Washington, DC — On October 5 – 7, 2023, Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University School and Navajo Technical University Nursing Director Dr. Michelle Kahn-John and 252 distinguished nurse leaders were inducted into the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) the 2023 Class of Fellows. The inductees are recognized for their substantial, sustained, and outstanding impact on health and health care at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference. This year’s conference theme is “Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership, Policy, and Partnership.”
Dr. Michelle Kahn-John is an Indigenous nurse scientist who leads and advocates for culturally safe, respectful, and collaborative research partnerships in Native American communities. She’s a transformative advanced practice nurse, has provided leadership in health systems for over 25 years, and continues to offer clinical (psychiatric) and administrative support to hospitals and clinics serving the Navajo Nation.
“As a Diné (Navajo) nurse scientist, my leadership and scientific innovations are directed at addressing the overwhelming disparities in American Indian (AI) mental health and training the next generation of AI and ally researchers. My substantive practice, policy, and research contributions span 27 years. Drawing from my AI culture and scientific knowledge, I developed one of only two Native American theoretical nursing models, the Hózhó Lifeway (HL), a cultural guidepost for policy, research, and systems changes,” Dr. Khan-John stated. “My community-engaged research approach enhances self-efficacy and resilience to address physical and psychological distress in AI communities. As a Diné (Navajo) nurse leader, I am one of 78 PhD-prepared AIAN Nurse scientists and one of the few (less than 0.03%) board-certified AIAN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) in the U.S. My 22 years as a PMHNP and eight years as a nurse scientist uniquely positions me as an advocate for AI communities.”
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through generating, synthesizing, and disseminating nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improving health locally and globally. With over 2,900 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished policy, research, administration, practice, and academia leaders.
Dr. Kahn-John commented, “My career achievements mark my commitment to enhancing health equity in AI communities. As a clinician, educator, and scientist, I possess knowledge and practice expertise that align perfectly with the mission of the Academy. As a newly inducted fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my career achievements.”
With her clinical expertise in integrative nursing, traditional Native American medicine, and ceremonial interventions, she advocates for culturally aligned and tailored healthcare interventions. Her current research program focuses on the psychological and physical health benefits of the Diné (Navajo) Hózhó wellness philosophy and beneficial health-related outcomes of Native ceremonial interventions. Her most recent research collaboration is focused on preventing youth suicide within two Native American communities in the Great Plains of Northern Montana.
“I look forward to sharing my insights on Indigenous ways of knowing and worldviews and growing our collective nursing knowledge and understanding as we embark on our next chapter as leaders in achieving global health equity. Ahee'hee,” Dr. Kahn-John concluded.
Dr. Kahn-John is completing a research fellowship at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
For inquiries about the NTU Nursing Program, please contact: Dr. Christopher Young Interim Nursing Program Director (Jan 2022-July 2023) E: c.young@navajotech.edu Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating for the future. Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist dmorgan@navajotech.edu NTUDrMKahnJohn.j pg: NTU Nursing Director Dr. Michelle Kahn-John stands outside the American Academy of Nursing at the 2023 Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.