Inside this Syllabus Edition:

• The Gold Foundation Honors Dr. Deborah Trautman
• Court Ruling Preserves Professional Degree Status for Some Graduate Nursing Programs on an Interim Basis
• 2026 Academic Nursing Leadership Conference Preview
• AACN Faculty Scholars Grant Program
• Call for Applications: Journal of Professional Nursing Editor-in-Chief
• ...and more!

Read the Latest Issue

Q&A with Joy King, PhD Winner

What inspired you to pursue graduate nursing education, and how has that experience shaped your leadership journey?

My decision to pursue graduate nursing education was rooted in a desire to expand my impact beyond the bedside. Throughout my nursing career in critical care, the operating room, long-term acute care, and home health settings serving rural communities, I witnessed firsthand how patient outcomes are shaped not only by the care they receive during a single encounter but also by broader factors such as access to care, health literacy, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare policy. These experiences reinforced my understanding that many of the challenges patients face extend far beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic. I wanted the knowledge, skills, and credibility to address those broader issues through leadership, education, advocacy, and policy.

Each degree I pursued served a different purpose. My MSN prepared me to provide advanced clinical care as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My DNP strengthened my ability to lead quality improvement initiatives and translate evidence into practice. My MBA provided a foundation in organizational leadership and healthcare operations. Now, as a PhD candidate, I am developing the skills necessary to generate new knowledge through research.

Graduate education has taught me that leadership is not about titles. It is about influence, service, and creating opportunities for others. Those experiences have shaped my leadership journey and inspired me to seek roles where I can advocate for patients, mentor future nurses, and advance the profession on a broader scale.

The GNSA Visionary Leader Award recognizes innovative, transformative, and visionary leadership. What does visionary leadership mean to you in today’s healthcare environment?

To me, visionary leadership means looking beyond today’s challenges and preparing for the healthcare system our communities will need tomorrow. Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and nurse leaders need to be willing to think creatively, embrace innovation, and challenge outdated approaches when necessary.

Visionary leaders recognize opportunities where others see obstacles. They build partnerships, empower others, and remain committed to improving outcomes even when progress requires long-term investment. Most importantly, visionary leadership requires courage, the courage to advocate for change, amplify diverse voices, and pursue solutions that advance health equity. In today’s healthcare environment, visionary leadership means ensuring that nursing remains at the forefront of shaping policy, education, research, and patient care.

Can you share a leadership experience during your graduate studies that had a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, or your community?

One of the most meaningful leadership experiences during my graduate studies has been serving as president of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) while simultaneously pursuing my PhD in

nursing at Georgia State University. This role has provided opportunities to advocate for nurses and patients across the state, engage with policymakers, and support initiatives that strengthen the nursing workforce. What has made this experience especially meaningful is the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I am gaining through my doctoral studies in real time. My PhD education has strengthened my ability to critically evaluate evidence, think strategically about complex healthcare issues, and approach leadership decisions through a research-informed lens, which has helped me navigate leadership responsibilities with greater confidence and perspective.

A particularly impactful experience was helping to lead advocacy efforts during our GNA Nurses Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Seeing nurses from across the state come together to discuss issues affecting patient care reinforced the importance of nursing's voice in policy decisions. It reminded me that leadership extends beyond direct patient care and includes creating systems and policies that improve health outcomes for entire communities. That experience strengthened my commitment to servant leadership and demonstrated how nurses can influence change at both the individual and population levels.

Who has been the most influential mentor or role model in your nursing career, and what lessons have you carried forward from that relationship?

I have been incredibly fortunate to have many mentors and role models throughout my journey from my pre-nursing years to where I am today in my career. Because so many individuals have invested their time, wisdom, encouragement, and support in my development, it would be impossible for me to identify just one person as the most influential. Doing so would not adequately reflect the profound impact that so many people have had on my personal and professional growth.

