WV Organization for Nursing Leadership - WVONL

🩺 New data reveals what it really takes to build confident, practice-ready nurses in year one.

Join American Association of Colleges of Nursing & AONL, in collaboration with The Health Management Academy, for insights from a study of 2,300+ new graduate nurses. Learn what academic and health system leaders can do to support new nurses as they transition into the workforce.

📅 July 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM CT

Register: https://www.aonl.org/education-events/developing-confident-practice-ready-nurses-data-driven-insights-academic-and-health-system-leader

Happy Independence Day from all of us at WVONL! 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you to all of the nurses, leaders, and other healthcare workers who are spending today serving and caring for others.

📢This week we want to highlight WVONL’s amazing current president, Jennifer Nestor!

⭐Who are you?
-I am the current President of WVONL and have been the CNO at Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital for nearly 17 years. I am proud to have celebrated my 30th year as a nurse this May. I love the community and team that I have had the honor to be part of for all these years. We have seen the transition to a brand new hospital facility and brought so many new services to a community so they can keep critical infrastructure close to home. I also am a certified diabetes educator and faith community nurse, holding monthly classes for Preston County Health Department.

⭐What does nursing leadership mean to you?
-To me, nursing leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about how we take care of each other. It means stepping in when someone is overwhelmed, listening when someone needs to be heard, and creating an environment where nurses feel supported, safe, and empowered to do their best work.

⭐Why are you a part of WVONL?
-I believe participation in WVONL is a big part of nursing leadership, as an organization that strives to be at the heart of assessing the needs of nurses in WV and providing the collaboration, education, resources, and support they need. An organization doesn't survive or accomplish its mission if we all don't do our part.

We're so excited for next year's conference!

This week, the AONL 2027 Conference Committee came together to begin shaping next year’s conference — and we’re especially excited to welcome nurse leaders to Phoenix, Arizona! 🌵

Our volunteer committee members reviewed insights, feedback and emerging priorities from nurse leaders across the country — all with the goal of designing a conference experience that truly meets the needs of today’s nursing leadership community.

The journey to AONL 2027 is just getting started. Join us April 12–15 in Phoenix, and mark your calendar: Call for Abstracts opens July 20.

“The Power of Nurses™ is in our unity, across specialties and settings, and today ANA is proud to welcome licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses into our membership community. LPNs and LVNs are essential to patient care and to the strength of our profession,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association. “We’re building a more inclusive ANA that reflects the full nursing team, resulting in improved outcomes for nurses and the patients and communities we serve.”

Read more: https://ow.ly/f0YF50ZhUZL

Vandalia Health is proud to celebrate Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) week.

Nurse leaders are built through experience and through community.

The AONL Leadership Catalyst Scholars Program gives graduate nursing students the chance to contribute to national priorities while gaining hands-on practicum experience. From workforce strategy to innovation and operations, Scholars work alongside nurse leaders to move the profession forward.

This is a flexible, 8–16 week experience that offers both impact and connection.

Know someone who should apply? Share this opportunity.

🗓 Apply by July 26: https://www.aonl.org/leadership-catalyst-scholar-program

Summer is a time for rest and relaxation. At our spring conference, we heard about the importance of self-care and well-being in the lives of nursing leaders. Taking the time to look after yourself allows you to better care for others and ensure you don't get burnt out. These moments of self-care can look as big as a vacation to a different country or as small as a minute of meditation before you start your day.

To celebrate the warmer weather, we want to hear from you! How do you practice self-care and replenish your energy during the summer months (or even year-round)? What strategies do you use to take a step back from work and recharge?

Don't forget to renew your state RN license before it expires at the end of the month!

More information: https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing