The American Academy of Nursing recently selected 173 highly distinguished nurse leaders as part of its 2017 class of Academy fellows (FAANs). Among this newest group of FAANs is University of Iowa College of Nursing Professor Judy Verger, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC.
“I am humbled and privileged to be inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing,” said Dr. Verger. “This recognition for my accomplishments and contributions to the nursing profession is an honor of my professional lifetime. I'm looking forward to working with other leaders to strengthen nursing and the health care system for patients and families.”
With the addition of this new class, the total number of Academy fellows now stands at more than 2,500. Representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 29 countries, the fellows are nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy, and research. Academy fellows include hospital and government administrators, college deans, and renowned scientific researchers.
Three UI College of Nursing alumni are also among this year’s class of FAAN inductees. Congratulations to Cynthia Oster (BSN '80), PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CNS-BC, ANP, from Porter Adventist Hospital-Centura Health in Denver, Colorado; Linda Chase (MA '93, PhD '10), PhD, RN, NEA-BC, from Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana; and, Elizabeth Schlenk (MA '83), PhD, RN, from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nelda Martinez, a former UI College of Nursing postdoc (T32 clinical genetics), was also inducted this year.
"To be selected as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is one of the most prestigious honors in nursing," said Julie Zerwic, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, Kelting Dean and Professor. "Our faculty and alumni are well represented in the Academy and we congratulate each and every one of them!"
Fellow selection criteria includes evidence of significant contributions to nursing and health care, and sponsorship by two current Academy fellows. Applicants are reviewed by a panel comprised of elected and appointed fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent the nominee's nursing career has influenced health policies and the health and well-being of all.
“I am proud to welcome this talented cohort of nurses as they join the ranks of the nation's foremost health care thought leaders," said Academy President Bobbie Berkowitz, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. "They bring a rich variety of expertise to the table, and we look forward to recognizing their accomplishments at our policy conference, and then working with them to transform health policy, practice, and research by applying our collective nursing knowledge."
The inductees were honored at a ceremony during the Academy's annual policy conference, Transforming Health, Driving Policy, which was held October 5-7, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
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About the Academy
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public and the nursing profession by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. The Academy's more than 2,400 members, known as fellows, are nursing's most accomplished leaders in education management, practice and research. Learn more at www.aannet.org.