Aim To determine whether communication networks exist in a diverse and competitively selected cohort of nurse leaders, and to identify variables that explain any patterns of connection.

Method Twenty seven nurse leaders completed a form to ascertain the presence and strength of communication between participants. Data were analysed using social network analysis, generating a visualisation of the network and associated quantitative measures.

Results Participants were poorly connected. Those connections that did exist centred on geographic proximity and participation in regional and global bodies.

Conclusion These results help improve understanding of how nurse leaders are connected internationally, and prompt inquiry in to how connections might be strengthened.