NWONL February CE Session: Understanding and Applying Change Theory: Four Foundational Models With a Deep Dive Into the Switch Framework

Leaders, join us as our own 2026 NWONL Board President, Pat Patton, leads this vital session on the theories and applications of driving organizational change as a nurse leader. Pat is Chief Nursing Officer – Central Puget Sound Service Area (First Hill, Cherry Hill, Issaquah, Ballard, Redmond) and Interim CNO - Swedish Issaquah, and has a strong, progressive, and proven history of organizational change and strategic management. 

Learning Objectives:  

• Identify the four foundational change theories presented in the session (Lewin, Kotter, ADKAR, Bridges).
• Compare and contrast the similarities and differences across the four change theories, focusing on preparation, processes, psychology, and cultural embedding.
• Apply the three components of the Switch model—Direct the Rider, Motivate the Elephant, Shape the Path—to real or hypothetical organizational scenarios.
• Integrate elements from multiple change theories to form a personalized leadership approach for guiding complex change.

Learning Objectives:  

• Pat Patton DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

CE Information:

• Non-members may attend as a learning session for professional development.
• CE is available for active NWONL members and ACNL members in good standing as part of our NWONL/ACNL collaborative agreement.
• The session will be available for NWONL members via the NWONL CE on Demand approximately 30 days post session.