AIM The purpose of this study was to survey hospital nurse leaders throughout the United States to determine which professional behaviors they believe are essential for nursing students to learn in the classroom. BACKGROUND This study was part of a multiphase study. The survey was revised from a previous survey administered to nurse leaders in the Midwest. METHOD Participants were surveyed using 46 items in the categories of Change, Communication, Conflict, Leadership, and Self-Awareness. RESULTS The highest ranked category was Communication, followed by Self-Awareness, Change, Leadership, and Conflict. The highest rated items in each category were communication with patients, accept constructive criticism, manage change, prioritization, and conflict resolution techniques. CONCLUSION Nurse educators and leaders can use the findings to continue to refine nursing education.