Each mentor has contributed something unique. Some taught me clinical excellence, while others modeled leadership, advocacy, resilience, professionalism, or the importance of lifelong learning. Many challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, pursue opportunities I initially felt unprepared for, and believe in my potential before I fully believed in it myself.

Collectively, these mentors have shaped how I think, lead, and set goals for myself and my future. The most important lesson I have carried forward from their example is that leadership is a responsibility rather than a privilege. Every position of influence creates an opportunity to mentor, advocate, and invest in others, just as so many people have invested in me.

What emerging challenge or opportunity in healthcare are you most passionate about addressing in your future work?

I am particularly passionate about addressing health disparities and cardiovascular disease prevention among underserved populations. My doctoral research focuses on factors influencing weight management behaviors among African American women in rural Georgia, which is a population that experiences significant cardiovascular health disparities and remains underrepresented in health research despite bearing a disproportionate burden of chronic disease.

I truly believe we have a wonderful opportunity to use research, technology, community partnerships, and culturally tailored interventions to make health outcomes better for everyone. As healthcare advances, it’s essential to ensure innovations are accessible to historically underserved populations. My goal is to contribute evidence that informs practice, policy, and community-based interventions while helping reduce preventable health inequities.

What is one lesson you’ve learned as a graduate nursing student that you wish every future nurse leader knew?

I wish every future nurse leader understood that growth often occurs in seasons of discomfort. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career emerged from situations where I felt uncertain, challenged, or unprepared. Graduate education has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about being willing to ask questions, seek guidance, remain adaptable, and continue learning. The willingness to grow is often more important than the confidence to lead. Future nurse leaders should trust that they don’t need to be perfect before accepting opportunities to make a difference.

Looking ahead 5-10 years, what impact do you hope to have on the nursing profession and the communities you serve?

I hope to continue contributing to nursing through a combination of clinical practice, research, leadership, education, and advocacy. I would like to continue mentoring emerging nurse leaders, supporting policies that strengthen the nursing workforce, and conducting research that improves health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Also, I hope to help bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy so that evidence-based solutions translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives. Ultimately, I want my impact to be measured not by positions held or awards received, but by the individuals, communities, and future nurses who are empowered to achieve more because someone believed in them and invested in their success.

 

Q&A with Dylan Wayne Carpenter, DNP Winner

What inspired you to pursue graduate nursing education, and how has that experience shaped your leadership journey?

When I started my nursing career, my focus was on providing the best possible care for the patient in front of me. As I gained experience in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing, I realized that many of the factors influencing patient outcomes were driven by systems and processes rather than individual patient encounters. That realization inspired me to pursue graduate education so I could develop the skills to lead change on a broader scale. My MSN strengthened my ability to educate and mentor others. My DNP education has taught me how to use data, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice to improve outcomes across populations. Together, these programs have transformed my view of leadership from something tied to a position into something rooted in influence, innovation, and a commitment to making healthcare better for everyone.

The GNSA Visionary Leader Award recognizes innovative, transformative, and visionary leadership. What does visionary leadership mean to you in today's healthcare environment?

To me, visionary leadership is seeing possibilities that others may not yet see and having the courage to act on them. Healthcare is constantly changing; it is easy to become focused on the problems right in front of us. Visionary leaders can step back and ask how we can do things better for patients and the people providing care. They challenge the idea that "this is how we've always done it" and create opportunities for improvement. More importantly, they help others believe in that vision and give them the support to turn ideas into meaningful change.

Can you share a leadership experience during your graduate studies that had a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, or your community?

One leadership experience that stands out was leading a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Through data collection and frontline staff engagement, we identified opportunities to improve prevention practices and address habits that were not supported by current evidence. What made the experience meaningful was seeing how small changes in practice could directly improve patient outcomes while also increasing staff confidence and understanding. It reinforced that leadership is not about telling people what to do. It is about bringing people together around a common goal and creating an environment in which they can be successful.

Who has been the most influential mentor or role model in your nursing career, and what lessons have you carried forward from that relationship?

