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News & Press https://aannet.org/news/default.asp Fri, 5 Jun 2026 01:46:46 GMT Wed, 3 Jun 2026 20:52:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 American Academy of Nursing (AAN) FAAN Mail: June 3, 2026 https://aannet.org/news/news.asp?id=728584 https://aannet.org/news/news.asp?id=728584

June 3, 2026

President's Message

Dear Fellows,

What defines a student? If you read this line and an image popped into your head, what did you see? A young person sitting behind a desk? Maybe there was a chalk board in the background. Was it an eager individual with their hand extended in the air? For many of us who have just finished commencement ceremonies, was it the next generation of nurses in their cap and gown? Formally, a student is someone who is enrolled in a program of higher education and actively engaged in learning. Informally, we are all students because all of us in the Fellowship are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. We are students of life, students of human behavior, students of presence, students of opportunity.

I reflect on the concept of lifelong learning this month, not because May was full of university graduations, or that in June kindergarten through high school students will be shouting a familiar song that rang through the airwaves over 50 years ago— school's out for summer. No, I reflect on this because— in the times we are living in— the focus has shifted from “this is what I learned” to “this is what I know.” A subtle distinction that can either mean openness to learning more or a notion that knowledge is already obtained.

And to that matter, how do we know? When was the last time you said to yourself or even another person, "I did not know that" … "I had not thought about it that way." This reflective moment could have presented itself from a comment made by someone in your generation, one-two generations below, or similarly one-two above. I consider this especially because, the Board will gather in Washington, DC and among other discussions, they will hear from the Chair and Co-Chair of the Fellow Selection Committee (Ernest Grant and Laura Wood) on the new triad review model that was adopted this year and accept the names of those who will become Fellows in 2026. When these new Fellows attend the Health Policy Conference later this fall, they will learn from us what it means to be part of this prestigious Academy.

Will we embrace them and show them what the Academy has always been— a shared community of experts who are lifelong learners? Or will we hold to the modern mantra— this is what I know — and you do not.

We have much to learn. We will not always get it right. We may find nuggets of wisdom in the minuscule moments. We can plan all we like and believe we know more than others, but our humble reality is, if I might quote the Yiddish proverb, "Man plans, God laughs." So let us laugh too — not at our missteps, but at the beautiful, humbling truth that the day we stop learning is the day we stop living. Let the image of the student be not the young face behind the desk or the nurse in cap and gown — but our own reflection in the mirror, brave enough to still raise our hand.

Sincerely,

Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FAAN
President

Academy News and Events

Fellowship Forward: Driving the Academy’s Policy Impact

Meeting's Proceedings

Shifting the Future: Policy and Research Updates on Suicide in the Nursing Profession

Report

Transforming Health and Healthcare: Core Factors and Aligned Attributes of Nurse-Led Models of Care

Federal Action

Response to the Department of Education's Final Rule on the Definition of a Professional Degree

American Academy of Nursing Supporters

The American Academy of Nursing is honored to recognize the supporters of our development funds - the AAN Polaris Fund (Unrestricted), the AAN Science Fund, the AAN Innovation Fund, the AAN Leadership Fund, and the AAN President's Policy Fund - and their generous commitment to the Academy. View more details about ways to give, donor giving levels, and our current campaigns. The following individuals supported the Academy in May.

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Jane H. Barnsteiner

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Joyce Fitzpatrick

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Your gift, at a level that is meaningful to you, is truly appreciated and is a critical investment in the future of health policy. The Academy is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your financial gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

In support of the organization’s forward momentum, the Academy’s Living Legends – recognized for their extraordinary contributions to health care and the nursing profession – are asking an important question: What's next for the Fellowship's collective impact? In response, 35 of these visionary leaders have come together to pledge $45,000 in support of the Academy’s future. Their commitment reflects a deep belief in the Fellowship’s strength and the potential it can achieve in the years ahead.

