“Just because I’m a clinical nurse doesn’t mean there isn’t leadership in my current job,” said Kristy Wheeler, BSN, RN, CNOR, CST, in a recent interview with Advance.

The feature story takes a look at a conversation held during the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses conference earlier this spring. The “We Want YOU for Leadership: Developing Inspiring Leaders” panel included the sentiment that leadership involves a reach from both ends of the nursing career ladder: Those at the top need to mentor those just starting, and those just beginning to climb the ladder need to find mentors and look for their own opportunities—say, volunteer for an interesting project in their department.

Leading the way on leadership is the Nurses on Boards Coalition, whose goal is to get 10,000 nurses on boards by 2020. Executive director Laurie Benson, BSN, sounded themes similar the “We Want YOU” panel comments when she gave four strategies to Health Leaders Media earlier this month. First step: Find what you’re interested in.

Both pieces offer good, specific ideas on how nurses can make sure their voices are heard. When nurses lead, and are partners in shaping plans—both in health care facilities and the community—better decisions are made.