I have been fortunate to learn from many great nurses, but Dr. Shannon Layton and Kelly Chapman have had a particularly significant impact on my career. Dr. Layton challenged me to think beyond the bedside and recognize the role nurses can play in research, quality improvement, and advancing the profession. Kelly helped shape me as a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse and showed me what it looks like to combine clinical excellence with compassionate patient care. From both of them, I learned that leadership is not about a title. It is about serving others, investing in their growth, and continually looking for ways to improve outcomes for patients and communities.

What emerging challenge or opportunity in healthcare are you most passionate about addressing in your future work?

I am most passionate about closing the gap between evidence and practice, particularly in wound, ostomy, and continence care. We have strong evidence for preventing complications such as pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and peristomal skin damage; however, many patients continue to experience preventable harm because best practices are not consistently implemented. I also see a tremendous opportunity to improve access to specialty support after discharge. Patients with new ostomies often leave the hospital with many questions and concerns that can impact their quality of life and recovery. Through education, quality improvement, and innovative models of care, I hope to help bridge those gaps so patients receive the right care at the right time and can achieve the best possible outcomes.

What is one lesson you've learned as a graduate nursing student that you wish every future nurse leader knew?

One lesson I have learned is that lasting change happens through people, not projects. Early on, I thought having strong evidence and a good idea would be enough to improve practice. Graduate education has taught me that even the best solutions will fail if the people affected by the change are not engaged in the process. The most successful leaders listen first, build relationships, and create a shared sense of purpose. When people feel heard and valued, they become invested in the outcome, and that is when meaningful and sustainable change occurs.

Looking ahead 5-10 years, what impact do you hope to have on the nursing profession and the communities you serve?

I hope to advance the nursing profession through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship. I would like to serve in leadership roles within professional organizations such as the WOCN Society and help shape the future of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. I also hope to build a career in academia in which I can mentor and develop future nurses in the same way my mentors invested in me. Through research, publications, and presentations, I want to contribute to the evidence that guides practice and improves patient outcomes. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact by advancing the profession, improving care for patients, and helping others reach their full potential as nurses.

 

Q&A with Ehren Strohm, MSN Winner

What inspired you to pursue graduate nursing education, and how has that experience shaped your leadership journey?

My decision to pursue graduate nursing education was driven by a desire to address complex challenges within the healthcare system and to achieve a healthier work–life balance. I was deeply encouraged by my family, whose support inspired me to pursue my goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. 

As an emergency department nurse, I have seen how gaps in healthcare contribute to avoidable crises and repeat emergency visits. These experiences strengthened my commitment to advanced clinical practice and system-level improvement. Graduate education has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my critical thinking, and deepened my commitment to advocacy and lifelong learning.

The GNSA Visionary Leader Award recognizes innovative, transformative, and visionary leadership. What does visionary leadership mean to you in today's healthcare environment?

Visionary leadership means having the courage to see beyond the current state of healthcare and actively work toward what it could become. It is the ability to identify emerging challenges, anticipate future needs, and develop innovative solutions that improve outcomes for patients, providers, and communities. Visionary leadership is not simply about responding to challenges, it is about creating a future where those challenges are less likely to occur.

In today's healthcare environment, visionary leadership requires addressing issues that have historically been overlooked or accepted as inevitable. For me, that includes workplace violence, mental health access, provider well-being, and workforce retention. Visionary leaders do not wait for problems to worsen before acting. They bring people together, challenge existing norms, and create opportunities for meaningful and sustainable change.

Can you share a leadership experience during your graduate studies that had a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, or your community?

During my graduate program, I was assaulted by a patient while working as an emergency department nurse. While recovering from my injuries, I realized how many healthcare workers had experienced violence and how few resources existed to support them. Rather than allowing the experience to define me, I chose to use it as an opportunity to advocate for change by supporting healthcare workers affected by workplace violence, raising awareness, and engaging in legislative advocacy. Through this work, I have collaborated with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to elevate conversations around workforce safety and prevention.