Together, they are calling on the full Fellowship to match—and, if possible, exceed—their collective gift, with the goal of raising $90,000.

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Donor Spotlight

“I support the American Academy of Nursing because of its unwavering commitment to advancing the profession and improving global health equity. By fostering innovation and leadership, the Academy empowers nurses to drive systemic change. I am proud to contribute to their initiatives, ensuring that nursing standards are elevated and that quality care becomes a standard accessible to all."

Christopher L. Coleman, PhD, MS, MPH, PMHCNS-BC, FADLN, FAAN

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Fellow Achievements

Submit an Achievement for FAAN Mail

Nakia Best, PhD, RN, FAAN, Assistant Professor at UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, has been inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of School Nurses.

Dr. Best was inducted into the Academy in 2025.

Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE, ANEF, FAONL, FAAN, Associate Professor at Georgetown University, has been selected as Senior Executive Director of Health Professions Education at Risepoint.

Dr. Davis was inducted into the Academy in 2022.

Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, will be inducted as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Gould was inducted into the Academy in 2015.

Shela Hirani, PhD, MScN, BScN, RN, CGNC, IBCLC, FAAN, Professor at University of Regina Canada, has received the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation’s (SHRF) Impact Award.

Dr. Hirani was inducted into the Academy in 2025.

Aimee Holland, DNP, WHNP-BC, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN, Professor and Associate Dean of University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, has been re-elected to the National Organization of Nurses Practitioner Faculties Board of Directors.

Dr. Holland was inducted into the Academy in 2021.

David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Executive Director of Washington State Nurses Association, will receive the American Nurses Association’s Luther Christman Award.

Dr. Keepnews was inducted into the Academy in 1999.

Cynda Hylton Rushton, PhD, RN, FAAN, Anne and George L. Bunting Professor at Johns Hopkins University, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Dr. Rushton was inducted into the Academy in 1990.

Patricia A. Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor at Ursuline College, received the YWCA Career Women of Achievement Award.

Dr. Sharpnack was inducted into the Academy in 1990.

Debra Toney, PhD, RN, FADLN, FAAN, Executive Director of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, will receive the American Nurses Association's Hall of Fame Award.

Dr. Toney was inducted into the Academy in 2009.

Patricia Quigley, PhD, MPH, APRN, FAAN, FAANP, FARN, Nurse Consultant, was awarded Honorary Doctor of Nursing by the University of South Florida.

Dr. Quigley was inducted into the Academy in 2006.

The American Academy of Nursing is pleased to celebrate the following Fellows for receiving awards from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners:

Mary Beth Bigley, DrPH, ANP-BC, FAAN, 2026 Towers Pinnacle Award
William Rosa, PhD, MBE, APRN, FAANP, FPCN, FAAN, 2026 AANP Sharp Cutting Edge Award

The American Academy of Nursing is pleased to celebrate the following Fellows for receiving awards from the Oncology Nursing Society:

Christine A. Miaskowski, PhD, RN, FAAN, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Diane Von Ah, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, received the Distinguished Researcher Award.
William Rosa, PhD, MBE, APRN, FAANP, FPCN, FAAN, received the Award for Consistent Contribution to Nursing Literature.

Fellow Highlights

Academy President Debra Barksdale, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FADLN, FAAN, and North Carolina State Senator Gale Adcock, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, joined the North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson along with nurse and physician associate leaders from North Carolina for a press conference to drive attention to the grave impact the Department of Education’s rule, Reimagining and Improving Student Education – Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations, will have on public's health.

Kenya Beard, EdD, AGACNP, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, is a co-editor of the textbook "Nursing Education in the AI Era: Practical Guidance for Educators to Advance Equitable Care" published by Springer.

Felesia Bowen, PhD, DNP, PCPNP-BC, FADLN, FAAN, and Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN, representing the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Association of Colleges of Nursing, respectively, were quoted in the press release "Broad Coalition Challenges Unlawful Student Loan Restrictions That Target Nurses, Counselors, Public Health Professionals, and Educators" from Democracy Forward announcing its lawsuit challenging the Department of Education ruling on the professional degree definition.

