Research

Advancing Nurse Governance Leadership: New Research Priorities for the Future

The field of nurse governance leadership has reached an important milestone.

A newly published article by the co-leads of the NOBC Impact of Research Work Group, Lisa J. Sundean, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN and Kimberly Cleveland, PhD, JD, MSN, RN, C-MBC, C-MPC, FAONL, establishes a set of research priorities designed to advance the science of nurse governance leadership and guide future inquiry in this growing area of scholarship.

“Defining the research priorities signals a future focus on elevating nurse governance leadership science that is active and dynamic. It is a movement for nurse scientists and funders to be part of. The research priorities live within the larger narrative of nurses as social and political leaders across many levels of society.” —  Dr. Lisa Sundean

This work represents a significant evolution in the conversation about nurses serving on boards—not simply why nurses belong in governance roles, but how their leadership can shape organizations, communities, policy, and society at large.

“This shift from asking why nurses should serve on boards to examining more deeply how their leadership drives impact is essential for the future of governance.  Understanding the influence they have on decisions, outcomes, and the health of our communities and beyond is critical. These research priorities open the door for a deeper, more meaningful exploration of nurses at every level of governance.” — Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer, Nurses on Boards Coalition 

For more than two decades, much of the research surrounding nurses on boards has focused on building the case for nurse representation and increasing the number of nurses serving in governance positions. According to the authors, that foundational work has been critical and successful. As nurse representation continues to grow, the next step is understanding the influence and impact nurses bring to board leadership.

To move the science forward, the authors used a systematic process to examine existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and align future opportunities with the Conceptual Model for Nurses in Health Policy. This framework explores the expanding spheres of influence nurses can have—from individual and organizational levels to broader societal and policy impact.

Six Priorities for Future Research

The project resulted in six key research priorities intended to guide future studies and inspire new lines of inquiry:

1. Nurse Governance Leadership Preparation
2. Nurse Governance Leadership and Nursing Praxis
3. Nurse Governance Leadership for Organizations
4. Nurse Governance Leadership for Communities
5. Nurse Governance Leadership in Policy and Elected Positions
6. Cross-Cutting Priority: Advancing Health and Human Flourishing

 “The research priorities distinguish a significant turn from nurses’ inward facing lens on the profession to an outward facing lens on the health and flourishing of society through board service. As suggested through the research priorities, the outward facing lens of board governance leadership is a natural extension of nurses’ social contract with society; caring through leadership in the boardroom.” —  Dr. Kimberly Cleveland

Rather than focusing on justification for nurse participation in governance, these priorities encourage researchers to explore how nurses contribute to effective decision-making, organizational strategy, community health, and broader societal outcomes.

Why This Matters Now

“Advancing nurse governance leadership science means researchers will examine, through a variety of study designs and methods, the phenomenon of nurses governance leadership, the impact of that service on society, and will reveal opportunities for improvement and future research gaps to address.” —  Dr. Lisa Sundean.

Healthcare systems face increasing complexity. Board leaders must understand patients, populations, communities, healthcare delivery systems, business realities, economic forces, and public policy considerations. Nurses bring unique expertise across these interconnected areas and are well positioned to help organizations make informed governance decisions that support health and human flourishing.

The authors believe these priorities create opportunities for nurse leaders to extend their professional influence through governance and provide researchers with a roadmap for generating meaningful evidence about the impact of nurse leadership at the board level.

“The research priorities recognize that nurses no longer simply hope to serve on boards. We are at the tables in growing numbers, contributing to strategic and political decision making, and now is the time to capture the impact of our contributions.” —  Dr. Kimberly Cleveland

Key Takeaways

1. A Shift in the Field
   The research priorities mark a pivotal evolution in nurse governance leadership science. The focus moves from why nurses should serve on boards to how their leadership shapes governance, organizations, communities, policy, and society.

2. A Rigorous, Systematic Foundation
   The priorities were developed through a structured review of two decades of research, identifying gaps and aligning future opportunities with the Conceptual Model for Nurses in Health Policy. This model highlights expanding spheres of influence from individual to universal levels.

3. Six Priorities Defining the Future
   The research priorities span preparation, praxis, organizational leadership, community impact, policy engagement, and a cross-cutting commitment to advancing health and human flourishing.

4. Nurse Leaders Are Essential in Complex Governance
   Nurses bring deep understanding of systems, populations, communities, and policy—expertise that is increasingly vital for effective governance decisions.

5. A Roadmap for Researchers, Funders, and Leaders
   The priorities invite rigorous inquiry, new collaborations, and investment in research that strengthens governance practices and improves societal outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The hope is that these research priorities will energize investigators, encourage new collaborations, and inspire funding support for studies that examine nurse governance leadership in a rigorous and systematic way. By advancing this science, researchers can help strengthen governance practices while contributing to healthier organizations, stronger communities, and improved societal outcomes.

Read the article (Behind a paywall)

Lisa J. Sundean, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN is Associate Professor and Director of the Healthcare Administration Program at The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, NOBC alternate board representative for The American Academy of Nursing and member of the NOBC Board Values Committee.

Kimberly Cleveland, PhD, JD, MSN, RN, C-MBC, C-MPC, FAONL is Dean and Professor of Health Sciences Trina Rambo, RN Dean’s Chair, Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing, Walsh University, past board president for NOBC and current co-chair of the NOBC Board Values Committee.