In recognition of their extraordinary impact on the nursing profession, two ChristianaCare nurses will be inducted as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).
Michelle Collins, DNP, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, LSSBB, vice president of Nursing Professional Excellence at ChristianaCare and Danielle A. Sarik, Ph.D., APRN, CPNP-PC, a nurse scientist consultant at ChristianaCare will join a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders representing 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 countries.
This prestigious recognition represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice and academia.
Throughout Collin’s 30-year career, she has played a crucial role in improving how nurses practice and learn. Her leadership was significant in achieving ChristianaCare’s third Magnet® designation, highlighting her commitment to excellence. Collins’ initiatives, including pioneering a Virtual Acute Care Nursing model and securing a $1.5 million grant for nursing technology integration, have set new standards in health care innovation.
Being awarded Fellowship of the Academy is a significant acknowledgement of the substantial, sustained and outstanding impact an individual has made on health and healthcare. Both Collins and Sarik will join more than 3,000 Academy Fellows who have been recognized by the Academy since 1973.
“Being recognized as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is truly an honor, and a privilege. I am deeply grateful to the mentors who have supported me along my journey, and I look forward to continuing to lead research and advocacy efforts to address health disparities and strive for equitable healthcare systems for all children and families.”
Dr. Sarik’s research and policy contributions have been integral in improving health care outcomes for children and families. She is renowned for developing and implementing the Baby Steps model, recognized by the American Academy of as an Edge Runner designee. This pioneering nurse-led transition of care approach addresses health equity for neonatal patients and families following discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit.
Both caregivers will be formally inducted into the Fellowship during the American Academy of Nurses' annual Health Policy Conference, which will take place in Washington D.C. The induction ceremony will be held on November 2.
After the ceremony, the new inductees can use their FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) credential, the most prestigious recognition in nursing.