Learning to lead: Rising stars reflect on challenges, growth

The idea that “you can take the nurse out of the OR, but you can’t take the OR out of the nurse” is not new. And yet, a recent panel discussion among emerging nurse leaders indicates this old adage rings truer today than ever. Speaking at the 2024 OR Manager Conference in Las Vegas this past October, all three panelists described the lasting impact of navigating the day-to-day challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic early in their respective ascents to roles requiring more long-term, strategic thinking. Based on their experiences, capability to quickly and calmly collaborate, adapt, and act amid crisis is as deeply ingrained in the latest crop of perioperative leaders as any who came before.