American Academy of Nursing

American Academy of Nursing. The American Academy of Nursing is a professional organization that serves as a pivotal body for advancing health policy and practice through nursing knowledge. Established under the auspices of the American Nurses Association, it convenes a distinguished fellowship of the nation's most accomplished nursing leaders. The Academy's work is dedicated to transforming healthcare systems, promoting the health of populations, and shaping policy through evidence, innovation, and expert influence.

History

The organization was founded in 1973 by the American Nurses Association to provide an authoritative forum for addressing critical issues in healthcare and nursing. Its creation was championed by prominent nursing leaders like Hildegard Peplau, a pioneer in psychiatric nursing, and Rhetaugh Dumas, who later became the first African American dean of the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Initially operating from Kansas City, Missouri, the Academy later moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C. to be closer to federal policy-making bodies like the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Congress of the United States. A significant early milestone was its role in the 1988 publication of the influential report "Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform," which helped shape the national debate during the Clinton administration's health reform efforts.

Mission and activities

The mission is to advance health policy and practice by generating, synthesizing, and disseminating nursing knowledge. Core activities include conducting rigorous policy analysis, hosting the annual Health Policy Conference, and convening expert panels known as Expert Panels on topics ranging from health equity to emergency preparedness. The Academy actively engages with federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. A major initiative is the "Raise the Voice" campaign, which highlights the work of Edge Runners—nurses designing transformative care models. The organization also presents prestigious awards, including the Living Legend award, to honor exceptional contributions to the profession.

Membership and fellowship

Membership is conferred through a competitive fellowship process, with the title Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) representing one of the highest honors in the profession. Candidates are nominated by two current Fellows and are evaluated on sustained and significant impacts on healthcare and nursing. The fellowship includes renowned figures such as Antonia Villarruel, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and Beverly Malone, former CEO of the National League for Nursing. The selection process is overseen by the Fellow Selection Committee, and new Fellows are inducted each year at the organization's annual Transforming Health, Driving Policy Conference. The collective expertise of the fellowship spans clinical practice, academia, research, and executive leadership within institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Publications and initiatives

The organization disseminates knowledge primarily through its official journal, Nursing Outlook, published in partnership with Elsevier. It regularly releases policy briefs, position statements, and consensus reports on pressing issues such as the opioid epidemic and social determinants of health. Major initiatives include the "Building Health Care System Excellence" program and the "Institute for Nursing Leadership." The Academy also collaborates on international projects with entities like the World Health Organization and contributes to foundational documents such as The Future of Nursing reports by the National Academy of Medicine. Its policy work often informs legislation considered by committees like the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Leadership and governance

Governance is vested in an elected Board of Directors, which includes the President, President-Elect, and Secretary-Treasurer. Notable past presidents include Diana Mason, a prolific scholar in health policy, and Karen Cox. The board sets strategic direction and is supported by a professional staff headquartered in Washington, D.C., led by a Chief Executive Officer. Key committees, such as the Finance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, guide organizational operations. The Academy maintains formal affiliations with other leading bodies like the American Academy of Nursing Foundation and the Campaign for Action, which is coordinated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Nursing organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1973