Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL)

10/28/2026

The Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL), in partnership with AACN and HealthImpact, is leading a research study on leadership behaviors that may create toxic work environments. Join a confidential Slow Talk conversation to share your experiences and help identify opportunities for change.

Who Can Participate?
California licensed RNs across all practice settings

What to Expect?
• Confidential small-group conversation
• Less than 60 minutes
• Join through the Slow Talk app
• Multiple dates available

Register here:
🔗 https://www.slowtalk.us/acnl

10/27/2026

Great nurse leaders don’t just manage change. They create the conditions for excellence.

In this episode of ACNL in Action, we welcome Dr. Rhonda Foster-Smith, President of The Foster Smith Group, to explore the leadership principles that strengthen nursing teams and drive lasting change.

Episode Highlights:

2:01 – Never lower your standards
5:52 – Leading change with curiosity
8:17 – Professional governance
9:33 – Alignment vs. agreement
12:30 – Building nursing excellence
15:25 – Advice for emerging leaders

Listen to the full episode: https://acnlinaction.com

What leadership principle has made the biggest impact on your nursing career?

10/27/2026

Foundation for Leadership Excellence

3 spots left to register!

Embassy Suites, Garden Grove
November 16 - November 20, 2026

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and as a nurse leader, you need to evolve too.

Level up your leadership skills with our 5-day intensive Foundation for Leadership Excellence program. Get equipped with vital tools to master HR, customer service, quality and safety initiatives, budgeting and more.

Gain the winning formula to inspire your team and drive success in today's dynamic healthcare landscape.

Register Now!
https://web.cvent.com/event/fd75e858-fe4a-4484-9638-c747a6da28e9/register

10/26/2026

The ACNL San Diego chapter welcomes ACNL chapter members and their families to Gathered in Gratitude: A Family Fall Celebration! Join us for a fun-filled, family and dog friendly event celebrating community, connection, and gratitude.

Date: Saturday, November 7th, 2026
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Bastian's Vineyard Escondido, CA
Cost: ACNL Members - $30
Non-ACNL Member/Family Members - $40
Students - $25
Children (16 and under) - $10

Come enjoy a beautiful venue, w**e, a taco truck, raffle prizes and lots of fun networking!

Register Now!
https://www.acnl.org/events #!event/register/2026/11/7/fall-family-friendly-social

10/23/2026

Become an ACNL Insider

ACNL is looking for members to participate on our 2027 Committees!

The work of ACNL is made possible through the work of our committees. So, if you are a leader who is “productively neurotic, self-motivated and self-disciplined,” your professional association needs you!

To be considered for a committee beginning in February 2027, please fill out the interest form by October 25th, 2026. After that, ACNL will continue to monitor submissions until June 30, 2027 for a mid-year addition.

Note that all members interested in volunteering for an ACNL committee must complete the Committee Interest Form, even if you are currently on a committee.

Apply Now! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6Q33V9P

10/23/2026

We’re back!

Season 2 of ACNL in Action is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited about the conversations ahead.

This season is about going deeper into the real experiences of healthcare leaders: the decisions that shaped them, the challenges they’re navigating, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

We’ll be sharing new episodes every month with voices from across healthcare, from the bedside to the boardroom.

Our hope is that every conversation leaves you with something you can bring back to your own leadership journey.

Welcome to Season 2 of ACNL in Action.

Let’s get started.

10/22/2026

Starting tomorrow!

During the month of November, new members will receive a special discounted rate on their first year of ACNL membership.

Use code ACNL2026 to receive $35 off your first year of membership!

Enjoy amazing benefits like:
• Discounts on our educational and CEU offerings
• Opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration
• Access to our members-only professional resources, including the research repository and health policy tracker

AND MUCH MORE!

Visit acnl.org and use code ACNL2026 at checkout!

10/22/2026

2026 - 2027 FAAN Application Workshop Webinar
Superheroes: Yes, You Can Become a FAAN!

Get valuable information and help on your FAAN application brought to you by ACNL!

November 5, 2026

Participants in this webinar will be able to:
1. The participant will be able to discuss the body of work concept and building contributory work before submission of a formal application for the American Academy of Nursing.
2. The participant will be able to distinguish the application process and selection of Fellow sponsor on a defined timetable before submitting a formal application for the American Academy of Nursing.
3. The participant will be able to outline and discuss the 2026 Fellowship Overview, Mission, and Strategic Plan Goals 2025-28

Cost: $100
Date: November 5th from 1pm to 4pm.
Registration page: http://www.acnl.org/become-a-faan

10/21/2026

Have you ever wished healthcare leaders better understood what nurses experience every day?

The Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) in partnership with American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and HealthImpact are conducting a research study related to challenging and toxic leadership behaviors in the workplace. Slow Talk, a data gathering organization, will host facilitated and confidential online conversations with nurses about workplace leadership, communication, psychological safety, and healthy work environments.

We’re looking for California-based nurses who are willing to share their experiences in a confidential, guided small-group conversation. Your perspective can help inform future leadership development and organizational improvement.

What to expect:
• Guided small group conversation through the Slow Talk app
• Just under 60 minutes
• Join from your phone, wherever you can comfortably have a private conversation
• Multiple session dates available between September 15, 2026, and November 15, 2026
• Open to Licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) at all levels of nursing practice and settings

Register here:
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eppD7xm5

10/20/2026

Registration is Open for ACNL’s 49th Annual Conference!

February 7-10, 2027
Monterey Convention Center
Monterey, CA

We are excited for ACNL’s 49th Annual Conference!

We are returning to the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, CA.

Join your fellow nurse leaders for an amazing program based around Growing Together-Rooted in Purpose!

View posters and podium presentations showcasing the diversity of research and practice performed by Nurse Leaders throughout the continuum of care

Come to the ACNL Business Meeting, “The Power of WE; Resilience Grows When We Stand Together.”

And of course, join us Tuesday night for the ACNL Baxter Hillrom-sponsored party celebrating Mardi Gras. Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere as you celebrate with colleagues and friends. Dance the night away in true Mardi Gras spirit, enjoying the colorful ambiance of New Orleans.

Presenters include:
Pre-Conference — Michelle DeStefano
Keynote — Marvelless Mark
Barb Betts
Christi Zuber
Jose D. Castillo III
Kay Kennedy
Verna Sitzer
Endnote — Donna Wright

Register Now! https://cvent.me/PNlO3O

Get a sneak peek at our keynote speaker - Marvelless Mark!
https://vimeo.com/1236303696/133c0769a0?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

This is "Whats In It For You To Attend ACNL?" by Marvelless Mark Keynote Speaker on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.