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