is an adjunct nursing instructor, where she extends her expertise to the next generation of the nursing workforce through practical teaching.

Marking a significant milestone in her career, on July 8th, 2021, Casey became the 85th nurse ever to obtain all five emergency nursing certifications from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), in addition to her CCRN and CMC certifications from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) achieved within the same year.

Motivated by a desire to share her wealth of knowledge, Casey founded Critical Care Casey, a platform dedicated to educating future and current nursing workforce on the role of nursing, best practices, career advice, and study tips.

What you can learn from Casey Green:

By following Casey, you can tap into a reservoir of knowledge on emergency and critical care nursing, enriched by her diverse clinical experiences and academic involvement. Her journey to achieving a remarkable set of certifications in 2021 alone is a testament to her dedication, job satisfaction, and expertise, offering invaluable insights into the advancement of nurses' careers. Through Critical Care Casey, she provides practical advice, from mastering complex clinical skills to navigating the challenges of critical care nursing and other health care services, making her a vital resource for nurses at any stage of their career seeking to deepen their understanding and improve their practice.

5. Dr. Nat'e Guyton

Business website: Dignity Health

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Healthcare Operations, Informatics Expertise, Leadership in Healthcare.

Dr. Nat'e Guyton, Chief Operating Officer at Dignity Health, is a visionary leader in the healthcare industry with over 25 years of experience in various sectors including hospitals, technology companies, and academia.

Her role at Dignity Health, one of the nation's largest and most respected healthcare systems, involves a wide variety of tasks including overseeing operations, strategy, and performance to ensure excellence across the board.

A certified professional in healthcare informatics and an advanced nurse executive, Dr. Guyton holds advanced degrees in nursing, healthcare administration, and organizational leadership.

She is renowned for her ability to drive innovation, enhance the patient-centered approach to care quality, safety, and satisfaction, and for her commitment to workforce development within the health professions.

What you can learn from Dr. Nat'e Guyton:

Following Dr. Guyton, you'll gain insights into the integration of healthcare informatics and operational leadership to improve patient outcomes and organizational efficiency. Her extensive experience and successful track record in transforming healthcare environments through strategic innovation and leadership make her an invaluable resource for those interested in the future of healthcare management. Dr. Guyton's dedication to advancing healthcare informatics and her passion for empowering healthcare professionals offer unique perspectives and strategies for navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare industry.

6. Rhone D’Errico

Business website: n/a

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Professional Development, Mental Health Expertise, Career Empowerment in Nursing.

Dr. Rhone D’Errico stands at the forefront of nursing and healthcare education as a Doctor of Nursing Practice, certified nurse educator, and a multifaceted nurse practitioner with certifications in family, psychiatric-mental health, and emergency nursing.

As a professional speaker and educator, Dr. D’Errico is committed to delivering transformational value to organizations, companies, and professional associations.

Their speaking engagements span prestigious organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Academy of Forensic Nursing, showcasing their expertise and influence in the nursing field.

Dr. D’Errico’s approach is deeply personal, connecting with individuals to inspire them to leverage their talents and acquire essential skills for professional success.

What you can learn from Rhone D’Errico:

Following Dr. D'Errico, you'll equip yourself with the strategies to enhance your mindset, overcome professional limitations, and unlock your inherent greatness.

They aim to provide practical inspiration to help you create a fulfilling career by maximizing your talents and rapidly developing new competencies. Dr. D’Errico’s insights into mental health, emergency care, and professional development are invaluable for nurses and nurse practitioners seeking to elevate their careers and achieve excellence in their fields.

Their mission to inspire and empower professionals will guide you in aligning your career with your passions and aspirations, ensuring you make a significant impact in healthcare.

7. Bonnie Barnes

Business website: The DAISY Foundation

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Nursing Recognition, Healthcare Leadership, Compassionate Care Advocacy.

Bonnie Barnes, along with her husband Mark, co-founded The DAISY Foundation in 1999 as a tribute to the exceptional care their step-son, Patrick Barnes, received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization.

What started as a personal thank you to nurses has evolved into an international movement, with over 6,200 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing in all 50 states and 40 other countries participating in The DAISY Award program.

This initiative celebrates the superhuman work of direct care nurses, acknowledging their skill, compassion, and impact on patients and families with more than 2,500,000 nominations written to date.

