2025 FAONL Spotlight: Susanne Yeakel
What motivated you to apply for the FAONL designation?
I attended the inaugural AONL Nurse Manager Fellowship Program several years ago. Since that time, I have been involved in many committees and task forces for AONL. As a result of Board leadership in the local chapter, attendance at annual meetings and leadership program offerings, AONL and the local chapter ONL shaped my current leadership goal in pursuing the FAONL.
How has being an FAONL designee impacted your leadership journey and leadership style?
Since receiving the FAONL designation this past March, I have been asked to participate in establishing a clinical ladder advancement program for our healthcare system. I continue to coach and mentor emerging nurse leaders to engage in learning opportunities from AONL. That mentoring, led to an increased attendance of 50% by my colleagues at the Annual Meeting this past March.
What value have you received by achieving your FAONL designation?
The value in achieving my FAONL is the recognition and acknowledgement of my forty plus years in nursing and my contributions to the profession of nursing. I consider myself a life long leaner. My current enrollment in a DNP program is the next phase of my professional development.
What advice would you give to someone working towards achieving FAONL status?
My advice is "do it". You don't realize how much you have accomplished until you write it down. Lastly, ask a nurse leader who has gone through the application process to mentor you.