Brenda Tousley, DNP, ACCNS-AG, AGCNS-BC, ANVP-BC, ASC-BC
Secretary

Brenda Tousley, DNP, AGCNS-BC, ACCNS-AG, ANVP-BC is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with a distinguished career in critical care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. Her journey began in the Army Nurse Corps, where she received advanced training in critical care, and has since held roles as a bedside nurse, educator, leader, preceptor, and mentor.

She earned her BSN and MSN/CNS from the University of Northern Colorado and holds a post-master’s certificate in adult gerontologic CNS and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Colorado. Her expertise spans evidence-based practice, shared leadership, and professional development.

A passionate advocate for elevating the nursing profession, Dr. Tousley has built shared leadership structures that empower nurses to shape care delivery and practice environments. Her work reflects the Arizona Nurses Association’s strategic priorities, including:

• Championing the value of nursing to improve health outcomes and elevate the profession’s role in healthcare financing and policy,

• Supporting the professional success and well-being of nurses through education, mentorship, and innovation,

• Building a sustainable nursing workforce by engaging in academic partnerships and leadership development.

She served as a clinical instructor for 15 years and helped develop and teach the online RN-BSN curriculum, demonstrating her commitment to educational innovation and workforce development. Her leadership was recognized with the Nightingale Luminary Award for non-traditional leadership.

Her governance experience includes serving on the Colorado Nurses Association Board of Directors as Director for Region 1, where she represented rural and small communities. She also led the Area Health Education Center Board for four years, three as President.

Now based in Arizona, Dr. Tousley continues her professional advocacy as a member of the Arizona Nurses Association. Her experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and community engagement positions her as a strong nursing advocate — committed to advancing nursing’s impact on health, policy, and society.