# American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) > AAACN is the premier professional organization for practicing nurses and nurse leaders specialized in serving people in community and ambulatory care settings. Founded in 1978, AAACN is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit New Jersey corporation dedicated to "Shaping Care Where Life Happens." It advances holistic and evidence-based ambulatory care nursing practice, advocates for the essential role of nurses in improving national health, and supports professional development across clinical, leadership, education, and research domains. **Mission:** Shaping Care Where Life Happens **Vision:** A healthier world through nursing excellence, leadership, and innovation, revolutionizing healthcare. **Headquarters:** 200 East Holly Avenue, Sewell, NJ 08080 | Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056 **Phone:** 800-262-6877 **Email:** aaacn@aaacn.org **Website:** https://www.aaacn.org --- ## Core Values AAACN members are guided by: - Responsible health care delivery for individuals, families, and communities - Visionary and accountable leadership - Productive partnerships, alliances, and collaborations - Appreciation of diversity - Continual advancement of professional ambulatory care nursing practice --- ## About AAACN - **Homepage:** https://www.aaacn.org/ - **About Page:** https://www.aaacn.org/about - **History:** https://www.aaacn.org/about/history-aaacn — AAACN was founded in 1978 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in New Jersey. It received its current name in 1993 and has grown into the leading professional body for ambulatory and telehealth nursing. - **Leadership:** https://www.aaacn.org/about/leadership — Board of Directors and organizational leadership information. - **Position Statements:** https://www.aaacn.org/about/position-statements — Official organizational stance on key nursing issues including workplace violence/incivility (2023), the role of the RN in ambulatory care (updated 2023/2024), and a joint AAACN/AONE statement on care coordination and transition management. - **Contact AAACN:** https://www.aaacn.org/contact-aaacn — General contact, invoice requests, and annual conference inquiries. - **News Headlines:** https://www.aaacn.org/about/news-headlines — Current and archived news including publication releases, legislative advocacy updates, scholarship announcements, and leadership introductions. AAACN achieves its mission through three pillars: 1. **Advancing our Science** — Creating and disseminating evidence that demonstrates the value of the professional nurse. 2. **Setting the Standard for Excellence** — Creating resources and culture supporting exemplary ambulatory care nursing practice. 3. **Transforming Healthcare for People and Communities** — Applying expertise to improve care and access for communities. --- ## Membership - **Benefits of Membership:** https://www.aaacn.org/membership/benefits-membership — AAACN membership connects nurses with a dynamic network of ambulatory care professionals. Benefits include: free monthly ANCC contact hours, free subscription to the Journal of Ambulatory Care Nursing, discount on ANCC Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification exam, discounted Annual Conference registration, free specialty content webinars with ANCC contact hours, access to ViewPoint publication, scholarships/research grants/awards, discounts on AAACN resources, access to Special Interest Groups (SIGs), members-only online community, and ability to run for office or serve on committees. - **Join or Renew:** https://www.aaacn.org/membership/join-or-renew — Membership types and dues (effective January 1, 2026): - **Active (RN):** — Registered nurses involved or interested in ambulatory care nursing; full voting rights and ability to hold office. - **Affiliate:** — Non-RN professionals (LPNs/LVNs/MAs) with professional interest in ambulatory care; can serve on committees but cannot vote or hold elected office. (Not available online; contact National Office.) - **Student:** — Enrolled nursing students studying toward initial RN licensure. (Not available online.) - **Senior:** — Members aged 62+ with 3+ prior years of Active membership. (Not available online.) - **Lifetime:** Granted by 2/3 Board vote for exceptional service; all Active member rights with no dues. - **Group Membership:** https://www.aaacn.org/membership/group-membership — For facilities enrolling 10 or more nurses. Tiered discounts from 6% (10–24 members) to 11% (200+ members). Includes corporate contract and invoice options. - **Corporate Membership:** Available for companies