How Nurse Practitioners Should Be Moving Into 2026

There’s a quiet shift happening among Nurse Practitioners.

It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s powerful.

More NPs are realizing that working harder isn’t the answer, and waiting for the “right time” isn’t either. The next season requires a different way of moving.

As we head into 2026, I want to introduce a simple but intentional framework that I believe every NP leader, entrepreneur, and visionary needs to embrace:

Strategize. Execute. Evaluate. Ascend.

Not as buzzwords—but as a way of operating.

Strategize

Strategy is not about endless planning. It’s about clarity.

For NPs, strategizing means deciding on purpose:

• What direction your career or business is going this year

• What opportunities align with your values, not just your credentials

• What you are no longer willing to give your time and energy to

Strategy is how you stop reacting and start leading.

Execute

This is where many professionals stall.

Execution requires courage. It looks like:

• Acting before everything feels perfect

• Making moves even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed

• Showing up consistently when no one is applauding yet

Execution is how vision turns into reality. Degrees and experience open doors—but execution is what moves you through them.

Evaluate

Evaluation is often misunderstood.

It’s not about criticizing yourself—it’s about being honest with yourself.

Evaluation asks:

• What’s actually working?

• What needs refinement, not abandonment?

• What did this season teach me about my leadership style?

Strong leaders reflect so they can move forward with intention, not emotion.

Ascend

Ascension doesn’t happen by chance.

It happens when strategy, execution, and evaluation are aligned.

Ascend is about:

• Owning your expertise without shrinking

• Positioning yourself where your voice and leadership matter

• Allowing your growth to be visible—even when it feels uncomfortable

You don’t need permission to ascend. You need alignment and action.

As we move into a new year, my hope is that Nurse Practitioners stop asking “Am I ready?” and start asking “Am I willing to move?”

Because the NPs who will lead in 2026 aren’t waiting. They’re moving with intention.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I need to strategize more clearly?

• What do I need to execute without hesitation?

• What deserves honest evaluation?

• And where am I ready to ascend?

Your next level isn’t out of reach. It’s waiting on your decision to move differently.