Northeast Ohio Nurse Leaders Turn Workforce Challenges Into Action

Regional Panel Spurs Vision for Collaboration as Nurses Week 2025 Highlights Ongoing Healthcare Strains

In mid-February, a group of Northeast Ohio’s top nursing and healthcare leaders gathered at The Center for Health Affairs with a clear objective: move beyond discussion and chart a path toward solving one of healthcare’s most pressing issues — the future of the nursing workforce.

What began as a focused panel hosted by the Greater Cleveland Organization for Nursing Leadership (GCONL) has since evolved into a broader movement. The outcomes continue to resonate as healthcare organizations across the state confront persistent staffing shortages, burnout, and transition-to-practice challenges during Nurses Week 2025.

“This wasn’t just a panel — it was a catalyst for real alignment between education and healthcare systems,” said Brian Lane, President & CEO of The Center for Health Affairs. “If we want to stabilize and strengthen our workforce, we need more than conversations. We need commitments. That’s exactly what this group delivered.”

Leaders at the Table

The panel featured a distinguished lineup representing both academia and clinical leadership:

• Meredith A. Foxx, MSN, MBA, APRN, NEA-BC, PCNS-BC, PPCNP-BC, CPON, Chief Nursing Officer, Cleveland Clinic
• Judy Bartel, MSN, ACHPN, CHPCA, FPCN, Chief Clinical Officer, Hospice of the Western Reserve
• Dean Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, The Breen School of Nursing, Ursuline College
• Dean Wendy Batch Wilson, DNP, RN, Cuyahoga Community College
• Dean Melissa Cole, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CENP, John Carroll University
• Moderator: Erin Slay, DNP, MHA, RN, Associate Dean, Central School of Practical Nursing

Together, they addressed the critical disconnects impacting nursing today — from fragmented education-to-practice pathways to the growing emotional toll on frontline staff.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Seamless Transitions from Classroom to Bedside
Leaders stressed the need for continuous collaboration between nursing schools and healthcare systems. The outdated "handoff" model leaves many new nurses unprepared for the realities of clinical practice, contributing to early-career turnover.

Redefining Resilience
Panelists reframed resilience as a systemic responsibility, not an individual expectation. Trauma-informed education, emotional intelligence training, and integrated support services were highlighted as essential to sustaining nurse well-being.

Professionalism and Culture Building
A candid discussion emerged around declining professionalism among new nurses. Both educators and employers were urged to set clear expectations and foster workplace cultures where accountability, respect, and connection thrive.

Innovative Clinical Partnerships
Several institutions shared models where clinical faculty are leased from health systems, embedding students directly within care teams. These partnerships improve clinical readiness and strengthen recruitment pipelines.

The Power of Professional Organizations
Engagement in organizations like GCONL was championed as critical for nurse advocacy, leadership development, and policy influence — particularly for early-career nurses seeking connection and purpose beyond the bedside.

Expanding Impact Beyond Northeast Ohio
The panel’s success drew attention from hospital associations across Ohio, leading to an invitation to present at the Ohio Hospital Association — demonstrating that Northeast Ohio’s collaborative model could serve as a framework statewide.

A Vision for the Future

One of the most pivotal outcomes came when Dean Patricia Sharpnack proposed developing a regional vision and position statement, inspired by her work with the National League for Nursing. The document, now underway, aims to unify academic, clinical, and policy leaders around actionable strategies to address workforce challenges, professional development, and nurse retention.

“We have a culture of collaboration in Northeast Ohio that doesn’t exist everywhere,” said Sharpnack during the discussion. “Formalizing that strength into a shared vision will ensure we’re not just reacting to challenges — but leading through them.”

Why This Matters Now

With nurse vacancy rates remaining high and burnout fueling workforce instability, healthcare leaders argue that piecemeal solutions are no longer enough. Sustained, coordinated action across sectors is required to safeguard both patient care and the future of the profession.

“Supporting nurses isn’t a nursing issue — it’s a healthcare system issue,” Jody Blessing, GCONL Chair, added. “This initiative proves that when leaders come together with purpose, conversations lead to commitments — and commitments lead to change.”

What’s Next

The Greater Cleveland Organization for Nursing Leadership, in partnership with The Center for Health Affairs, will continue convening stakeholders as the Northeast Ohio Nursing Vision and Position Statement takes shape. Leaders are also calling for greater nurse engagement in professional organizations to amplify collective influence on policy and practice. Visit the GCONL membership registration page to learn more and become a member.

As Nurses Week 2025 highlights the vital role of nurses, Northeast Ohio’s leaders are demonstrating that recognition must be paired with action.

Because in healthcare, when collaboration is intentional, it’s never just a conversation — it’s the start of something bigger.