and organizations; includes recognition in ViewPoint, website, newsletter, and at the Annual Conference. **Nursing Roles Served:** Administrators and directors, advanced practice nurses, care coordinators, consultants, educators, hospital-based outpatient clinic staff, managers and supervisors, researchers, staff nurses. **Practice Settings Served:** Colleges/educational institutions, community hospitals, freestanding facilities, military and VA settings, managed care/HMOs/PPOs, patient homes, solo/group medical practices, telehealth call centers, university hospitals. --- ## Certification - **Certification Overview:** https://www.aaacn.org/certification/certification — AAACN encourages ambulatory care nurses to pursue specialty certification. Benefits include: validating knowledge and skills, increased credibility and confidence, better patient outcomes, enhanced patient trust, increased earning power, competitive job market advantage, and boosted collegial respect. - **Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC™):** https://www.aaacn.org/certification/ambulatory-care-nursing-certification — The AMB-BC™ credential is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a division of ANA. AAACN collaborated with ANCC in 1998 to develop the exam. AAACN members receive a discount off the exam fee and off the renewal fee. AAACN offers study resources and contact hours but does not administer the exam. Visit ANCC (www.nursingworld.org/ancc) for eligibility criteria and exam registration. - **Care Coordination & Transition Management Certification (CCCTM®):** https://www.aaacn.org/certification/care-coordination-transition-management-certification-cctm®-renewal-only — MSNCB transitioned the CCCTM certification to ANCC in October 2020. ANCC determined it will not refresh the CCCTM exam; the credential is available for **renewal only** to nurses who already hold it. AAACN provides study resources and NCPD contact hours for renewal. ANCC is exploring future board certifications aligned with population health. Contact ANCC at certification@ana.org for renewal details. - **Telehealth Nursing Certification:** https://www.aaacn.org/certification/certification — AAACN provides resources for nurses maintaining Telephone Nursing Practice certification and study materials for the telehealth nursing content within the ambulatory care nursing certification exam. --- ## Practice Resources - **Practice Resources Hub:** https://www.aaacn.org/practice-resources — Comprehensive tools, education, and resources for ambulatory care practice across four specialty areas. ### Ambulatory Care Nursing General practice resources covering what ambulatory care nursing is, scope and standards, and core curriculum. With the majority of health care moving to the outpatient setting, ambulatory care RNs are critical to care access, quality outcomes, and cost management. - Ambulatory Care Scope and Standards - Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care Nursing (5th Edition now available for pre-sale, April 2026) - Nursing Procedures - Nurse-Sensitive Indicators - Position Statements ### Care Coordination & Transition Management (CCTM) RNs are key professionals to lead the health care team toward better patient outcomes. Resources include: - CCTM Scope and Standards - CCTM Core Curriculum - CCTM vs. Case Management comparison - CCTM Toolkit - CCTM Press Kit & Resources - Business Case Template for CCTM RNs ### Telehealth Nursing Practice - **Telehealth Nursing Practice:** https://www.aaacn.org/practice-resources/telehealth/telehealth-nursing-practice — Telehealth nursing practice is an integral component of ambulatory care nursing. Telehealth RNs use clinical algorithms/protocols to assess patient needs, prioritize urgency, develop care plans collaboratively, and evaluate outcomes. Technologies include mobile smartphones, kiosks, and web/digital platforms. - Telehealth RNs help patients promote wellness, manage acute illness, self-manage chronic disease, coordinate care transitions, and support end-of-life care. - Resources: Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Telehealth Nursing (6th ed., 2018; 7th ed. available for pre-sale December 2025), free recorded webinars (including Telephone Triage and COVID-19), AAACN Telehealth Nursing Practice Education Resource Directory, and a Telephone Triage Course (coming soon). ### Leadership Resources for ambulatory care nurse leaders navigating the transformation from episode-based acute treatment to continuum-based lifespan treatment: - Ambulatory Care Nursing and Magnet® Designation - Ambulatory Care Nurse Executive Toolkit - ANPD Ambulatory Care Tabs - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resources - Future of Nursing 2020–2030 resources ### Transition to Practice Nurse residency and transition to practice resources for the evolving ambulatory RN role: - Orientation and Competency Guide - Nurse Residency Program - Preceptor Guide - Academic/Practice Partnership Guidelines --- ## Publications & News - **Publications and News Hub:** https://www.aaacn.org/publications-and-news ### Journal of Ambulatory Care Nursing® - **URL:** https://www.aaacn.org/publications/journal-ambulatory-care-nursing-® - The official AAACN publication — a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal committed to promoting evidence-based practices in ambulatory care nursing, fostering clinical research, and supporting professional growth. Published bimonthly. AAACN members receive a free subscription. Available via the Online Library at https://library.aaacn.org/aaacn/. Sample current-issue articles include quality improvement projects, surgical nursing outcomes, and NCPD-credentialed literature reviews on public health topics (e.g., HPV vaccination uptake). ### ViewPoint - Peer-reviewed bimonthly publication. AAACN members may access via view/download or digital version (member login required). Features nursing practice updates, two member-written journal columns, and ambulatory care nursing content. ### Email Newsletter - Monthly publication distributed to AAACN members covering ambulatory care nursing updates, news, and member highlights. ### Digital Publications - Digital access to many AAACN publications is available at https://go.aaacn.org/s ### Online Library / Continuing Education - **URL:** https://library.aaacn.org/aaacn/ — The online library provides continuing education contact hours through online courses and recorded conference sessions. AAACN members receive free monthly ANCC contact hours and free specialty content webinars with ANCC contact hours. --- ## Events & Annual Conference - **Events Calendar:** https://www.aaacn.org/events/calendar — Includes SIG Networking Calls (free to join, monthly) and the Annual Conference. SIGs host monthly networking calls open to all AAACN members regardless of SIG membership. - **Annual Conference:** https://www.aaacn.org/events/annual-conference **52nd Annual Conference (2027):** - Dates: April 27–30, 2027 - Location: New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans, LA Abstract submissions are accepted each year for conference presentations. - Features: Keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, plenary sessions, exhibit hall, poster viewing, pre-conference workshop, and post-conference ANCC Certification Review Course (CRC). - Topic areas: CCTM, Leadership, Clinical, Research, Education, Telehealth. - Registration Packages (member/non-member): Full Conference Early Bird; Regular; One-Day; Pre-Conference; Post-Conference CRC with Core Curriculum. - On-Demand option: Pre-registration available; 15 contact hours; content available for 2 years. - Special rates for students, active military, and groups. - Sponsorships/Exhibiting: Contact Donna Olthoff, AAACN Sales Manager, donna.olthoff@aaacn.org. --- ## Get Involved - **Get Involved Hub:** https://www.aaacn.org/get-involved — AAACN members can advance the strategic plan by volunteering on committees, task forces, and work groups. ### Volunteering Benefits - Advocate for ambulatory care nursing - Build professional network and connect with influential leaders and mentors - Gain new abilities (public speaking, publishing, planning, facilitation) - Develop leadership skills - Personal and professional development (especially valuable for early-career members) - Professional recognition in eNewsletter, website, and at Annual Conference ### Special Interest Groups (SIGs) - **URL:** https://www.aaacn.org/get-involved/special-interest-groups - SIGs provide platforms for knowledge exchange, content curation, idea incubation, and professional networking. Features include discussion forums and a document library. - **Active SIGs:** 1. **Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCTM)** — Discuss CCTM-related issues, best practices, and resource sharing. 2. **Clinical Inquiry** — For those interested in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Quality Improvement (QI), Research, and Implementation Science. 3. **Federal Nursing** — Combines former VA and Tri-Service Military SIGs; serves federal nursing professionals. 4. **Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)** — For nurses practicing in FQHCs. 5. **Leadership** — Develop and support ambulatory care leaders. 