American Academy of Nursing

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) is a professional organization that generates, synthesizes, and disseminates nursing knowledge to contribute to health policy and practice for the benefit of the public and the nursing profession. Founded in 1973, the organization is an independent affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA). The organization publishes a bimonthly journal known as Nursing Outlook.

Members of the organization are invited on the basis of leadership and accomplishments and designated as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). This status should not be confused with the FAAN status granted by the American Academy of Neurology. Ninety percent of the Fellows are doctorally prepared; the others hold a master's degree and bachelor's degree. As of 2014, there are approximately 2300 members.

The academy's highest honor is its Living Legend designation. Nominees for Living Legend status must have held the FAAN designation for at least 15 years. As of December 2012, the organization has named 82 nurses as Living Legends.

Presidents
1973–1974, Rheba de Tornyay

1974–1975, Faye Glenn Abdellah

1975–1976, Ellen C. Egan

1976–1977, Mary E. Reres

1977–1978, Donna C. Aguilera

1978–1979, Mary Elizabeth Carnegie

1979–1980, Linda Aiken

1980–1981, Mary E. Conway

1981–1983, Vernice Ferguson

1983–1985, Carolyn A. Williams

1985–1987, Gladys E. Sorensen

1987–1989, Rhetaugh Graves Dumas

1989–1991, Nancy Fugate Woods

1991–1993, Nola Pender

1993–1995, Angela B. McBride

1995–1997, Barbara A. Donaho

1997–1999, Joyce J. Fitzpatrick

1999–2001, Ada Sue Hinshaw

2001–2003, Margaret L. McClure

2003–2005, Joan L. Shaver

2005–2007, Linda Burnes Bolton

2007–2009, Pamela Mitchell

2009–2011, Catherine Gilliss

2011–2013, Joanne Disch

2013–2015, Diana Mason

2015–2017, Bobbie Berkowitz

2019-2021, Eileen Sullivan-Marx (President-Elect from 2017-2019)

2021-present, Kenneth R. White