Sanford says strategic thinking crucial for nurse leaders

In an interview, AONL Member Kathleen Sanford said nurses need to learn how to be strategic thinkers at every leadership level. Sanford, DBA, RN, executive vice president and CNO of CommonSpirit, says the Chicago-based health system’s one-year nurse residency program teachers nurses how to innovate and think strategically. CommonSpirit plans to educate leaders from different specialties together and to educate its managers in the specialty of management. As Sanford assumed positions with increasing responsibilities, listening to other perspectives was crucial in helping her to be an effective leader, she noted. Sanford is one of five profiles HealthLeaders Media conducted during National Nurses Week to celebrate nurse leaders who serve as strategic partners in their organization’s leadership. (HealthLeaders Media article, 5/7/23)