AACN's Six Essential Elements for a
Healthy Work Environment
1. Skilled Communication: Nurses must be as proficient in communication skills as they are in clinical skills
2. True Collaboration: Nurses must be relentless in pursuing and fostering true collaboration
3. Effective Decision Making: Nurses must be valued and committed partners in making policy, directing and evaluating clinical care and
and leading organizational operations
4. Appropriate Staffing: Staffing must ensure the effective match between patient needs and nursing competencies
5. Meaningful Recognition: Nurses must be recognized and must recognize others for the value each brings to the work of the organization
6. Authentic Leadership: Nurse leaders must fully embrace the imperative of a healthy work environment, authentically live it and engage
others in its achievement.
2. True Collaboration: Nurses must be relentless in pursuing and fostering true collaboration
3. Effective Decision Making: Nurses must be valued and committed partners in making policy, directing and evaluating clinical care and
and leading organizational operations
4. Appropriate Staffing: Staffing must ensure the effective match between patient needs and nursing competencies
5. Meaningful Recognition: Nurses must be recognized and must recognize others for the value each brings to the work of the organization
6. Authentic Leadership: Nurse leaders must fully embrace the imperative of a healthy work environment, authentically live it and engage
others in its achievement.
