Insights from AONE: Hot Topics in Healthcare

nursing trends from AONE conference 2015

In April, nursing executives from around the country convened in Phoenix for the annual American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) conference. This week's guest blogger, EdAssist's Tara Hennessy, shares her insights on what these healthcare providers are thinking, and why it matters. 

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 2015 American Organization of Nursing Executives conference. Thousands of nursing executives from hospitals around the country descended upon Phoenix, both to teach and to learn about major nursing trends and what's happening in healthcare.  I learned a lot over the few days that I spent with these tremendous nurses.

Takeaways: Nursing Trends in 2015

Magnet Status

Obtaining the coveted Magnet status (or maintaining their Magnet status) through workforce planning was first and foremost on the minds of the nurse executives.  How are they going to ensure at least 80% of their nursing population obtains their BSN by 2020?  How can they encourage the nursing management to receive their Master degree (or beyond)?  The Magnet recognition program© by the ANCC (American Nursing Credentialing Center) is an extensive process that recognizes hospitals for their excellence in nursing including the areas of patient care and quality and innovations in nursing practice.


Although the Magnet requirements go above and beyond the 80% BSN requirements, the most pressing issue is how these nursing executives are going to encourage their diploma and associate degree nurses to return to school and obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).  Some of these nurses have not been to school in 25 years, so returning to school intimidates them.  These executives want to mitigate the jitters and show them that it is possible!


Hospitals are in a unique situation, as they employee nurses that cross several generations: baby boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.  As the baby boomers retire, the millennial generation is starting to show interest in management roles. Nursing executives want to ensure they retain millennials by providing additional ways to increase their nursing knowledge and show that they, along with the hospital, are interested in their nursing future.

Best Dressed

Chief nurses came to the conference in style!

ACO Requirements

The Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers that, as part of the Affordable Care Act, provides care to a group of patients through a reduction in the total cost of care for this assigned population.  There have been some changes to the requirements, and adjusting to these changes is at the forefront of the nursing executives' minds.

Tuition management programs align with many of these important issues. Certainly, having a carefully designed program in place (and Advising and Network services) can assist the nursing workforce as they pursue their associate's to bachelor's degree and beyond. But with continuing education a focus for many millennials, employer-sponsored degree programs can also help retain these important employees, while ensuring their education goals align with the current hospital standards around the country.

I look forward to seeing what progress we can achieve by next year at the next AONE conference in Fort Worth!