In a bold move to support and strengthen the nursing workforce, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN
) has launched a new leadership and innovation training initiative: the Nursing Workforce Solutions program. Powered by AACN’s renowned Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy and backed by Johnson & Johnson, this initiative is designed to equip direct care nurses with the leadership tools to drive meaningful change at the bedside—and beyond.
This 18-month program, offered at no cost to participating hospitals, integrates AACN’s Healthy Work Environment standards and the proven CSI Academy methodology to enhance nurse satisfaction, promote healthy workplaces, and improve retention. With six regional cohorts and a total of 60 participating nurse-led teams from 25 hospitals, the program promises to scale up innovation from the frontlines of care.
“Research supports that implementing healthy work environments through nurse-led innovation has measurable improvements for nurse retention, job satisfaction, organizational culture, and patient outcomes,” said Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, FAAN, Chief Clinical Officer at AACN. “Through this collaborative effort, we will drive change to support our nursing workforce.”
New Workforce Empowerment Initiative
More than just a training program, CSI Academy has a track record of measurable success. Since its inception in 2012, over 816 nurses from 141 hospitals have participated, with projects reaching 13,000 nurses and impacting more than 2 million patients. The program has generated an estimated $114 million in fiscal benefits and boasts an impressive 455% return on investment, thanks to its focus on scalable, sustainable innovations.
The new Nursing Workforce Solutions program builds on that foundation, adding a train-the-trainer component to help hospital systems cascade CSI principles throughout their organizations—extending impact long after the initial cohort completes the program.
“Nurses are uniquely positioned to transform both care delivery and the healthcare work environment,” said Michele Morgan, Director of Nursing Programs and Strategies, Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson. “Johnson & Johnson is proud to collaborate with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to support and empower nurse-led innovation within health systems.”
Participating Hospitals
The following hospitals were selected to participate in this national rollout:
North Carolina: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – Advocate Health (Charlotte), Atrium Health Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem)
Massachusetts: Baystate Wing Hospital (Palmer), Berkshire Medical Center (Pittsfield), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston), Boston Medical Center (Boston), Cape Cod Hospital (Barnstable), Holyoke Medical Center (Holyoke), Newton-Wellesley Hospital (Newton), Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro), Tufts Medical Center (Boston)
Nebraska & Iowa: Children’s Hospital and Medical Center (Omaha), Methodist Fremont Health (Fremont), Methodist Hospital/Women’s Hospital (Omaha), Methodist Jennie Edmundson (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
Louisiana & Mississippi: Ochsner Health Center – Hancock (Bay St. Louis), Ochsner Health Center – St. Bernard (Chalmette), Ochsner Health Center – Luling (Luling), Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner (Kenner), Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans (Jefferson), Ochsner LSU Health – Academic Medical Center (Shreveport), Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus (Gretna)
New Mexico: Presbyterian Hospital (Albuquerque)
Alabama: University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (Birmingham)
A Growing Library of Nurse-Led Solutions
In line with its mission to share and scale evidence-based nursing innovations, AACN continues to provide online access to its extensive CSI Innovation Projects. This resource includes project summaries, data tools, outcomes, and interventions—all designed to help acute, progressive, and critical care nurses turn great ideas into measurable improvements.
Healthcare leaders, nurse executives, and frontline staff can tap into this free library for practical, nurse-led strategies that drive clinical outcomes while reducing operational costs.
To learn more or explore how to bring CSI Academy to your facility, visit the CSI Academy FAQ page.
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