Visionary Leadership Awards

Recognizes a distinguished lifetime career and its significant impact on fulfilling the mission and vision of the association.
The recipient shows consistent and exceptional contributions throughout a career that has enhanced the care of acute and critically ill patients and their families by furthering the mission and vision of AACN.
First presented in 1997 to its namesake, Marguerite R. Kinney, RN, DNSc, FAAN, on the occasion of her retirement from the nursing profession.
- Dr. Kinney impacted the organization on many levels serving at the national office and as secretary and president of AACN, as well as chair of the board for the AACN Certification Corporation.

Recognizes significant contributions that influence acute and critical care nursing.
Successful applicants describe a far-reaching contribution that:
- exemplifies a pioneering spirit.
- influences the direction of acute and critical care nursing.
The contribution:
- will have a regional or national effect.
- address or resolve a significant issue facing acute and critical care nursing.
- must relate to AACN's mission, values and vision.
Since 2006 GE Healthcare has sponsored the award.
From 1997 to 2005, it was sponsored by the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories.

Recognizes AACN members who have:
- rendered distinguished, sustained service to the Association.
- demonstrated the potential for continuing contributions to acute and critical care nursing through AACN.

Recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to the advancement of care for acute and critically ill patients and their families.
Recipients will have:
- achieved national recognition for contributions in clinical practice, administration, education, research or legislation related to acute and critical care nursing.
- fostered and promoted a positive image of nursing, demonstrating potential for continuing contribution to nursing.