The DAISY Foundation has significantly contributed to research on the strategic value of meaningful recognition in nursing, highlighting its positive effects on work environments, nurse satisfaction, and patient care.

What you can learn from Bonnie Barnes:

By following the work of Bonnie Barnes and The DAISY Foundation, you can understand the profound impact of recognizing and celebrating nursing excellence on a global scale. Their initiatives offer insights into how appreciation and recognition can transform healthcare cultures, enhance nurse satisfaction, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The expansion of The DAISY Award to include nursing students, educators, teams, and leaders underscores the comprehensive approach to uplifting the nursing profession at every career stage. Bonnie’s dedication to supporting nursing research and providing grants for medical missions further exemplifies how recognizing nursing compassion and skill can extend beyond hospital walls to make a global impact.

8. Maureen Swick

Business website: n/a

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Nursing Leadership, Workforce Development, Healthcare Strategy.

Maureen Swick oversees a vast team of over 15,000 nurses as the senior leader responsible for enterprise nursing and pharmacy at Atrium Health, one of the leading healthcare organizations.

With her wealth of experience and strategic insight into healthcare management, Swick has made significant contributions to the nursing profession.

In 2022, she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to fostering unity among nurse leaders to address workforce challenges.

Swick is an advocate for developing robust strategies to support up-and-coming nurse leaders, emphasizing the importance of overcoming differences to achieve common goals in healthcare settings.

What you can learn from Maureen Swick:

Following Maureen Swick, you'll gain access to a treasure trove of knowledge on effective nursing leadership and strategies for addressing workforce challenges within the healthcare sector. Her insights into unifying diverse nursing leaders to overcome obstacles are invaluable for current and aspiring nurse leaders alike. Swick's approach to mentorship and leadership development offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of healthcare management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, strategic thinking, and innovation in nursing leadership. Her achievements and strategies provide a roadmap for those looking to make a significant impact in the nursing field and healthcare at large.

9. Mary Ann Fuchs

Business website: Centra Health

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Nursing Education, Clinical Quality Improvement, Patient Care Innovation.

Mary Ann Fuchs brings over 25 years of nursing leadership experience to her roles at Duke University, where she is deeply committed to advancing nursing education and patient care. Serving as an advisor to the CEO of Duke Health, she offers strategic guidance on clinical quality, patient advocacy, and effective relationship building.

As the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at Duke Nursing, Fuchs plays a pivotal role in overseeing the clinical practice, education, and research activities of faculty and students, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.

Holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a master's certificate in nursing education, and an NEA-BC certification, Fuchs embodies a dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.

Her expertise spans clinical quality improvement, patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nursing education and research, making her a key contributor to Duke's mission of transforming healthcare and improving lives.

What you can learn from Mary Ann Fuchs:

Following Mary Ann Fuchs, you gain insight into the integration of nursing education with clinical practice and research to elevate patient care and safety standards. Her strategic approach to healthcare leadership, emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to quality improvement provide valuable lessons for nursing professionals aiming to make a difference in patient outcomes. Fuchs' dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation at Duke University offers inspiration and practical strategies for nurses and healthcare leaders seeking to advance their practices and contribute to the broader goals of healthcare transformation and patient advocacy.

10. Marion E. Broome

Business website: n/a

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Academic Leadership in Nursing, Research Design, Strategic Planning in Healthcare.

Marion E. Broome is a seasoned nursing executive with a rich background in leading academic health centers as a dean and vice president for nursing systems. Her career is marked by strong skills in writing and editing, and an exceptional ability to serve on boards for nonprofit organizations.

With expertise in nursing education, coaching, research design, and lecturing, Broome has played a pivotal role in the strategic plan development and execution within the healthcare sector.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Child and Family Development from The University of Georgia, highlighting her commitment to advancing healthcare services through education and research.

Broome’s professional journey is distinguished by her leadership in nurturing the next generation of nurses and her strategic vision in enhancing nursing practices and healthcare delivery.

