Charting a bold new direction for the future of nursing

The American Nurses Enterprise (ANE), the unifying force behind the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation, set a new strategic course to advance the nursing profession with the launch of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan (nursingworld.org/ana/about-ana/ane-strategic-plan/).

The plan is grounded in ANE’s refreshed vision, “A healthy world through The Power of Nurses,” and its updated mission, “Serving all nurses and advancing healthcare through engagement, advocacy, leadership, and excellence.”

Developed through an inclusive, organization-wide process, the strategic plan reflects extensive input from employees, leaders, stakeholders across the Enterprise, and constituent/state nurses associations, collected via engagement sessions, small-group discussions, leadership briefings, and joint board deliberations. It was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of all three organizations.

“Nurses are not on the periphery of healthcare, they are at its very center,” said American Nurses Association (ANA) President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “This strategic plan reaffirms our commitment to ensuring nurses have the voice, visibility, and support they deserve, especially at a time when the profession’s leadership has never been more critical.”

At the core of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is a tactical arc centered on three interconnected priorities: Advocate, Elevate, and Engage. Through this approach, ANE will advocate for nurses to shape policy and advance practice; elevate the profession by strengthening standards, expanding development, and increasing recognition of excellence; and engage members, partners, and communities to foster meaningful collaboration and shared purpose. Together, these priorities position nurses to lead with impact and help shape a stronger, more equitable health system.

The plan has four strategic goals:

• Amplify the voice and visibility of nurses
• Champion innovation, professional development, and the well-being of nurses
• Strengthen inclusive engagement and strategic partnerships
• Ensure operational excellence, future sustainability, and financial vitality

Laura J. Wood, DNP, RN, NEA BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, emphasized the plan’s focus on excellence and innovation. “By centering professional development, well-being, and innovation alongside credentialing and recognition, this plan positions nurses to lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.”

American Nurses Foundation President Kathy Driscoll, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCM, highlighted the plan’s dedication to supporting nurses. “This strategy strengthens our ability to invest in nurses through research, scholarships, and programs that advance well-being and resilience, supporting those who give so much to others.”

The launch of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan coincides with the 130th anniversary of ANA, underscoring the enduring legacy of the nursing profession and ANE’s pledge to enhance its future.

“This strategic plan marks a defining moment for the American Nurses Enterprise,” said ANE CEO Angela Beddoe. “With a unified vision and clear priorities, we are positioned to advance the profession and create meaningful impact for nurses, healthcare, and communities nationwide.”

OJIN topic covers advance care planning strategies

Advance care planning (ACP) has been encouraged for decades, and yet it continues to be a challenge for patients, families, and clinicians. The articles in this OJIN topic address the challenges of facilitating advance care planning and offer strategies for nurses to consider as they assist patients and families with this frequently daunting, but so important, process.

The articles cover:

• Facilitating ACP for special populations
• Strategies for implementing ACP across the continuum
• Guidance and discussion on Medical Aid in Dying in the United States
• Evidence-based strategies for nursing students
• End-of-life conversations and nurses’ perspectives about collaboration
• Overcoming obstacles to integrating ACP into APRN care

The topic also includes an overview of ACP with resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and families.
ANA members have exclusive access to this new OJIN topic at ojin.nursingworld.org until the next topic posts on May 31.

ANA announces 2026 National Awards Winners

15 nurses will be honored in Washington D.C. for their unwavering commitment, exemplary practice, and notable achievements

The American Nurses Association (ANA) announced the recipients of the prestigious 2026 ANA National Awards, which recognize outstanding nurses and nurse champions for their vital contributions to the nursing profession and within the healthcare landscape. During its 130th anniversary year, ANA will hold a ceremony on June 25 in Washington, D.C. to celebrate The Power of NursesTM, their extraordinary achievements, and their meaningful contributions, which have positively impacted the nursing profession.

“This year’s ANA National Award recipients represent the power, resilience, and vision of the nursing profession,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, ANA president. “At a time when our healthcare system continues to face profound challenges, these honorees remind us of the extraordinary impact nurses have every day on our society. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and honor the vital role nurses play in advancing health, equity, and excellence across our nation.”

Awards for nurse exemplars

The Hall of Fame Award recognizes nurses for their commitment to the nursing field and their impact on the health and social history of the United States.

• Barbara Russell, MPH, BSHSA, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Florida Nurses Association
• Debra Toney, PhD, RN, FADLN, FAAN, Nevada Nurses Association (NCEMNA)

The Leadership in Ethics Award recognizes the dedication of nurses who live up to the highest principles of nursing ethics and demonstrate the pinnacle of ethical leadership standards and mentorship nursing practice.

• Susan Fowler, PhD, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, FCNS, Florida Nurses Association
• Erica Mills, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, Georgia Nurses Association

Awards for distinguished practice in nursing

The Distinguished Direct Patient Care Award recognizes an individual registered nurse who provides exemplary patient care and contributes to the advancement of nursing practice.

