This month's ALSN Member Spotlight features Dr. Todd Tussing, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FNAP - Associate Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University and Director of Programs and Professional Development at ALSN.
For many nurse leaders, the spark of ambition is lit early by those who model the way. For Dr. Todd Tussing, that inspiration came during nursing school while observing Neenah Grove, a head nurse on a 38-bed orthopedic unit. Her organizational prowess, high standards for quality, and calm demeanor when navigating complex dynamics with surgeons left a lasting impression.
"Early in my career, I found similar leadership attributes in the nursing supervisors and directors I encountered," Todd recalls. "I developed a desire to have my own team to foster and grow into the best nursing team possible."
Impact at Ohio State and ALSN
Today, Todd channels that passion into academia and engagement in professional organizations. At The Ohio State University College of Nursing, he serves as an Associate Clinical Professor and the Track Director for the Nurse Executive Track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. His work focuses on preparing the next generation of nursing leaders through his leadership and mentorship for faculty and students, and teaching courses on quality improvement, economics, finance, and healthcare operations in both the DNP and Masters’ in Healthcare Innovation programs.
Within ALSN, Todd plays a pivotal role as the Director of Programs and Professional Development. In this capacity, he oversees the committees responsible for planning the annual conference (Programs Committee) and hosting the organization’s webinar series (Professional Development Committee)--essential platforms for knowledge-sharing and community building.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Future
When reflecting on the current state of healthcare, Todd identifies the "brain drain" of COVID and the post-pandemic era that resulted in the exodus of nurses across the continuum, including nursing leaders, as a significant concern. The departure of experienced leaders has created a mentorship gap that threatens nursing culture across healthcare.
"Nursing culture directly impacts quality of care and nurse retention," Todd explains. Without experienced mentors to guide them, early-career leaders face challenges in their own personal and professional development and their ability to create cultures that promote retention.
However, he remains excited and energized by the shift in nurses’ desire to earn terminal degrees earlier in their careers. He believes that having doctorally-prepared nurses leading for decades—rather than just at the end of their careers—will transform clinical outcomes.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Todd attributes his own success to a variety of mentors that have helped shepherd him. His primary advice for aspiring leaders is to seek out diverse mentorship tailored to different professional needs. "My trajectory success has been a direct result of the mentors who have supported me," says Todd. He suggests maintaining two or three mentors simultaneously, citing his own experience of having separate mentors for administration, scholarship, and faculty roles. For those looking to make their mark, he views ALSN as the ideal home to find that support.
NOTE: Google Gemini was used in the generation of this work through support in creation of an outline creation and grammar checking.
If you would like to connect with nurse leaders like Dr. Tussing and be part of this community, learn more about ALSN membership at: ALSN.info/Membership