What you can learn from Marion E. Broome:

By following Marion E. Broome, you'll explore the nexus of academic leadership and practical healthcare strategy, gaining insights into effective management and educational excellence in nursing. Her expertise in research design and strategic planning provides a framework for understanding how to integrate evidence-based practices into healthcare services to improve outcomes. Broome's experience in coaching and lecturing offers valuable perspectives on professional development and leadership in nursing, equipping aspiring nurse leaders with the skills needed for success in both academic and clinical settings. Her contributions to nursing education and healthcare services underscore the importance of strategic vision and dedicated leadership in advancing the field of nursing.

11. Jennie Chin Hansen

Business website: HelpAge USA

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Elder Care Innovation, Interdisciplinary Healthcare Management, Policy Analysis

Jennie Chin Hansen serves as an Advisory Member at the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, bringing her extensive experience as a board director and executive in the fields of philanthropy and integrated care delivery systems for complex elders.

Based in San Francisco, California, she has a rich history of leadership within healthcare, particularly in enhancing care for the elderly through innovative policy and operational strategies.

Her expertise encompasses elder care, healthcare, interdisciplinary healthcare management, policy analysis, and the integration of medicine and nursing to improve outcomes for older populations.

Hansen's work showcases her commitment to developing and implementing policies that support the health and well-being of the elderly.

She demonstrates skill in navigating the complexities of healthcare systems to benefit this vulnerable demographic.

What you can learn from Jennie Chin Hansen:

Following Jennie Chin Hansen offers insights into pioneering approaches to elder care and the management of interdisciplinary teams in healthcare settings. Her expertise in policy analysis and development offers a valuable perspective on shaping healthcare policies to better support the needs of the elderly, especially in integrated care delivery systems. Hansen's work highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between medicine and nursing, emphasizing innovative strategies to enhance care quality and access for older adults. Her leadership and advocacy in elder care serve as an inspiration for healthcare professionals seeking to make a difference in the lives of the elderly through policy, education, and practice.

12. Crystal Van Leeuwen-Johnson

Business website: Legends Healthcare LLC

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Gerontology, Comprehensive Primary Care, Advanced Nursing Practice.

Crystal Van Leeuwen-Johnson, with over 22 years of healthcare experience, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, practicing in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

Her specialties encompass a wide range of healthcare services including gerontology, both inpatient and outpatient medicine, care in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, women's health, adult primary care with a focus on diabetes management and endocrine disorders, nutrition and diet counseling, urgent care, excisions of benign and cancerous lesions, intra-articular injections, gastroenterology, DOT physicals, and opioid addiction management.

Additionally, she holds certifications from the Association of Operating Room Nurses and as a nurse educator, underlining her comprehensive expertise and commitment to patient care and education.

What you can learn from Crystal Van Leeuwen-Johnson:

Following Crystal Van Leeuwen-Johnson provides a deep dive into the multifaceted world of advanced nursing practice, especially in areas critical to managing complex patient needs like gerontology and chronic disease management. Her broad expertise offers valuable insights into providing holistic care that addresses a spectrum of health concerns, from primary care to specialized treatments for acute and chronic conditions. Her approach to patient care, emphasizing nutrition, women's health, and innovative treatments, serves as an exemplary model for nurse practitioners and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their practice. Additionally, her involvement in education and professional organizations like Sigma Theta Tau and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners highlights the importance of continuous learning and professional development in nursing.

13. Char Boulch

Business website: Lifepoint Health

Social media profiles: LinkedIn

Follow for: Nursing Management, Patient Safety, Advanced Life Support Skills.

Char Boulch is an experienced Administrative Director with a robust background in the hospital and healthcare industry.

Her skill set is extensive, including expertise in nursing management, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), administration, and patient safety.

With a strong foundation in program and project management, Char holds a Master's degree in Nursing Administration from Walden University.

Her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes through effective management and safety protocols have contributed significantly to the institutions she has served.

Char's commitment to excellence in nursing administration and her ability to lead teams in high-stakes environments showcase her as a key figure in healthcare leadership.

What you can learn from Char Boulch:

Following Char Boulch provides insights into the complexities of nursing management and the critical role of advanced life support skills in patient care. Her expertise in both PALS and ACLS underscores the importance of preparedness and knowledge in emergencies, particularly in pediatric and adult cardiac care. Through her leadership in administration and patient safety, Char exemplifies how strategic management and attention to detail can enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Her academic and professional journey offers valuable lessons for nurses aspiring to leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of advanced education and specialized training in developing effective healthcare leaders.