Reimagining Nursing Through Professional Development, Advancement, and Purpose | Opinion

By John Tressa, DNP, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Executive, Endeavor Health

I’ve been a nurse for more than four decades, and every step of my journey has reinforced how nurses are the backbone of healthcare. From the ICU to the C-suite, I’ve worked alongside nurses who lead with resilience, compassion, and quiet strength. Their example has shaped my own leadership and deepened my commitment to ensure nurses have the tools and opportunities to grow. 

But as healthcare has changed, so too must our vision of nursing. Today, I believe we need to reimagine nursing through the dual lens of professional development, advancement, and purpose. When we support nurses to advance their skills and reconnect with the ‘why’ behind their work, we don’t just improve careers – we transform the profession and the care we deliver.

Changing the Narrative Around Nursing

Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions, and for good reason. Nurses spend more time at the bedside than any other provider. They are often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, the ones who comfort families during moments of uncertainty, and the ones who carry the emotional weight of care.

Yet despite their central role, the public often misunderstands what nurses truly do. We are not just caregivers – we are educators, advocates, leaders, and innovators. Over the years, nursing has evolved from a task-based role to one of strategic influence. 

When I began my career, we didn’t have electronic medical records, digital health tools, or evolving care models. Today, nurses are expected to navigate complex technologies, lead interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for patients in increasingly nuanced ways. These demands, coupled with persistent challenges like burnout and staffing shortages, are not unique to any one health system. They are industry-wide. But so are the opportunities. 

We have a chance to redefine what it means to be a nurse. To move beyond the outdated image of bedside caregivers and support the nursing profession as vital leaders in healthcare strategy and drivers of quality improvement. That means investing in nurses’ growth, not just through education and certification, but through mentorship, leadership development, and a culture that values their voice.

Creating a Culture Where Nurses Thrive

Professional development and advancement don’t happen in isolation. It requires a workplace that values growth and prioritizes well-being. Creating that kind of culture takes intention that starts with an organizational commitment.

This strategic shift means building a workplace where nurses feel they belong, recognizing their achievements, and engaging through flexible formats like online and hybrid education to meet nurses where they are. It means listening to nurses, involving them in decisions, and creating environments where nurses are not only encouraged to grow but expected to lead.

In 2024, we launched the Nursing Professional Advancement Program (NPAP) to do just that. It’s a framework designed by nurses, for nurses, that allows individuals to chart their own path, whether toward clinical specialization, research, or leadership. 

The program’s Development and Advancement Council ensures that NPAP remains responsive to nurses’ evolving needs, fostering continuous innovation to support academic pursuits, professional development, and advancement to reinforce the likelihood of advanced degree completion and help nurses grow and thrive in their role. This model demonstrates that when nurses are given clear, supported pathways, they not only enhance their careers but also contribute more profoundly to patient care and organizational excellence.

This initiative has already shown impact. Endeavor Health has seen lower turnover rates compared to national benchmarks, with nurses advancing into leadership roles, including hospital presidents. Nearly 300 nurses applied to NPAP in its first year, reflecting a strong appetite for growth and recognition.

As we continue to build pathways for advancement, it’s equally important to ensure nurses have the guidance and support to navigate them. Formal programs help nurses successfully transition into new roles, build confidence, and envision new possibilities for their careers. When paired with a supportive culture that values lifelong learning, mentorship becomes a powerful tool for growth and retention.

Well-being must also be part of the equation. Integrating wellness initiatives into professional development, through emotional support teams, peer networks, and dedicated wellness coordinators, helps nurses build resilience and stay connected to their purpose.

The Power of Investing in Nurses

When nurses grow, patient care improves. Professional development and advancement are the bridge between the two. Hospitals recognized for nursing excellence, such as those with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® designation, consistently demonstrate better patient satisfaction and fewer adverse events. These outcomes are closely linked to environments that support nurse education, leadership, and engagement.

Continuing education ensures nurses stay current with best practices and emerging technologies, enabling them to deliver evidence-based care. Leadership development equips nurses to advocate for patients and lead quality improvement initiatives, while research involvement fosters innovation and critical thinking.

By investing in nurses’ growth, healthcare organizations create a workforce capable of meeting complex patient needs with expertise and empathy. This investment ultimately leads to safer, more effective care and a stronger health system.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Nurses to Lead What’s Next

The future of nursing will be shaped by those who dare to reimagine it. When I joined Endeavor Health, I wanted to build a culture where nurses are seen and heard – not just as part of the care team, but as drivers of care transformation. Whether through research councils, educational programs, or leadership pipelines, we must give nurses the tools to lead and the trust to use them.

To my fellow healthcare leaders: if we want to build resilient, high-performing systems, we must invest in nurses, not just as employees, but as professionals, partners, and leaders.

To nurses everywhere: pursue your education, seek mentorship, and never stop growing. But also listen, build relationships, and lead with heart.

Nursing is not just a job. It’s a calling. And when we elevate nurses, we elevate care.

🤔What kind of professional development and advancement for nurses does your organization or employer offer? Share your experiences in the forum below!