2025 FAONL Spotlight: Kate FitzPatrick

What motivated you to apply for the FAONL designation?
Supporting the professional organization that represents nurses who are serving as leaders is incredibly important. I wanted to serve as a role model for others on the importance of bringing energy and time to our profession through service. AONL has been a critical resource for me in my leadership journey (which I'm still on), and designation as Fellow has been an aspiration to join the close to 80 nurses nationally who have earned it. I have encouraged and supported more than 20 nurses at various stages of their careers to participate in one of the AONL fellowships (manager, director, executive). These programs have been invaluable in developing and growing talent and helping nurse leaders refine their skills and knowledge. I want to serve as an example for our nurse leaders and the FAONL is one way I hope that I do that.

How has being an FAONL designee impacted your leadership journey and leadership style?
I have been designated just a few months. Since induction I have had several leaders reach out to learn more about the Fellow designation and the benefits of AONL. I am also encouraging nurse leaders across my system to consider applying for FAONL

What value have you received by achieving your FAONL designation (could be professional growth, personal connections, etc.)?
I was inducted as an FAONL in April 2025. One of the immediate benefits was the opportunity to meet the other incredible nurse leaders who also earned this credential with me. These nurse leaders represent large, small, urban, suburban organizations, they come from academic, industry and service sectors. I have also been able to inspire others to consider and in doing so increase the ways they are engaging with the AONL organization.

What advice would you give to someone working towards achieving FAONL status?
The designation is really the secondary gain, the essence of the FAONL is the time, commitment and dedication to the critical work AONL is doing to advance nursing leadership as key specialty of the Nursing Profession. It reflects nurse leaders’ contributions to the organization and the profession. My advice, get involved, share your experiences and work so that we all will move faster and farther together.