Virtual community supports AONL fellowship participants

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurse leaders took unprecedented steps to care for their communities and staff. More than one year later, health care organizations have begun to consider ways to help these leaders recover from the aftereffects of the crisis. An article in the June issue of Nurse Leader explores one model for supporting nurse leaders involves virtual healer’s retreats. The concept emerged during the pandemic when 37 AONL nurse managers and 32 AONL director fellowship participants gathered virtually to support one another. The sessions included voluntary and flexible attendance, check-ins, time to connect and resilience coaching. Survey responses showed participants valued the sessions as “validating” and a “lifeline.” Such sessions can be used now to help nurse leaders renew their self-confidence and sense of well-being while they support front-line staff working to do the same.