The panel The Upstream Issues Most Pressing for Nursing Leaders will examine the broader systemic challenges that nursing leaders must address to improve patient care and workforce sustainability. Panelists will discuss critical issues such as nurse staffing shortages, burnout, and the need for leadership development to prepare the next generation of nursing professionals. The session will also focus on the impact of policies, workplace culture, and patient safety in shaping the nursing environment. Finally, experts will share strategies for advocating for change, building supportive teams, and influencing healthcare policies that will enable nursing leaders to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.