Ryannon Frederick, MS, RN, CENP, FAAN, was quoted in the article “AI Steps In to Ease Nurses’ Load As Hospitals Race To Cut Burnout” published in WebProNews.

Janice Evans Hawkins, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN, and Mercy Mumba, PhD, RN, FAAN, are co-authors of the article, "Nurses' Actions to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Study" published in the American Journal of Nursing.

Sarah Szanton, PhD, RN, ANP, FAAN, was interviewed on the NPR 1A podcast episode, "The Future of the American Healthcare Workforce."

Charles Yingling, DNP, RN, FAANP, FAAN, was quoted in the article "Nurses and PAs Left Off Professional Degree List, Limiting Access to Student Loans. What Does This Mean for Providers and Patients?" published in Medscape.

In Memoriam

Jean Steel, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor Emerita, MGH Institute of Health Professions, passed away on May 14.

Dr. Steel's early career was spent with the Visiting Nurses Association of Boston, in the Roxbury and South End Districts, and the Framingham Visiting Nurse. She was on the leading edge as she established a private practice in Cambridge as a nurse practitioner - one of the first in the country - for which she was featured in the documentary, Portrait of a Nurse. Dr. Steel developed the first master’s program for nurse practitioners at Boston University School of Nursing, where she spent 15 years on the faculty. She went on to develop a similar program at the University of Connecticut. After 45 years of practice, Dr. Steel retired as Professor Emerita from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Steel was instrumental in developing and establishing national practice guidelines across a variety of specialties. Notably, Dr. Steel held leadership positions within the American Nurses Association, including serving as President of the Massachusetts chapter and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Steel was inducted into the Academy in 1994.

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]]> Wed, 3 Jun 2026 21:52:00 GMT FAAN Mail: May 6, 2026 https://aannet.org/news/news.asp?id=726785 https://aannet.org/news/news.asp?id=726785

May 6, 2026

President's Message

Dear Fellows,

52 years. For over five decades, the country has celebrated the nursing profession through one proclamation or another. In February 1974, President Nixon issued a proclamation to honor the profession for a week. Dating back even further to 1953, a proposal was sent to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day,” though it was not signed. Fast forward to 1982, and President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation noting "National Recognition Day for Nurses" would be May 6, a date that has held over the years. Regardless of the numerous proclamations and attempts over the years to recognize the profession (see ANA’s history here), it made me start thinking about meaningful recognition. What does it really mean to have a National Nurses Day, or a week for that matter? Has recognition over the years changed our leadership within the health system, how we are viewed by the public, or accelerated the policy change we wish to see?

Depending on the nurse you ask and the moment in the day you ask them, you will likely receive a wide range of responses. Is the profession in a better state than, say, 1953 or 1974? Absolutely. Numerous states have expanded scope of practice for APRNs. Nursing science has advanced significantly, with its elevation to a center—and now an institute—within the National Institutes of Health. In addition, dedicated mental health support for our profession has been established, among other important developments. However, the headwinds that face our profession today may complicate the answer for others. From artificial intelligence to the status of the recent final rule from the Department of Education on the loan levels for post-baccalaureate professional students, as well as trend data related to enrollment and intent to leave the profession (to name a few); these are but some of the factors that may indicate why others have a bleaker view of the profession’s progress.

And yet, there is a group of nurses who think in ways that defy conventional viewpoints. This group of nurse leaders are the outliers, the futurists. These are the nurses who say, “We are close, but we can get closer; we know much, but we can learn more; we have come far, but we can go farther.” There is a commonality among this group of nurses— many carry a very distinct credential, FAAN.

