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The role of nursing leadership in the organization at all levels is critical to the success of evidence-based practice. In an empowered environment, the nurse executive co-creates the vision, sets the expectations for excellence, creates a culture where change can be actively explored, ensures that alignment exists at all levels, and assists in providing resources and creating capacity for the program. Evidence-based practice is integrated throughout the fabric of the organization, from policies and procedures, to the nursing performance standards and clinical ladder critieria. It is actualized at various levels including the unit level and in interdisciplinary quality improvement teams and workgroups.

A theory based practice model based on Levine's Theory of Conservation provides the framework for excellent nursing care delivery in a culturally rich environment that serves Alaska Native people. The Shared Governance Leadership model provides a structure and systematic way to integrate evidence-based practice throughout the organization. Directors and managers ensure that the staff has the time and resources to participate at the level that they desire; to ensure that they receive mentoring, and create a climate that fosters and promotes evidence based practice and nursing research. As mavens, masters prepared nurses role model the language and behaviors necessary for evidence-based practice and nursing research to grow. Nursing Directors, Clinical Managers, Nurse Educators and other leaders have adopted the Transformational Leadership philosophy so that the point-of-care staff may be coached to excel in their roles. Nursing administration supports formal programs for developing the skills necessary to be successful, including educational activities, evidence-based practice forms, and an internship to support evidence-based practice skill development and changes in nursing practice.