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Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA) Program

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Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA) Program

The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is proud to introduce the Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA) program, the highest distinction that ANNA can bestow upon its members. The ANNA fellowship honors nephrology nurses who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, clinical expertise, education, and commitment to advancing nephrology nursing.


Becoming an ANNA fellow signifies an individual’s dedication to the specialty, recognizing their significant contributions to nephrology nursing and their influence on the future of the profession.
 

Why Become an ANNA Fellow?

The ANNA fellowship offers distinguished nephrology nurses the opportunity to:

  • Be Recognized as Leaders: ANNA fellows are celebrated for their contributions at ANNA’s National Symposium and in other ANNA publications.

  • Use the FANNA Designation: Fellows may use the FANNA credentials to signify their elite status within the field.

  • Join a Prestigious Community: Fellows become part of a select group of leaders who serve as mentors and influencers within nephrology nursing.

  • Advance Nephrology Nursing: Fellows help shape the future of the profession through continued leadership and participation in ANNA initiatives.
     

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the ANNA fellowship, applicants must:

  • Be current ANNA members for at least five (5) years as of the application deadline.
  • Have made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of nephrology nursing.
  • Have served in leadership roles at the national and/or chapter level within ANNA.
  • Demonstrate leadership and commitment to the specialty through education, advocacy, research, and clinical excellence.
     

Application Process

Applications for the ANNA fellowship will open annually in June and close by the end of October. The selection process is overseen by the Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (FANNA) founding council and selection committee.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Complete the online application form (which will open in June), including the submission of a professional headshot and curriculum vitae (CV).
  2. Obtain two sponsorship letters from nephrology nursing colleagues who are ANNA members (RN or higher). Sponsors must not be members of the selection committee, and at least one sponsor must be a current ANNA fellow.
  3. Submit the application fee of $300 (non-refundable).

Selected fellows will be notified in February and will be recognized at the National Symposium, which in 2025 will be May 1-4, in Portland, OR.

Recognition and Benefits

ANNA fellows will receive:

  • Formal Induction: A special induction ceremony at ANNA’s National Symposium, where fellows will receive a FANNA medallion, lapel pin, certificate, and trophy.
  • Ongoing Recognition: ANNA fellows will be listed on the ANNA website, recognized at ANNA events, and highlighted in association publications.
  • Exclusive Fellowship Community: Access to networking and leadership opportunities through the FANNA network.

FANNA Founding Council

The FANNA founding council, consisting of prominent leaders within ANNA, will oversee the selection of the inaugural class of fellows. The council includes:

  • Dr. Jami Brown
  • Molly Cahill
  • Nancy Colobong Smith
  • Michelle Gilliland
  • Marijo Johnson
  • Dr. Angie Kurosaka
  • Kristin Larson
  • Dr. Faith Lynch
  • Jennifer Payton
  • Dr. Beth Ulrich
  • Teresa Villaran

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the purpose of the ANNA fellowship?
    The ANNA fellowship recognizes nephrology nurses who have made significant contributions to the specialty and who are leaders in advancing nephrology nursing through education, advocacy, research, and clinical excellence.
  2. Who is eligible to apply for FANNA?
    Applicants must be ANNA members for at least five (5) years, have demonstrated leadership within the organization, and have made impactful contributions to nephrology nursing.
  3. How do I apply for the ANNA fellowship?
    The application process is online. Applicants need to submit a completed application form, a professional headshot, a CV, and solicit two sponsors to complete the required paperwork. The application window opens in June and closes in October each year.
  4. Who is able to sponsor an inductee?
    In 2024-2025, any two (2) ANNA members must sponsor an applicant. Beginning in 2025-2026, all applicants must have one (1) FANNA credentialed sponsor.  The second sponsor may be any ANNA member.
  5. Is there a fee to apply?
    Yes, there is a $300 application fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  6. How many inductees will be selected each year?
    The FANNA credential is highly prestigious and will be awarded on merit. While there is no set number of inductees, no more than ten (10) are likely to be inducted annually. 
  7. What are the benefits of becoming an ANNA fellow?
    ANNA fellows are recognized as leaders in nephrology nursing, receive formal recognition at ANNA events, and join a network of prestigious peers. Fellows can also use the FANNA designation in their professional credentials.
  8. Can I reapply if I am not selected?
    Yes, applicants who are not selected may reapply in future years as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
  9.  If I apply to become a Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association but am not accepted, will I need to pay an additional $300 if I want to reapply the next year?
    Yes, a $300 application fee is required with all applications, including reapplications. 
  10. When will the fellows be announced?
    The ANNA fellows will be notified in February, with a formal induction ceremony held during the ANNA National Symposium the following spring.
    In 2025, the private induction ceremony will take place on May 2 in Portland, OR, followed by the ANNA Dance Party. Both events are complementary for the Fellows.
  11. Will travel expenses or registration to the National Symposium be covered?
    No, fellows are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to attend the induction ceremony. If an inductee would like to attend the National Symposium, registration is also their responsibility.
  12. How is the selection committee chosen?
    In 2024-2025, the Founding Council (2024-2025 Selection Committee) will select the inductees. 
    Beginning in 2025-2026, the President will appoint a selection committee. All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee and approved by the BOD. If an applicant is sponsored by a current BOD member, they must recuse themselves from the final approval. 
  13. Are there any additional requirements to maintain eligibility once selected as an ANNA fellow?
    Yes, to maintain eligibility and continue using the FANNA credentials, you must keep your ANNA membership active. If your membership lapses, you will no longer be able to use the FANNA designation until your membership is renewed.
  14. How can I contact ANNA with additional questions?
    For any additional questions, please contact the ANNA National Office at anna@annanurse.org or call 888-600-2662.

Ready to Apply?

Come back in June 2025 for the updated application. For any questions, please contact the ANNA National Office at anna@annanurse.org or call 888-600-2662.