We Are the Leading Authority in Neuroscience Nursing
The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) is committed to working for the highest standard of care for neuroscience patients by advancing the science and practice of neuroscience nursing.
A neuroscience nurse is a nursing professional that helps patients suffering from neurological problems. This can include injuries, such as head and spinal trauma from accidents, or illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease, meningitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. AANN supports neuroscience nurses and their patients by providing continuing education and certification preparatory materials, disseminating information, setting standards, and advocating on behalf of neuroscience patients, families, and nurses.
Mission: AANN leads neuroscience health through engagement, education, and advocacy.
Vision: AANN is indispensable to nurses and neuroscience healthcare.
Read a summary of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.
Our Members
Founded in 1968, AANN is an organization of more than 5,200 nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide. These professionals work in clinical, research, administrative, and educational settings, covering diverse areas of neuroscience patient care such as
- multispecialty and neuroscience intensive care units
- general neuroscience units
- combination units (neuro/ortho, neuromuscular/rehabilitation, neuropsychiatry, neurogerontology)
- rehabilitation units
- medical-surgical units
- pediatric units
- emergency and trauma departments
- surgery.
AANN also has partnerships or alliances with a number of organizations, providing members with additional resources, discounts, and grant opportunities.
What We Believe
Diversity and Inclusion
The AANN represents a diverse population of nurses pursuing excellence in neuroscience practice. Our organization is strengthened by our support of members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability or life experiences. It is through inclusion that we foster and respect the diverse ideas, opinions and thoughts that will ensure that the AANN will continue to excel, innovate and encourage learning and leadership. Embracing and celebrating our differences through diversity and inclusion ensures an environment of respect and engagement that will contribute to the growth and viability of AANN organization.
Learn more about the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Core Values
Excellence
We depend on exceptional people to assure that we provide the best services to our members. We set high standards and support each other as we strive to achieve our goals. We invest in each other and value the individual differences that make us strong.
Innovation
We embrace change, creativity, continuous learning, and personal growth. We improve the services we provide, anticipating future trends and creating a strategic direction to ensure future growth and continued viability.
Collaboration
We build enduring internal and external relationships, joining with colleagues across organizational boundaries to improve the services we provide. We encourage and reward both individual and team achievements. We put the common good ahead of narrow interests.
Integrity
We engage in actions that follow our words and beliefs. We act with integrity in all we do by being respectful, honest, truthful, transparent, and accountable; being stewards of resources; demonstrating ethical conduct; and building trust as individuals and an association.
Visionary
We have a clear, distinctive and specific vision of the future. We foresee opportunities, manage uncertainty, and propose a course of action that is innovative and forward thinking. We think "out of the box" and see the "big picture." We are professionals by nature.
Guiding Principles
Strategic Thinking
We challenge ourselves and others to think and act strategically. We push for alignment of agendas and goals with strategic priorities that will advance the association's journey toward success.
Association-Mindedness
We are constantly aware of potential conflicts-of-interest and keep the interests of the association above all else. We include all relevant perspectives and interests of the full range of our stakeholders and are not unduly influenced by our loyalties.
Transparency
We advocate for all members and staff to have access to appropriate and accurate information regarding finances, operations, and results. We ensure that all decision-makers have the information and knowledge they need to make sound decisions.
Sustaining Resources
We prioritize our resources in keeping with the association's mission, vision, and strategic plan. We seek innovative solutions, partnerships, and other approaches to overcome potential limitations and gaps.
Results-Oriented
We develop performance measures for success that adequately evaluate the progress of teams, projects, and the association as a whole. We have clear management processes and outcomes; we assess efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and quality; we use benchmarks and/or historical data when available to evaluate performance.
Social Media Policy
AANN understands that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your professional work, personal life, and opinions. However, use of social media may present certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established these guidelines for appropriate use of social media.
Annual Report
By providing opportunities to share experience and information across this broad spectrum, AANN stimulates growth and improves the quality of neuroscience nursing care in all related fields. Learn about AANN’s many accomplishments by downloading the 2022 AANN/ABNN/AMWF Annual Report, 2021 AANN/ABNN/AMWF Annual Report, 2020 AANN/ABNN/AMWF Annual Report, or learning about our member benefits.
Read the 2023 AANN/ABNN/AMWF Annual Report
For your convenience, you may join AANN online or complete and submit a paper application.