Jessica Van Meter, DNP, APN-BC, CCRN, Vanderbilt LifeFlight flight nurse, has been selected as a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).
The AAN selects fellows from a competitive international pool of applicants, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advance nursing practice and improve community health.
Comprised of more than 3,200 fellows, AAN members collaborate to promote growth and innovation in nursing and health care through education and policy development.
As a flight nurse, Van Meter provides critical care to patients in transit to a health care facility. She also serves as director of the bachelor’s degree in emergency nursing at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in Georgetown, Guyana.
Since partnering with GPHC to launch the emergency nursing program, she has helped grow the annual graduation rate to more than 65 nurses, meeting a crucial need for emergency care. Under her leadership, she’s introduced disaster response strategies and medication administration protocols, reducing errors and strengthening safety across the emergency department at GPHC.
Van Meter has published initiatives and research nationally that is centered on global health and emergency nursing.
She’s been recognized for her contributions to the field, receiving the Global Impact in Nursing Award from the International Nurses Association and the Tennessee Star of Life Award.
“Jessica’s induction into the American Academy of Nursing is a proud moment for all of us at Vanderbilt LifeFlight. Her unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, education and operational leadership is consistently exemplified in her quality patient care. Her integrity, innovation and compassion are essential to our team, and we are thrilled to see her recognized on a national level,” said Sherri Dean, MHA, BSN, RN, senior director of Clinical Services for Vanderbilt LifeFlight.
Van Meter will be formally inducted as a fellow during the AAN’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Oct. 18.