• Al-Zada Aguilar, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, NPD-BC, CNEcl, CCRN, New Jersey State Nurses Association
• Rebecca Dedufour, MSN, RN, CCRN, Connecticut Nurses Association
• Ben Valente, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, PCCN, GERO-BC, North Carolina Nurses Association

The Foundations of Nursing Practice Award recognizes an individual registered nurse for outstanding accomplishments in nursing research, nursing education, or nursing practice.

• Fernand De Los Reyes, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, ANA member
• Theresa Gaffney, PhD, MPA, RN, CNE, Virginia Nurses Association

Awards for nurse champions

The Advocacy Award recognizes an individual registered nurse who embraces the role of advocate as part of their professional identity.

• Janice Lanier, JD, RN, ANA-Ohio
• LaDonna Thomas, DNP, RN, ANP-C, VHA-CM, FFNMRCSI, FCN, North Carolina Nurses Association

Awards for nurse pioneers

The Luther Christman Award recognizes substantial contributions made by an individual man in nursing to the profession in the areas of practice, research, education, public policy, and/or community service.

• David Keepnews, PhD, JD, MPH, RN, FAAN, ANEF, NEA-BC, Washington State Nurses Association
• David Ranck, MEd, RN, Pennsylvania Nurses Association

The Mary Mahoney Award recognizes significant contributions, made by an individual registered nurse or a group of registered nurses, to integration within the nursing profession.

• Vivienne McDaniel, DNP, MSN, RN, FADLN, Virginia Nurses Association
• Karen Rawls, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, Georgia Nurses Association

2026 ANA President’s Award recipients recognized for influence and impact on public health

Established as a distinct honor separate from the ANA Committee on Honorary Awards Program, the ANA President’s Award enables the ANA president, with board approval, to recognize individuals or groups whose public leadership and influence have advanced the nursing profession in measurable and enduring ways. The recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on June 25 in Washington, D.C.

Recipients are selected based on demonstrated public prominence; meaningful contributions that advance ANA’s strategic priorities; influence on public perception of nursing; and alignment with ANA’s mission, including professionalism, equity, leadership, workforce advancement, and public health.

The 2026 ANA President’s Award recipients are:

• Linda Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN: A pioneering outcomes scientist, Dr. Aiken’s research has fundamentally reshaped nurse staffing policy, global workforce standards, and public understanding of nursing’s role in patient safety and health system performance.
• Gina Friel, DNP, RN, CRNP-PC: An international leader at the intersection of climate, public health, and nursing education, Dr. Friel has equipped nurses worldwide to lead climate-responsive and resilient health systems.
• Jen Hamilton, BSN, RN, CEN, RNC-OB: A nationally recognized labor and delivery and emergency nurse, Hamilton has reshaped public understanding of nursing through trusted, accessible, and high-impact digital advocacy that reaches millions and elevates clinical expertise, transparency, and equity.
• Rachel Robinson, MS, RN: A pioneering psychiatric nurse, educator, and civil rights leader, Robinson’s career integrates nursing with public health, education, and community empowerment, expanding the profession’s role in advancing equity and social progress.

“The ANA President’s Award honors leaders whose work has changed what is possible for nurses and for the people they serve,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, ANA president. “This year’s recipients represent the very best of nursing’s influence on science, public health, advocacy, equity, and the public’s understanding of our profession. Their leadership has not only advanced nursing, but has strengthened health systems, informed policy, and elevated the role of nurses in society.”

ANA promotes men’s health equity with new specialty

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has officially adopted the Men’s Health Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice along with formal recognition of Men’s Health Nursing as a specialty within the nursing profession. This marks a significant advancement in how healthcare addresses the unique needs of boys and men across the lifespan, and establishes nationally recognized expectations for professional practice, education, and ethical responsibility specific to men’s health nursing. With this recognition, nursing becomes the first healthcare profession to define a nationally recognized men’s health specialty supported by a formal scope and standards document.

Men’s health disparities remain a critical public health concern. Boys and men experience higher rates of premature mortality, suicide, occupational injury, substance use, and delayed engagement in preventive care. The establishment of Men’s Health Nursing as a specialty creates a structured framework for addressing these challenges through focused education, clinical practice, research,
and policy engagement.

“This recognition affirms nursing’s responsibility within the Code of Ethics for Nurses to confront persistent, preventable disparities in patient care,” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “Designating men’s health as a nursing specialty sharpens our capacity to provide focused, evidence-based care that advances the health of boys and men.”

The Men’s Health Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice reflects a multi-year, nationwide collaboration led by Julian L. Gallegos, PhD, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, an Indiana State Nurses Association member and American Nurses Credentialing Center Board of Directors member, with Curry Bordelon, DNP, MBA, CCRNP, FAAN, an Alabama State Nurses Association member, serving as co-lead, alongside the American Men’s Health Nursing Alliance, and with the support of the American Association of Men in Nursing and nurse experts from across the country.

“Having an ANA-approved scope and standards provides clarity, accountability, and professional identity for nurses who focus on men’s health,” Gallegos said. “From the beginning, our goal was simple but ambitious: to ensure that boys and men are no longer invisible in our frameworks of care.”