Leading the
American Academy of Nursing: A historical review of the Presidents' words and actions on "rationality," inclusivity, and health policy, 1973 to 2023.
Nurs Outlook 2023;
71:102061. [PMID:
37806212 DOI:
10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102061]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Little has been written about the history of the American Academy of Nursing (Academy). An examination of the association's origins, purpose, early goals, and leaders' words and accomplishments can illuminate the organization's role within the profession today.
PURPOSE
This paper begins the process of documenting the Academy's history. It focuses on the words and accomplishments of the Academy's Presidents, setting them within the social, political, economic, and health care context of the years between 1973 and 2023.
METHODS
Traditional historical methods with a social history framework.
DISCUSSION
Three themes emerged. These include the importance of "rationality" (later termed "scientific evidence") as the basis for practice; the critical need for cultural, racial, and ethnic inclusivity in the association; and the necessity of engaging all Academy Fellows and Expert Panels in the work of driving health care policy.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the association's history, beginning with an analysis of the Presidents' words and accomplishments is a first step in documenting the Academy's history.
Collapse