American Association of Colleges of Nursing

The House Appropriations Committee advanced its Labor, Health and Humans Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending bill. AACN is encouraged to see increased funding for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and level funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in the House bill, rejecting the Administration’s call for substantial cuts to nursing research and the elimination of nearly all Title VIII programs. We are thankful for the Committee’s concentrated effort to increase investment in Title VIII for the first time since FY 2024, though disappointed to see that the Nursing Workforce Diversity Program is proposed to be eliminated for the second consecutive year. Read the full press release:

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2027 Funding Bill that Boosts Support for Title VIII Nursing Programs WASHINGTON, D.C., June 10, 2026 – Late yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its Labor, Health and Humans Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending bill. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is encouraged to see increased funding for Title ...

This accomplished group of nursing leaders recently gathered to mark the culmination of six months of learning, mentorship, and leadership development through AACN's 2026 ACE Leadership Institute. Please join us in celebrating the 2026 ACE Leadership Institute Fellows!

This dedicated group of leaders spent the past six months building new skills, expanding their networks, and developing innovative strategies to strengthen access, connection, and engagement across academic nursing. We are excited to see how their ideas and initiatives continue to shape the future of nursing education.

Interested in joining the next cohort? Applications for the 2027 ACE Leadership Institute are open through July 15: https://www.aacnnursing.org/ace-leadership-institute

This week, at The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Standard Gala, our President and CEO Dr. Deborah Trautman was recognized among healthcare leaders whose work exemplifies the values of humanism, compassion, and service.

As nursing continues to shape the future of healthcare, we're grateful for leaders who elevate both the science and the humanity of the profession. Congratulations to Dr. Trautman and all of this year's honorees!

Nurses play a critical role in advancing brain health and promoting early detection of Alzheimer's disease. If you missed AACN's recent webinar with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the recording is now available on demand.

This webinar offers timely insights for educators, clinicians, and nurse leaders and explores the vital role nurses play in advancing brain health, supporting early detection efforts, and improving outreach to communities disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease. Learn more and watch: https://www.aacnnursing.org/conferences-webinars/info/sessionaltcd/wfr26_06_03

The conversations, connections, and ideas shared at Transform continue to shape nursing education long after the conference ends. Now it's your turn to contribute!

AACN is accepting abstracts for both Transform 2026 and this year's Faculty Leadership Network (FLN) Program. We invite nursing faculty and academic leaders to share innovative programs, courses, initiatives, and evaluation strategies that are advancing nursing education and preparing practice-ready graduates.

Submit your abstract today: https://www.aacnnursing.org/conferences-webinars/conferences/call-for-abstracts

We are proud to congratulate our President and CEO Dr. Deborah Trautman on being named a 2026 National Humanism in Medicine Medal awardee by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

This national recognition highlights Dr. Trautman's longstanding commitment to advancing nursing education and promoting compassionate, patient-centered care. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Trautman on this well-deserved honor: https://www.gold-foundation.org/newsroom/blog/dr-deborah-trautman-humanism-becomes-real-when-its-modeled/

AACN is taking legal action in response to the Department of Education’s final rule, issued May 1, which excludes nursing from its definition of professional degree programs. AACN is joining with a interprofessional group of national organizations to preserve access to federal student loans for post-baccalaureate nursing students, which is critical to protecting the nation’s health. Read the full press release here:

AACN Joins with National Healthcare and Higher Education Groups in Legal Action to Recognize Nursing as a Professional Degree WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 – Today, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) announced that it is taking legal action in response to the Department of Education’s (ED) final rule, published May 1, which excludes nursing from its definition of professional degree programs. AACN ...

Today, Jonas Nursing and AACN are announcing a new investment in the future of nursing education through an expanded Jonas Scholars program. During this critical time for the profession, Jonas Nursing is helping build the nursing workforce by providing financial support to doctoral students who will assume faculty roles after graduation. Nursing schools across the U.S. are invited to apply for support for outstanding doctoral students through a national call for nominations. Read the full press release: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/jonas-nursing-reaffirms-commitment-to-doctoral-nursing-education

Happy National Nurses Week! This week and every week, we celebrate the nurses, educators, students, and leaders whose compassion, expertise, and innovation strengthen communities and shape the future of healthcare.

We also extend our gratitude to the more than 40 AACN member schools and partners featured in AACN’s special edition of Syllabus. Read the latest edition: https://www.flipsnack.com/8FABEDFF8D6/mayjun_syllabus_final_withnwsupp

Every day, the impact of nurses is felt in moments both seen and unseen. For many of us, that impact is the work we do together. As National Nurses Week (May 6–12) approaches, we join our Tri-Council for Nursing partners in recognizing the contributions of our community: nurses, nurse educators, researchers, scientists, and leaders advancing health across every setting.

Whether you are preparing future nurses, generating new knowledge, leading change, or delivering care, your work is essential to a stronger, more responsive healthcare system. We are honored to stand with you and celebrate the difference you make every day. Read our statement: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3d8c2b58-0c32-4b54-adbd-efe8f931b2df/downloads/d4d9c7ae-249b-4a07-ba1b-fe73ab4a2ade/5-1-26-Tri-Council-Celebrates-Nurses-Week.pdf?ver=1777571970530