As the director of clinical practice for four years at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, Jennifer Plant, a respiratory therapist with a master's degree in quality improvement and patient safety, recognizes nurses as true leaders. "They're really strong advocates for person-centred care and for quality," she says, adding that it's the nurses who are leading at the bedside in long-term care. In her role as director, Plant helps guide and support teams, which include RNs and other health professionals, with the implementation of RNAO best practice guidelines. She recruits nurses within the organization to take on leadership roles. In 2016 and 2018, she advocated for the creation of new nursing leadership positions (three) that support, mentor and empower nursing practice within Perley Rideau. "They have been a real asset to the nursing team," she says. Plant has also mentored six nurses in applying for the RNAO Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF). Three have successfully completed fellowships within the last two years. "It's so important to support (nurses) in developing those (leadership skills)," Plant says, adding she is honoured to work with nurses every day.