About
MLN
Together, we elevate the standard
of care across the state.
Missouri Nursing Education & Professional Development
Missouri League for Nursing
The Missouri League for Nursing is a statewide professional nursing organization dedicated to advancing nursing education, leadership, professional development, and healthcare excellence across Missouri. Through continuing education programs, conferences, community partnerships, and member engagement opportunities, MLN supports nurses, nurse educators, healthcare leaders, students, and healthcare organizations at every stage of the profession. With a longstanding legacy of serving the nursing community, MLN remains focused on strengthening the future of healthcare through collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and the ongoing development of nursing professionals throughout the region.
Advancing Nursing Excellence in Missouri
I view mentoring and inspiring our next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders as a professional responsibility of all nurses and healthcare leaders. This includes not only ensuring that our next generation is equipped with the clinical knowledge required for practice but also the emotional skills needed to advance healthcare across an ever-changing environment. The Missouri League for Nursing not only offers members a supportive environment to advance both personally and professionally but also to gain valuable leadership skills. The league offers many opportunities for networking and collaboration with leaders and educators throughout the state. Continuing education is also an integral part of any profession and a valuable benefit the MLN provides to its members through the recruitment of recognized speakers, the league provides exposure and education regarding many of the contemporary issues currently faced in nursing and long-term care.
Janet Chance-Hetzler, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing,
Stephens College; MLN Board President
MLN Board of Directors
Janet Chance-Hetzler, DNP, MSN, APRN, RN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS, CNE, President
Katie Jett, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, President-Elect
Cassandra Loggins, PhD, MSN, RN, Past President
Julie Bilyeu, Treasurer
UNIT CHAIRS
Jennifer McCord, PhD, RN, CRRN, Western Unit Chair
Lisa Pitzer, RN, Northern Unit Chair
Billie Jo Russell, BSN, RN, Southern Unit Chair
Stephanie Franks, MSN, RN, CNE, Eastern Unit Chair
Job Openings
Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses
MLN Student Scholarships
The Missouri League for Nursing offers nursing scholarships to support qualified students in achieving their educational and career goals in nursing. Scholarship amounts vary based on eligibility criteria outlined in the official Rules and Regulations. The MLN Scholarship is available to practical nursing students, registered nursing students beyond the freshman level in associate degree or diploma programs, RN students beyond the sophomore level in baccalaureate programs, and Master of Science in Nursing candidates who have completed at least 15 credit hours and hold an active Missouri nursing license. To be considered, all scholarship applications must be submitted through the applicant’s dean; applications submitted directly by students will not be accepted.
The Missouri League for Nursing invites deans and directors from member schools of nursing to nominate one outstanding graduating student for recognition at the 13th Annual MLN Nursing Convention, held April 13–14, 2026, in Columbia. Selected students will receive complimentary registration to the convention, be recognized during the event and on MLN social media, and serve as a student ambassador supporting future conference planning and student engagement. Nominees should demonstrate strong leadership potential, effective interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continued professional growth. Interested schools must submit their selected student based on these criteria.
MLN Student Ambassador Award
Our Core Values
At the Missouri League for Nursing, our core values guide every decision, partnership, and initiative. Rooted in a commitment to advancing nursing education and healthcare, these principles shape how we serve our members, support our communities, and lead with purpose. Together, they reflect our dedication to fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence in all that we do.
CARING
MLN values acting with concern and consideration for the whole person. We believe the value of caring should be inherent in all actions of health care professionals. All organizational actions and activities are managed in a participative and person-centered manner, demonstrating an ability to understand the needs of others and a commitment to act in the best interest of all stakeholders.
Integrity
MLN consistently demonstrates open communication, fair decision-making, and humility. Not only is doing the right thing how we do business, but our actions reveal our commitment to transparency.
Diversity
MLN embraces acceptance and respect of each individual and recognizes individual differences and uniqueness among ideas, values and varied characteristics and dimensions of human beings. Our culture promotes inclusivity.
Excellence
MLN is committed to continuous growth, improvement, and understanding. The status quo and mediocrity are not tolerated and transformation is supported. Through teamwork, the organization stays abreast of the latest trends and technology to meet dynamic needs of stakeholders.