We cannot forget during this time in our country’s history—in the world’s history— that our faults and fears must be overcome by conviction and courage. We must not only consider where we have been, the environment in which we now currently sit, but envision the future state of the world and strive to achieve it. During this nurses’ week, I urge us all to reflect on the direction we go from here. Hopefully, you will join me in concluding that we have come far, but we can go farther.

This certainty cannot be tied to a day or a week. It must be embedded in our core as changemakers and trailblazers. Because my fellow Fellows, that is who we are, and that is why we are here together as the lifeblood of the American Academy of Nursing. Do we see change overnight? No. We see change through persistence. Persistence that is grounded in the authenticity of humanity and the knowledge that our time is now, yet we will not be able to accomplish everything at once. Persistence that is based in reality and in finding the solutions that defy it, day after day.

Now, I hope you will indulge my pop culture reference, but I hope this conveys the message of this year’s Nurses Day to me. In the words of Elphaba from Wicked…

I'm through accepting limits

'Cause someone says they're so

Some things I cannot change

But 'til I try, I'll never know

And for those of you who are fans of the musical or are aware of it, you will also recognize the depth of this song in relation to our Fellowship on Nurses Day and every other day in between…

Together, we are unlimited.

Sincerely,

Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FAAN
President

Academy News and Events

Meetings Proceedings from Policy Dialogue on Nurse Suicide

Response to Department of Education Final Ruling

American Academy of Nursing Announcement

Important Update - Credit Card Processing Fee Now in Effect

As mentioned in the April FAAN Mail message, a 3% credit card processing fee was activated on April 15th, 2026. This fee was approved by the Academy's Finance Committee and Board of Directors during the 2026 budgeting process and shared with the membership at the 2025 annual business meeting, as well as through the Treasurer's report that was shared in the November 2025 FAAN mail newsletter.

Transactions made via check, ACH, or debit card payment will be exempt from the processing fee. Donations to the Academy are not subject to the processing fee. However, donors may elect to cover the cost of the processing fee at the time of their donation when paying via credit card.

American Academy of Nursing Supporters

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Janice G. Brewington
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Pamela F. Cipriano*
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Donor Spotlight

"Philanthropy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, shaped by the examples I saw growing up. I’m grateful to now contribute to organizations that champion excellence and strengthen our communities. Opportunities like employer matching or matching gift campaigns make that commitment feel even more impactful, knowing each contribution can go further. Joining the Academy during its 50th anniversary year was especially meaningful, and supporting its mission for the next 50 years is an honor and a privilege."

Anne Pohnert, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN

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Fellow Achievements

Submit an Achievement for FAAN Mail

Jose Alejandro-White,PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FACHE, FAAN, has been named one of Texas Nurses Association’s 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses.

Dr. Alejandro-White was inducted into the Academy in 2014.

Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor at Calvin University, has been appointed Dean of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s School of Nursing.

Dr. Ayoola was inducted into the Academy in 2020.

Barbara Bates-Jensen, Phd, RN, WOCNF, FAAN, Professor and Associate Dean at the University of California Los Angeles, named interim Dean of The University of California Los Angeles Joe C. Wen School of Nursing.

Dr. Bates-Jensen was inducted into the Academy in 2016.

Leanne Boehm, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FCCM, FAAN, Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has been named the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ (AACN) 2026 Distinguished Research Lecturer.

Dr. Boehm was inducted into the Academy in 2023.

Karen McQuillan, MS, BSN, RN, CNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, FAAN, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, was recongized as a Baltimore Magazine “Excellence in Nursing” Winner.

Dr. McQuillan was inducted into the Academy in 2011.

Adriana Perez, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, Associate Professor at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, has been appointed the inaugural Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Chair.

Dr. Perez was inducted into the Academy in 2014.

Sharon Tucker, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Dean of University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing, has been named Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

Dr. Tucker was inducted into the Academy in 2014.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

The American Academyof Nursing is pleased tocelebratethe following Fellows for receiving awards from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FNYAM, FAAN, CGNC, FADLN, received the 2026 Loretta C. Ford Award for Advancement of the Nurse Practitioner Role in Health Care.
Joan M. Stanley, PhD, NP, FAANP, FAAN, received the 2026 Legacy Award.
George A. Zangaro, PhD, RN, FAAN, named an Honorary Fellow.

