Based on recent BSN student clinical observations and evaluations from inpa
tient hospital units to which they were assigned, we were concerned about t
he absence of nursing leadership in these settings and the impact this abse
nce has on our profession. In this opinion article, we explore how nursing
leadership is being influenced by the structure of health care institutions
and by an anti-intellectual stance among members of the profession. We dis
cuss how these factors are influencing the current state of our profession
and recommend a course of action to ensure the professional presence of nur
sing in the future. We also encourage readers to think about what they can
do to prevent the fading of nursing leadership.