6. **Nurse-Sensitive Indicator (NSI)** — Assess, evaluate, and articulate the value of ambulatory care nursing. 7. **Pediatrics** — Represents ambulatory pediatric nursing as a specialty within AAACN. 8. **Staff & Patient Education** — Promotes excellence through nursing practice competency in staff and patient education. 9. **Telehealth Nursing Practice (TNP)** — Focused on telehealth nursing care delivery via phone and technology in multiple healthcare settings. 10. **Workplace Safety and Workforce Well-Being** — Addresses workplace safety and workforce well-being topics. - To join: Log into AAACN website, navigate to All Communities, click "Join Community," and select email digest preference. ### Advocacy AAACN engages in legislative and policy advocacy on behalf of ambulatory care nurses. Recent activities include responding to US Department of Education proposed rules (2026), supporting nursing legislation (2025), and participating in Hill Day advocacy events. ### Scholarships & Awards Recent awards include the AAACN/DAISY Award of the Year in Ambulatory, the AAACN Hall of Fame Award, and annual scholarship programs. Applications typically open in early February each year. --- ## Career Resources - **AAACN Career Center:** https://www.aaacn.org (featured on homepage) — Lists featured ambulatory care nursing jobs from institutions including Indiana University Health, Stanford Children's Health, Atlantic Health System, Ochsner Health, Legacy Health, Atrium Health, and others. Job types include staff RN, nurse manager, clinical supervisor, advanced practice nurse, LPN, and medical assistant roles across ambulatory settings nationwide. --- ## Online Community - **Community Platform:** https://community.aaacn.org — Members-only online community for networking, discussion forums, and open forum exchanges on clinical practice topics (e.g., esophageal manometry in ambulatory care, provider on-site policies, CCTM best practices). --- ## External Links & Affiliated Resources - **Online Education Library:** https://library.aaacn.org/aaacn/ — Continuing education courses and recorded conference sessions. - **AAACN Store / Publications:** https://go.aaacn.org/s — Purchase publications, online courses, and more. - **Merchandise Store:** https://www.bonfire.com/store/aaacn-merch-store — AAACN branded merchandise. - **ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center):** https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc — Administers the AMB-BC™ and CCCTM® exams. - **Donation:** https://go.aaacn.org/s/campaign — Support AAACN through donations. --- ## Key Publications & Resources (Referenced) - *Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care Nursing*, 5th Edition (pre-sale April 2026) - *Ambulatory Care Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice* - *CCTM Scope and Standards* - *CCTM Core Curriculum* - *Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Telehealth Nursing*, 6th Edition (2018) - *Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Telehealth Nursing*, 7th Edition (pre-sale December 2025) - *Ambulatory Care Nurse-Sensitive Indicator Industry Report*, 2nd Edition (February 2025) - *Orientation and Competency Guide* (Transition to Practice) - *Nurse Residency Program* guide - *Preceptor Guide* - *Academic/Practice Partnership Guidelines* - *Ambulatory Care Nurse Executive Toolkit* - ANPD Ambulatory Care Tabs (2024 Clinical Education Matrix) --- ## Position Statements 1. **Position Statement on Workplace Violence, Incivility, and Bullying in Ambulatory Care** (September 2023) — Addresses the increasing prevalence of violence toward healthcare workers (1 in 4 nurses assaulted on the job per ANA), its impact on ambulatory care nurses, and tools for prevention and response. AAACN advocates for workplaces free from violence, incivility, bullying, discrimination, and harassment. 2. **Position Statement on the Role of the Registered Nurse in Ambulatory Care Nursing** (Updated 2023) — Comprehensive description of the ambulatory care RN's function, clarifying the role, added value, and patient outcome benefits in both independent and collaborative nursing practice in ambulatory care. 3. **Position Paper on the Role of the Registered Nurse in Ambulatory Care Nursing** (Updated January 2024) — In-depth evidence-based analysis covering clinical practice, education, leadership, and research. Includes talking points for advocating the RN role. 4. **AAACN/AONE Joint Statement: The Role of the Nurse Leader in Care Coordination and Transition Management across the Health Care Continuum** — Developed following a 2015 Day of Dialogue; outlines strategies to enhance CCTM across the acute-to-outpatient care continuum.