Beginning Jan. 2, 2026, AACN journals American Journal of Critical Care and Critical Care Nurse will be delivered digitally as the standard member benefit. Digital access will become the primary delivery method for every issue.
Digital journal access provides faster and more convenient access to peer-reviewed content anytime, anywhere, on any device. Readers benefit from tools such as saving and sharing articles, citation support, searchable archives, and early access to select content before it appears in print.
Why the Change?
By shifting to digital delivery as the standard journal benefit, we act as collective stewards of AACN's resources. For nearly three decades, membership dues have remained unchanged, reflecting our long-standing commitment to affordability. This approach enables us to continue keeping dues affordable while investing more in areas that members have identified as most important, including strengthening our advocacy work to champion nurses, amplify their impact, and promote safer and more effective patient care. It also reduces our carbon footprint and overall environmental impact by using fewer resources for printing and mailing.
Added Value, No Extra Cost
We're also excited to share that, beginning in January 2026, your membership will include digital access to our quarterly journal, AACN Advanced Critical Care, a trusted, award-winning resource offering expert guidance on a wide range of critical care challenges. Previously a separate $45 subscription, this new member benefit will be provided to you at no additional cost.
Prefer to Receive Journals in Print?
While print is no longer automatically included with membership, members may purchase print delivery add-ons for $18/year per journal for American Journal of Critical Care, Critical Care Nurse and/or AACN Advanced Critical Care. Print delivery add-on costs will be prorated based on the remaining duration of your AACN membership.
How to Purchase Print Delivery Add-Ons
- Log in to your AACN member dashboard.
- Scroll down to the section labeled Journal Subscriptions & Purchased Articles.
Click Review Details .- On the Print Journal Delivery Add-Ons page, select the journal(s) you’d like to receive in print.
- Complete checkout to confirm your purchase.
To ensure uninterrupted delivery of your journals, members are encouraged and must purchase print by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 14, 2025, to receive the January issue of American Journal of Critical Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my membership expires in December 2025?
If your membership is set to expire in December 2025, please renew your membership before purchasing print delivery add-ons. Once renewed, you can complete your print purchase through your member dashboard.
When does the transition happen?
All members will move to digital-only journal access on Jan. 2, 2026. If you purchase print by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 14, 2025, your print subscription will start in January with American Journal of Critical Care or in February for Critical Care Nurse or both depending on your purchase.
What if I miss the deadline to purchase print?
If you don't purchase print by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 14, 2025, you will still have full digital access to all journals throughout your membership. If you choose to purchase print after Dec. 14, you will begin to receive your print journals as detailed below:
| American Journal of Critical Care (AJCC) | |
| Purchase Print | Estimated Journal Delivery |
| Before 12/15/25 | 1/15-17/26 |
| After 12/14/25 | 3/10-13/26 |
| Critical Care Nurse (CCN) | |
| Purchase Print | Estimated Journal Delivery |
| After 11/28/25 | 2/11-14/26 |
| AACN Advanced Critical Care (ACC) | |
| Purchase Print | Estimated Journal Delivery |
| After 11/28/25 | 3/11-14/26 |
What are the benefits of digital access?
Digital access to the journals is available anytime, anywhere on any device, allowing you to search topics, bookmark articles, and read new issues instantly without waiting for mail delivery. Plus, electronic table of contents (eTOC) emails alert you when a new journal is available and provide an immediate direct link.
What if I don't know how to access my journals online? What help is available?
AACN has step-by-step tutorial video guides and Customer Care support to help you. Our Customer Care Team is prepared to assist you before and after the transition. Please contact them at info@aacn.org or 800-899-2226, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.
Will my membership dues change because of this transition?
Membership dues remain the same. In fact, your membership now includes digital access to AACN Advanced Critical Care (ACC) journal, which previously required a separate purchase. Print ACC will be an optional add-on that you can purchase if desired.
What happens if I have difficulty with digital access to the journals?
We are committed to ensuring your experience is smooth. We have self-service tools available, including a help article and video guides. We also have Customer Care support to help you; please contact them at info@aacn.org or 800-899-2226, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.
How will I be reminded of these changes?
We will communicate clearly and often, including emails, renewal notices and also printed announcements in the journals before the transition. Watch for reminders about the transition leading up to Jan. 2, 2026.
Can I print my own version of the journal?
While full journals cannot be self-printed, individual article PDFs can be printed for individual use by opening the PDF and selecting the print option.