The American Academy of Nursing is pleased to celebrate the following Fellows for being inducted into Sigma Theta Tau’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Anne W. Alexandrov, PhD, AGACNP-BC, CNS, NVRN-BC, ANVP-BC, ASC-BC, CCRN, FAAN
Edwin N. Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN
Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN
Li-Yin Chien, ScD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, PhD, MHS, RN, FAAN, FPCNA, FAHA
Verna L. Hendricks-Ferguson, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN
Karen J. Foli, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
JinShil Kim, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA
Jiying Ling, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN
Ashley Darcy Mahoney, PhD, NNP, FAAN
Eugenia Flores Millender, PhD, RN, PMHNP, FAAN, FAANP
Wendy R. Trueblood Miller, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN, FAES
Sandra A. Mitchell, PhD, ACNP-BC, AOCN, FAAN
Vinciya Pandian, PhD, MBA, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP, FAAN, FFNRMRCSI
Martine Puts, PhD, RN, FCAN, FAAN
Sarah Collins Rossetti, PhD, BSN, RN, FAMIA, FACMI, FAAN, FIAHSI
Leorey Saligan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN
Lixin Song, PhD, RN, FAAN
Maxim Topaz, PhD, RN, MA, FACMI, FIAHSI, FAAN
Linda H. Yoder, PhD, MBA, RN, AOCN-emerita, FAMSN, FAAN
Anna Zisberg, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Fellow Highlights

American Nurses Association President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, was featured in an interview for the article, “The Cost of Healing: ANA President Talks Legislation, Violence Against Nurses and Strikes” published in the U.S. News and World Report.

Eileen T. Lake, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Nora E. Warshawsky, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, are co-authors of the article “Association of objective and subjective nurse staffing metrics with patient fall rate by unit type” published in Nursing Outlook.

Janice Phillips, PhD, RN, CENP, FADLN, FAAN, is the author of "Nursing note: Reflections on 50 years of service," published by American Nurse Journal.

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is launching its Early-Stage Investigator Lecture Series, spotlighting emerging scientists whose work is shaping the future of nursing science and improving lives in meaningful ways. The first lecture, which will be moderated by Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, is taking place tomorrow, May 7, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. Register here. The National Advisory Council for Nursing Research will meet on May 19, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET. Learn more.

In Memoriam

Linda Ciofu Baumann, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, passed away on April 13.

Dr. Baumann was a trailblazer in nursing, behavioral medicine, and interdisciplinary health education. Throughout her distinguished career, she integrated clinical practice, research, and teaching to advance health equity and improve patient outcomes, including through her role as a founding member of the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center. Dr. Baumann's research made significant contributions to the theoretical development of self-regulation, and her studies examined conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart transplantation, and cancer screening. In addition to her numerous publications and leadership roles, Dr. Baumann supported nursing workforce development globally, including in Vietnam, Uganda, El Salvador, and Cuba.

Dr. Baumann was inducted into the Academy in 1997.

Employment Opportunities

Villanova University | Endowed Professorship
M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Villanova, Pennsylvania

The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University invites applications for the inaugural Wendy U. and Thomas C. Naratil Family Endowed Professorships in Oncology Nursing, a distinguished tenured faculty appointment for a teacher-scholar dedicated to advancing excellence in cancer care through nursing scholarship, education, clinical practice, and leadership.

For more information and to apply, please see the job posting.

Villanova University Employment Site | The Wendy U. and Thomas C. Naratil Endowed Professorship in Oncology Nursing

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Learn more about advertising job opportunities with the Academy here. Contact Ellie Cook, Associate Director of Communications, at ecook@aannet.org with any questions.

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