All Roads Lead to Workforce for CNOs in 2025

Workforce, workflows, and work environment are all linked together in the journey to improve nursing, according to these nurse leaders. 

Being a CNO in 2025 is more complex than ever, with higher patient acuity, different workforce expectations, and an onslaught of technological advancements that can make anyone's head spin.

However, a few workforce issues continue to rise to the surface as top priorities for many nurse leaders, including succession planning, workplace violence prevention, and leveraging technology to support bedside nurses.

The 2025 HealthLeaders CNO Exchange wrapped up on Wednesday after three days of enthusiastic idea-sharing and elevated discussion about these workforce concerns and more. Here are some of the CNOs' approaches.

Including non-acute spaces

There are many reasons why nurses come and go at the bedside, and many are choosing the option to work in the ambulatory space instead of the acute care space.

The Exchange members have noticed a migration from the inpatient to outpatient settings, even though there is typically less compensation. It's important that CNOs take a look at traditional models in the ambulatory space, and remember that many nurses are seeking better work-life balance.

The members also noted that many times, the nurses in ambulatory spaces often don't feel as included in the nursing team, even though they are a critical part of the workforce. CNOs must make an effort to extend awards and accolades to nurses in the ambulatory setting to celebrate the work they do for their health systems.

Addressing workplace violence

Workplace violence remains a top concern for CNOs, and the Exchange members shared many horror stories of what happens to their nurses because of violence from patients, other staff members, and even individuals from the nurses' personal lives.

There are major concerns about the lack of legislation regarding workplace violence towards healthcare workers. The members shared that they've heard many lawmakers say workplace violence is "expected" in nursing. CNOs need to be aware of what they can do to help advocate for policies and standards that provide protection and combat that stereotype.

The members recommended being proactive and implementing security measures such as weapons detection systems. CNOs should consider partnering with local law enforcement as well. For staff, nurse leaders should implement de-escalation training and encourage reporting when incidents do occur. Additionally, those protections should extend to the outpatient settings when possible.

Leveraging AI

The door is wide open for AI in healthcare, and as nurse leaders determine the best ways to utilize it, it's important to focus on the goal. According to the members, AI should exist in nursing to support the work that nurses already do, at the bedside and beyond. AI is capable of providing the whole picture in the EHR, which can lead to impactful workflow redesign.

Most importantly, staff must be involved in implementation. Technology integration is at its best when it happens with nurses at the helm, as they will likely be using the technology most frequently and are tuned in to workflow gaps.

Ethically, the members had some concerns about AI that are important for CNOs to consider. When bringing AI into nursing, CNOs must think about equity and disparities, information transparency, and data privacy and security. Patient safety must always remain top of mind and policies should be developed to ensure accountability and due diligence.

The goal is ultimately to reduce documentation burdens and time spent on administrative tasks, and CNOs have a major opportunity to improve their workforce through careful and intentional implementation.

The HealthLeaders Exchange is an executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights. Please join the community at our LinkedIn page. 

To inquire about attending a HealthLeaders CNO Exchange event, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.