33 | Digital Communication Competencies for Nurse Leaders in a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Digital communication is no longer optional for nurse leaders – it is a core leadership skill. In this episode of Nursing Insights, we sit down with Alysia Adams, Director of Education Partnerships at the American Organization of Nursing Leadership, to explore the digital communication competencies now shaping nursing leadership across the country.

Alysia shares what led her to research digital communication, the barriers nurse leaders face online, and how storytelling, ethics, boundaries, and inclusivity play a critical role in effective leadership. She also explains how these competencies were developed through a Delphi study and why they are now being incorporated into national leadership standards.

This conversation offers practical insight for nurse leaders at every level who want to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose in the digital era.

Key Takeaways

• Why communication is a foundational skill for effective nurse leadership
• The most common barriers preventing nurse leaders from engaging digitally
• How storytelling strengthens trust, visibility, and influence
• Why ethics and credibility rank highest among digital competencies
• The importance of boundaries and well-being in digital leadership
• How nurse leaders can communicate across generations effectively
• Simple first steps for leaders who want to improve their digital presence

Relevant Links

• American Organization of Nursing Leadership: https://www.aonl.org
• Nurse Leader Journal: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/nurse-leader
• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing: https://www.njccn.org