On Saturday, October 18th, 2025, I had the honor of being inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in Washington DC. I was honored alongside 300 other talented nurses from across the globe to join the 3400 Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).
The American Academy of Nursing (AAN)’s purpose is to serve, “the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally.” During the ceremony, I learned that there are over 3400 Fellows in the Academy who are accomplished and recognized leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.
When speaking, teaching, or writing about nursing and associated topics of interest, I will often be sure to mention that nurses belong in all places where healthcare decisions are made. I share this statement so that one can imagine a career path that both suits the talents and interests while matching an aligned expertise need for society.
As I listened to my fellow inductee introductions, it was clear to me that the statement I have shared in an aspirational way to encourage others, is not only possible, but it is happening all around us across the globe.
There will always be new needs for nursing knowledge, expertise, interests, products, processes, services, roles. How we, as nurses, care will continue to shift as society evolves to further digitize healthcare. Yet, people need the care, knowledge, and expertise of nurses and healthcare professionals to truly deliver human centered care.
