A New Year of Purpose, Progress, and Possibility
As we welcome a new year, I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for the dedication, expertise, and compassion you bring to ambulatory care nursing. Your work-often unseen yet deeply impactful-continues to shape care delivery where life happens every day.
As the specialty nursing organization representing the professional practice of over 3 million ambulatory care nurses, we enter 2026 with strong momentum and a clear commitment to advancing ambulatory care nursing through thoughtful analysis, innovation, collaboration, and wellness.
Projects Underway
Several significant initiatives are actively in progress:
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The Ambulatory Care Nursing Leadership Position Statement Task Force, focused on analyzing existing leadership frameworks and developing evidence-informed recommendations that reflect the growing complexity and influence of ambulatory care nursing leadership.
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The LPN/LVN Professional Development Analysis Task Force, examining current professional development pathways, resources, and gaps to inform future recommendations that strengthen the entire nursing care team.
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RN reimbursement model pilots and the creation of Nursing Procedural Terminology (NPT) to better define, quantify, and demonstrate the value of nursing practice in ambulatory care.
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Revision of the Ambulatory Care Nursing Core Curriculum, 5th Edition, with publication anticipated in April 2026, ensuring our specialty's foundational resource reflects contemporary practice, evidence, and innovation.
Projects Completed
In 2025, AAACN completed the Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Telehealth Nurses, 7th Edition, reinforcing nursing leadership within all RN roles, competency and excellence in a rapidly evolving care modality.
Strengthening Our Organization
To support continuity, institutional knowledge, and long-range visioning, AAACN has established the AAACN Emeritus Advisory Committee, composed of former members of the Board of Directors. This committee provides historical perspective, guidance on strategic planning, and stewardship of our initiatives across leadership transitions.
Elevating Our Collective Voice
AAACN continues to expand its influence by:
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Building partnerships with national and regional health system nursing leadership through site visits and virtual collaboration events.
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Strengthening strategic relationships with professional organizations including the Commission on Nursing Reimbursement, American Organization of Nursing Leaders, American Nurses Association, and the Primary Care Collaborative-ensuring ambulatory care nursing is well represented in national conversations shaping healthcare policy, leadership, and reimbursement.
Leading Innovation
AAACN is leading the industry through our collaboration with Quadrivia to develop and launch the first Ambulatory Care Nursing AI Fellowship, designed to support the validation and evaluation of AI nursing programs and to prepare nurses to lead responsibly in emerging technologies.
Promoting Nursing Wellness
AAACN is proud to have joined a nationwide coalition of health systems and organizations participating in the Million Pound Challenge, running from January 2026 through December 2026. This initiative supports physical, emotional, and professional wellness for healthcare workers across the country.
Please watch for AAACN website notices, social media updates, member emails, and community announcements on how to get involved in AAACNs member challenge with tool kit and process to capture our collective effort!
More information is available at www.4youngevity.com.
Community, Celebration, and Connection
We invite you to:
As we step into this new year, may we do so with confidence in our collective expertise, pride in our specialty, and optimism for what we will continue to achieve together. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community and for shaping the future of ambulatory care nursing with intention and impact. Remember each one reach one!
With gratitude and best wishes for a healthy, meaningful, and inspiring year ahead,
Cynthia
Cynthia Murray, BN, RN, AMB-BC
President, American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
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Cynthia Murray BN, RN, AMB-BC
President American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)
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