The American Academy of Nursing recognizes the accomplishments of nursing leaders from across the country through induction into the Fellowship. Becoming a Fellow in the Academy is a distinguished honor for the inducted nurse and requires a remarkable career achievement. Fellowship in the academy carries the expectation of continued contributions to nursing and health care through engagement with other leaders and results in a powerful network of nursing colleagues that serves as a valued resource within the profession.

The Ohio Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAANs) met with ANA-Ohio leaders on June 21, 2023 at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (SON), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland. Dr. Carol Musil, dean, welcomed the members, both face to face (F2F) and on Zoom. The group met to discuss recent events involving ANA, ONA, ANA-Ohio, and how Ohio FAANs can contribute to ANA-Ohio. (It was noted that many of the FAANs had been actively involved in ONA in the past.) A brief history of ANA-Ohio’s creation was shared that included details about the ANA’s disaffiliation of ONA in November 2022.

Co-chairpersons Dr. Jeri Milstead and Dr. Greer Glazer highlighted the ANA-Ohio vision, mission, and purpose. The availability of ANCC-approved professional development continuing education programs was acknowledged as being of high quality and available free of charge to members.

Brainstorming on how Ohio FAANs can become involved in and contribute their leadership to this new organization resulted in many suggestions. Priorities identified included organizing within ANA-Ohio as a special interest group; championing voter registration; creating a special interest group in diversity, equity, and inclusion; working on strategies to expand scope of practice; and to plan Ohio Nursing Summit with the various nursing organizations.

Plans for future meetings included outreach to all Ohio FAAN to participate and advance the ANA-Ohio mission and programs.