American Academy of Nursing announces Class of Fellows

Joanne Olson, one of 172 nurse leaders from 19 countries, was the only Canadian selected for induction

Yolanda Poffenroth - 23 January 2014

The American Academy of Nursing recently welcomed the 2013 Cohort of Fellows at the Academy's 40th annual meeting in Washington, DC. Joanne Olson, a professor with the Faculty of Nursing, was among the 172 nurse leaders from 19 countries selected for induction this year.

"It is an honour that my American nursing colleagues, a group of outstanding nurse leaders , selected me for membership in the Academy," Olson said.

"Selection for fellowship in the Academy is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of nursing," noted Academy president Joanne Disch, "and I congratulate all of the new Fellows."

Olson's clinical expertise is in the area of community health nursing and her research has focused mainly on nurse-client communication, spiritual aspects of nursing and health care, and nursing and interdisciplinary education.

"The most exciting aspect of membership in the American Academy of Nursing is to now be part of a powerful group of nurse leaders who continue, through this organization, to use nursing knowledge to transform health care policy and practice," said Olson, the only Canadian to be inducted in 2013. "I very much appreciate that this organization is more than an honor; it is a way to collectively use nursing expertise to affect government policy."

Selection criteria include 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 to which the nominee's nursing career has influenced health policies and the health and wellbeing of all.

The Academy is composed of more than 2,000 nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy, and research. The Academy Fellows include hospital and government administrators, college and university administrators, and renowned scientific researchers.