Recognizing Excellence and Influence

The designation as a Fellow of The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (FAWHONN) recognizes nurse leaders who have made substantive and sustained contributions to the health of women and newborns beyond expectations of their role. AWHONN Fellows have demonstrated outstanding contributions to clinical practice, research, education, advocacy, or policy at the regional, national, or global level that is reflective of AWHONN’s mission and vision. Becoming an AWHONN Fellow demonstrates your commitment to the profession and to the highest standards of nursing care in the specialty of women’s health, obstetric or neonatal nursing.

Become an AWHONN Fellow

As an honoree of the AWHONN cohort, you will be among a class of professionals who will be celebrated with:

  • A new credential: List the AWHONN Fellowship (FAWHONN) designation in your title so your colleagues know that you are dedicated to the profession and AWHONN’s mission and vision.
  • An announcement to your peers: Through multiple AWHONN channels including, an induction ceremony at the AWHONN Convention, mentions in the AWHONN Member online community, AWHONN social media, channels, the AWHONN website, and the AWHONN member e-newsletter, Express, we’ll spread the news about your achievement
  • A place in AWHONN history: You’ll be added to the Directory of AWHONN Fellows, listed on the AWHONN website

Get your questions answered by watching the latest information session.

Get Started on Your FAWHONN Journey

As an achievement of the highest level, we are excited to support professionals who can document their contributions, and impact on the advancement of the field. To apply to become a Fellow in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (FAWHONN), an applicant must:

  • Applicants must hold full or lifetime membership status for at least five (5) consecutive years and be a current full or lifetime member at the time of application. Limited gaps in membership (not exceeding a total of three months) may be permitted.
  • Have a Diploma in Nursing or at least one degree in nursing which may include the following: AA, BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP, or other.
  • Have an advanced degree or certification in your current area of specialty or in leadership. An advanced degree is one beyond the bachelor’s level of education.
  • Demonstrate active involvement in AWHONN beyond holding membership (for example, serving on committees, task forces, abstract reviewer, writing team member, involvement in section leadership, etc.)
  • Demonstrate outstanding contributions that have had a significant impact on nursing care for women and newborns at the regional, national, or international level in the areas of clinical practice, research, education, advocacy, or policy.
  • Endorsements from two sponsors that reflect your expertise in nursing. One sponsor must be a current AWHONN member and the second must hold a professional credential in their field of expertise.
  • Submit a completed application along with a non-refundable $75 application fee.

Application Information

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application, including information from their two sponsors and the non-refundable application fee, by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For questions, please contact AWHONN staff at fellows@awhonn.org. 

Application Guidelines

  • AWHONN Emerging Leaders may not apply to be an AWHONN Fellow for three (3) years after completing the Emerging Leaders program.
    • Current Fellows may not sponsor more than two (2) applicants per application cycle.
    • Members of the AWHONN Board of Directors may not serve as sponsors during their tenure on the Board.
    • AWHONN Fellows serving on the Evaluation Subcommittee may not act as sponsors during their tenure and for the three (3) cohorts immediately following the end of their service. They may resume serving as sponsors for the fourth cohort after their term concludes.