University of Iowa College of Nursing Adjunct Clinical Professor Carol Watson, PhD, RN CENP, FAAN, has been named one of the American Organization of Nurse Executives’ (AONE) inaugural fellows. This fellow designation recognizes a nurse leader's sustained contributions to the specialty of nursing leadership, commitment to service, and influence in shaping health care.

“It is an unbelievable honor and very humbling to be recognized by my nurse executive peers as someone who has made ‘significant and sustained contributions to the specialty of nursing leadership,’” said Dr. Watson. “I deeply value the education, support, and mentoring that I received through AONE’s programs and from other nurse leaders as I progressed through my career. I feel that I am undoubtedly a better leader because of my involvement in the organization.”

Dr. Watson, who has been a member of AONE since 1987, also assists with the organization’s Certified Executive Nurse Practice review courses, and provides guidance for the newly established AONE Nurse Executive Fellowship, a year-long program created to help recently appointed nurse leaders transition into their new senior leadership positions.

Dr. Watson was notified of her impending induction to the inaugural class of AONE fellows by Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, AONE’s CEO, and was eager to share the news with college faculty members Maria Lindell Joseph and Diane Huber who had co-written a letter of support for her fellowship.

“The AONE fellow designation reflects achievement at the highest level of nursing leadership practice excellence,” said Dr. Begley. “I look forward to honoring these 18 nurse leaders and thanking them for their contributions to AONE and the health care field.”

Although she is not currently teaching at the UI CON, Dr. Watson is very active in securing preceptors for students in the college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Health Systems program (DNP-HS). She also serves as a member of the college’s Clinical Nurse Leader advisory committee.

AONE will honor the inductees in April at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego. For more information, including the complete list of the AONE 2019 Class of Fellows, click here.

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Since 1967, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) has provided leadership, professional development, advocacy and research to advance nursing practice and patient care, promote nursing leadership excellence and shape public policy for health care nationwide. To learn more, visit aone.org