ChristianaCare Nurses Inducted as American Academy of Nursing Fellows
Michelle Collins, DNP, APRN, and Danielle Sarik, Ph.D., APRN, honored for exceptional contributions in nursing
In recognition of their extraordinary impact on the nursing profession, two ChristianaCare nurses have been named as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). This prestigious recognition highlights their outstanding contributions to nursing leadership, innovation and health care policy.
Michelle Collins, DNP, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, LSSBB, vice president of Nursing Professional Excellence at ChristianaCare and Danielle Sarik, Ph.D., APRN, CPNP-PC, a nurse scientist consultant at ChristianaCare, were inducted on November 2 with a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders from 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and 14 countries. They join more than 3,000 Fellows who have been recognized by the Academy since 1973.
“Induction into the Academy represents the highest honor in nursing,” said Danielle Weber, DNP, MSM, RN-BC, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare. “This recognition highlights Michelle’s and Danielle’s exceptional leadership, commitment to innovation and passion for enhancing patient care.
“Their contributions and achievements embody the spirit of nursing excellence, honoring the care provided while also inspiring others within ChristianaCare and beyond to pursue excellence in health care.”
Michelle Collins, DNP, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, LSSBB, currently serves as vice president of Nursing Professional Excellence at ChristianaCare. Throughout her accomplished 30-year career, Collins has played a crucial role in improving how nurses practice and learn.
“I am both grateful and honored to accept this induction into the AAN as an early pioneer and national leader in virtual acute care nursing,” said Collins, whose work has included establishing the Virtual Acute Care Network at ChristianaCare and developing partnerships to apply virtual nursing practices for the benefit of nurses, caregivers and patients.
Throughout her accomplished 30-year career, Collins has played a crucial role in improving how nurses practice and learn. Her leadership was significant in achieving ChristianaCare’s third Magnet® designation, highlighting her commitment to excellence. Collins’ initiatives, including pioneering a virtual acute care nursing model and securing a $1.5 million grant for nursing technology integration, have set new standards in health care innovation.
Danielle Sarik, Ph.D., APRN, CPNP-PC, is a nurse scientist consultant at ChristianaCare.
“Being recognized as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is truly an honor and a privilege,” said Sarik. “I’m deeply grateful to the mentors who have supported me along my journey, and I look forward to continuing to lead research and advocacy efforts to address health disparities and strive for equitable health care systems for all children and families.”
Her research contributions have been integral in shaping policies that improve health care outcomes for children and families. Sarik is renowned for developing and implementing the Baby Steps model, recognized by the AAN as an Edge Runner designee. This pioneering transition of care approach addresses health equity for neonatal patients and families following discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit.
“Earning the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) credential is a significant recognition of one’s accomplishments and signifies the future impact they will make in collaboration with their colleagues in the Academy,” said AAN President Linda Scott, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, FAAN.
Click here for more information about the American Academy of Nursing and its fellows.
