My first encounter with the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) was during my MSN program at Kent State University in 1985. In my nursing research course, the remarkable Dr. Susan Jones pointed out  that many leading nurse researchers were AAN Fellows, also known as “Academy” Fellows. She encouraged me, while delving into the literature, to identify authors with the FAAN credential. I quickly discovered that Academy Fellows authored the majority of the articles we studied. Their research, groundbreaking for the time, challenged existing norms and introduced bold ideas to advance nursing practice. This sparked my curiosity about the Academy: the selection process, the contributions of its members, and its influence on health policy.

Founded in 1973 by 36 distinguished nurse leaders and academics, the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) is dedicated to innovation, dissemination, and advocacy (AAN, 2025). This honorific society recognizes nurses who have made significant, sustained, and impactful contributions to advancing nursing practice both nationally and internationally. The application process is self-initiated, requiring sponsorship from two current AAN Fellows in good standing. Representing just 1% of the registered nurse workforce, the Academy comprises over 3,200 Fellows (AAN, 2025).

During my DNP program, a professor encouraged me to apply to the Academy, believing  my research, publications, and professional organization warranted recognition. I was hesitant. A couple of years later, with a few more publications achieved, I revisited the Academy website and reviewed the application requirements. I then approached two Fellow colleagues whom I felt were familiar with me and my work. After discussing my motivation for applying, they both agreed to sponsor me.

Our collaboration began in September, given the February application deadline. The process involved approximately three months of drafting, revising, and more revising. By mid-January, I thought I was finished, but one of my sponsors cautioned, “You’re close, but not quite there yet.” We then dedicated several more hours to perfecting just two sentences! I submitted the application, hopeful that I had effectively conveyed my impact. I confided in only my immediate family about the application, wanting to keep it private in case I was not selected. Four months later, I received my “Welcome to the Academy” notification.

My induction into the Academy in 2018 stands as a career highlight. It has provided opportunities to engage in conversations with nurses from all over the world who share my passion for the profession of nursing. I have met nurses whose work I’ve long admired and read. The experience has broadened my perspective, encouraging me to think globally, rather than just locally. It has also challenged me to sharpen my advocacy skills and become more politically astute.

Becoming a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is a highly prestigious honor in the nursing profession. If you aspire to this achievement, I would like to  share some personal insights on crafting a compelling application. Please note that these are my own thoughts based on my experience and sponsoring successful candidates, and I do not speak on behalf of the Academy. nor have I ever served on the selection committee.

Here are ten tips for aspiring AAN Fellows:

1. Align your goals: Familiarize yourself with the Academy mission and fellowship selection criteria. Ensure the Academy’s goals align with your own.
2. Develop a Comprehensive CV: Create and maintain a Curriculum Vitae (CV) which is a comprehensive record of an individual’s scholarship and professional accomplishments distinct from a resume.
3. Quantify your impact: Document and track the impact of your work, including  publication citations, presentation attendance, and replications of your work.
4. Evaluate your aspiration: What do you hope to achieve, what unique contributions can you make, how can you demonstrate  leadership?
5. Identify an Academy Expert Panel: Determine which Academy Expert Panel aligns with your area of expertise and interests.
6. Seek Feedback from Academy Fellows: Consult with current Academy Fellows to review your CV to determine your readiness. Remember the selection committee considers not just the quantity of your work but also the breadth, depth, and sustained impact of your contributions.
7. Secure Sponsors: Identify and invite two Fellows to sponsor your application. Actively seek their guidance throughout the writing process.
8. Start Early: Begin writing well in advance of the deadline. Plan on a minimum of three months to write and revise.
9. Use Strong Language: Use precise and impactful language (“Million Dollar words”) to effectively describe your contributions.
10. Final Review:  After completing your application, put it aside for a week. Then, review and revise one final time before submitting.

Becoming a Fellow in the Academy of Nursing offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of nursing’s most visionary leaders, advocate for  underserved and marginalized populations,  and contribute to transforming the healthcare system. The Academy seeks  accomplished, curious, and innovative individuals. Could that be you?

Reference

American Academy of Nursing. (n.d.). History of the Academy. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://aannet.org/page/Fellowship

American Academy of Nursing. (n.d.). Academy Fellows. Retrieved February 15, 2025 from https://aannet.org/page/Fellowship