FAANP FAQs
Do you have a question? We've got the answer.
The most common questions about the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) are answered below.
How do I apply?
Applications and information about the Fellows program are on the website. Please read all pages to become familiar with the requirements. The entire process is online. Emailed or snail-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Do I need to hold national certification to apply?
It is a professional responsibility and a quality indicator to maintain national certification as a nurse practitioner (NP). Special circumstances can be discussed with sponsors.
How do I nominate a colleague for the fellowship?
Only AANP Fellows may nominate an NP. The application requires the commitment of two Fellows. One is designated the primary sponsor and the other is the secondary sponsor. The primary sponsor takes the lead from start to finish ensuring all materials are reviewed with the candidate before submission.
How many NPs can a Fellow nominate each year?
Each Fellow may only nominate one NP as a primary sponsor and one as a secondary sponsor annually.
How do I find a sponsor(s)?
Sponsors need to have firsthand knowledge of the accomplishments of applicants. One way to find a sponsor is to begin with an AANP mentorship program. Many Fellows work with prospective NPs early in their careers and guide them in the leadership learning process.
Do I need to be a member of AANP to apply for the fellowship?
You must have at least two years of continuous AANP membership as of Aug. 1 of the application year, and membership must be sustained during the selection process.
How does the application process work?
Applying to become a Fellow is a three-step process:
- Self-assessment: Do a self-assessment to determine if you are ready to meet the stringent criteria for fellowship. Meet and discuss your strengths for application with the two Fellows who wish to sponsor you.
- Submission: The primary sponsor initiates the invitation and submits your name through the FAANP nominations link. Once notified, a unique web address link will be provided to upload the CV and complete the application online before the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
- Review: Members of the selection committee are assigned to review application materials. It is a detailed and lengthy process to vet every applicant. The full committee reviews all applications at the winter meeting. The applicants will be notified after the committee decisions are finalized.
May a first-year Fellow sponsor an applicant?
It is advisable to be a Fellow for a minimum of one year prior to sponsoring an applicant.
What is the responsibility of the applicant?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to present evidence of excellence in two of the areas selected. The evidence must clearly identify achievements throughout their NP career that exceed the expectations of their positions and job descriptions.
What is the responsibility of the sponsor?
The sponsor will present a supporting statement for the applicant that they have invited to apply for the fellowship. The sponsor must be aware firsthand of the applicant’s achievements.
May I use abbreviations and acronyms in the application since the character count is limited?
Abbreviations and acronyms may not be universal and can lead to confusion.
What are considered significant contributions in a focus area?
Contributions include what you have done to impact the role of NPs, AANP or patient care. It is important to identify the significance and scope of the accomplishments and contributions. (See PowerPoint).
Do I list my grants and research funding?
In identifying grants and research, the applicant must write about the scope, significance, outcome and impact of the research and list any related publications.
What are the commitments for active Fellows?
Attend two meetings a year, read the materials and announcements, participate in work groups and submit contributions to AANP and the Fellows newsletter for publication. Fellows are expected to continue the work of leadership and mentorship and participate as role models.
What other AANP activities are linked to fellowship?
A standing invitation is extended to all Fellows to attend the AANP Region Meetings.
Does it matter how far back I go in my career to find examples to use in my focus areas?
There is no timeline on the number of years of NP experience required to apply for Fellowship; however, the examples must detail only your NP experience, and not RN or other career markers. We realize some examples of exemplary NP situations may be at least 50 years old! Examples of your work should meet the criteria you identified and the significant role contributing to your achievements in your career.
May I reapply if I am not accepted into the fellowship?
Nominees have many outstanding accomplishments; however, the listed accomplishments may fall short of the goal of describing the significant exemplar achievements for one or both of the focus areas as ranked by the committee members. The sponsor(s) are notified initially and the applicant will receive a letter signed by the Chair of the Fellows and Chair of the Selection Committee. With your sponsors' input, you may choose to revise and resubmit your application in a subsequent year.