What began as a personal experience evolved into a broader effort to support others and advocate for systemic change. Seeing healthcare workers feel heard, supported, and empowered has been one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my career.

Who has been the most influential mentor or role model in your nursing career, and what lessons have you carried forward from that relationship?

One of the most influential mentors in my educational journey has been Dr. Natalie Masco-Dixon. Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate education, she has been a constant source of guidance, encouragement, and support. Beyond her role as an educator, she has been someone who genuinely listened, believed in my potential, and helped me navigate some of the most challenging moments of my academic and professional journey. Dr. Masco-Dixon taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and leading with compassion. She consistently encouraged me to challenge myself, trust my abilities, and view obstacles as opportunities for growth. Her willingness to listen, provide honest guidance, and support me during difficult times has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development. Through her example, I learned that leadership is not only about knowledge and expertise, but also about investing in others and helping them succeed.

Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate to work alongside many exceptional healthcare professionals who have profoundly influenced my professional growth. Each mentor, colleague, and patient encounter has provided valuable lessons that have strengthened my clinical skills while deepening my appreciation for teamwork, communication, empathy, and professionalism. These experiences have collectively shaped the nurse, nurse practitioner, and leader that I am today. I am deeply grateful for the individuals who have invested in my development and continue to inspire my commitment to serving others. One of the most meaningful lessons I have learned is that leadership is not defined by a title, but by a commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and supporting others.

What emerging challenge or opportunity in healthcare are you most passionate about addressing in your future work?

I am most passionate about addressing workplace violence, mental health access, and workforce sustainability within healthcare; these issues are deeply interconnected and have significant implications for patient care, provider well-being, and the future of the profession.

Healthcare workers continue to face increasing rates of violence, burnout, and psychological trauma, yet these challenges are often underrecognized and underreported. At the same time, it is a struggle to get access to mental health services in our communities. This reflects a larger need to shift healthcare from a reactive model to one that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and sustained support.

I believe there is tremendous opportunity to strengthen workforce safety, expand access to mental health resources, and develop prevention-focused strategies that support both patients and providers. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I hope to help bridge clinical practice, advocacy, and policy to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable healthcare environments.

What is one lesson you've learned as a graduate nursing student that you wish every future nurse leader knew?

The most important lesson I have learned is that your voice matters, even when you feel uncertain about using it. Meaningful change often starts when one person recognizes a problem and chooses to act. Leadership often begins long before you feel ready. It is not defined by a title or position, but by the willingness to speak up, ask difficult questions, and advocate when it is needed. Some of the most meaningful moments in my own leadership journey have come from simply choosing to speak up, remaining persistent, and engaging in problem-solving.

Future nurse leaders should know that they do not need permission to lead. They need a willingness to learn, courage to act, and commitment to work collaboratively with others to create meaningful and lasting change.

Looking ahead 5-10 years, what impact do you hope to have on the nursing profession and the communities you serve?

I hope to grow as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a community-focused healthcare leader. Clinically, I aim to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that not only treats illness but also promotes prevention, education, and long-term wellness. Ultimately, I hope to improve outcomes for the communities I serve.

Beyond direct patient care, I hope to continue advancing initiatives focused on workplace safety, mental health access, and workforce sustainability. I want to help create a healthcare system that supports the workforce that strives to provide high-quality care to their communities. I am particularly passionate about contributing to policy development, research, and education efforts that address these challenges and promote long-term, sustainable solutions within healthcare.

As a mother of two young boys, my vision for the future is also deeply personal, as I strive to set an example for them. I want my sons to understand that standing up for others, using your voice to advocate, and persevering through challenges are powerful ways to create meaningful impact. My greatest hope is to show them that even difficult experiences can be transformed into purpose, growth, and positive change.
 

View the GNSA Visionary Leader Award

Read More About the GNSA