AACN Partners with ANA Enterprise to Launch Student Ambassador Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 22, 2019 -  The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is pleased to announce a partnership with the ANA Enterprise to launch a student ambassador program as part of the Healthy Nurse, Healthy NationT (HNHN) Grand Challenge. AACN, as a HNHN Catalyst Partner, will work with ANA Enterprise to drive nursing student participation in HNHN and expand efforts to improve the health of nurses.
 
HNHN, an ANA Enterprise initiative, is a nationwide movement designed to transform the health of the nation by improving the health of America's 4 million registered nurses in five key areas: physical activity, rest, nutrition, quality of life, and safety.
 
AACN's second strategic goal states that it is a leading partner in advancing improvements in health, health care, and higher education. This partnership with the ANA Enterprise reinforces this goal and leads to the overall improvement of the health of our nation. 
 
"Together with the ANA Enterprise and other supporting organizations, AACN is committed to generating new awareness and action within the academic nursing community that elevates the health and wellness of our nation's registered nurse population," said AACN President and CEO Deborah Trautman.   
 
Nurses are less healthy than the average American. Research shows that nurses experience 2.8 times more stress, have a 30 percent less nutritious diet, 5 percent higher body mass index (BMI), and get 10 percent less sleep. Healthcare delivery requires 24/7 support and whether it's due to demanding shifts or stress associated with providing quality patient care, nurses routinely put their own health and well- being last. As the largest group of healthcare workers, nurses are critical to America's healthcare system. Nurses protect, promote, and optimize the health of their patients by preventing illness and injury, facilitating healing, and alleviating suffering. Their well-being is fundamental to the health of our nation.
 
"Partnering with AACN is a natural fit because nursing students represent the future of our profession," said ANA Enterprise CEO Loressa Cole. "If we can influence nursing students' health habits and behaviors before they enter the profession, we will be better positioned to truly transform the health of America's nurses."
 
In addition to nursing students, AACN also encourages nursing deans and faculty to join the commitment to health and wellness. AACN will highlight the five key health domains of HNHN in newsletters, provide webinars focused on this topic, and engage members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy Liaisons group. Accept the challenge today! Learn more at hnhn.org.