AAACN is pleased to launch the Nurse Excellence Task Force, a groundbreaking initiative to explore new opportunities for recognizing excellence in ambulatory care nursing. We are seeking passionate and experienced members to help shape the future of our specialty.

The Nurse Excellence Task Force will investigate the potential for AAACN to offer credentials of excellence for both individuals and organizations. Modeled after programs like ENA Lantern, AACN Beacon, and ANCC Magnet/Pathway, this work could lead to:

  • An Exemplary Ambulatory Nursing Practice Designation for organizations.
  • Microbadging opportunities for individuals to validate ambulatory nursing expertise.
  • The establishment of an AAACN Fellowship Program recognizing significant contributions to the specialty.

This work will help create programs that not only elevate ambulatory care nursing, but also provide valid, career-enhancing recognition for nurses in practice and academia. The Task Force’s recommendations will be presented to the AAACN Board within one year.

Qualifications

We are seeking a diverse, skilled group of 8–10 members, including:

  • Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs)
  • Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® Program Directors
  • Front-line ambulatory care nurses
  • Ambulatory nursing faculty members

Ideal candidates should have experience with:

  • Standards accreditation (Magnet, Pathway, specialty credentials)Microbadging or fellowships
  • Nursing program faculty roles, preferably with ambulatory content integration
  • Writing, documentation, and evidence-based practice examples
  • Regulatory and/or recognition program leadership

Time Commitment

  • Bi-weekly virtual meetings from June to October 2025
  • Monthly virtual meetings from October 2025 through April 2026

Final recommendations submitted prior to AAACN's April 2026 Board meeting

Immediate Past President Rachel Start, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, will support and mentor the group until a Chair is selected.

Deliverables

The Task Force will be responsible for Investigating benefits, costs, timelines, and challenges of:

  • An AAACN Exemplary Nursing Practice Designation Award
  • Microbadging initiatives for ambulatory care faculty and practitioners
  • A formal AAACN Fellowship Program

The Task Force’s recommendations will directly shape future recognition and advancement opportunities within AAACN and ambulatory care nursing.

If you are passionate about driving excellence in ambulatory care and meet the qualifications, apply now.

Qualified members should email steph@aaacn.org by Thursday, May 15 at 11:59 PM ET with a statement of interest and description of your experience related to this project, along with a current copy of your CV/resume.