CNO communication is key during change management

CNOs should communicate clearly with their workforce during times of rapid organizational change, including mergers, acquisitions and restructurings, according to AONL member and OU Health CNE Stefanie Beavers, DNP, RN. The Oklahoma City, Okla.-based health system became a locally owned and managed nonprofit in 2018, integrating hospitals, clinicians and physicians into a united health system led by a new executive team. Beavers helped to solidify OU Health’s organizational identity as an academic health center by focusing on the implications for the nursing workforce and reducing confusion about policies and expectations. CNOs should identify quality and performance data points and metrics that have changed between the former and present organization, she says. (HealthLeaders Media article, 2/10/25)