The American Academy of Nursing has named Linda Aiken, the Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor in Nursing, director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR), professor of sociology in Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences, and senior fellow in the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, a Living Legend. The official designation will be made at the Academy’s Transforming Health, Driving Policy conference next month. This is the Academy’s highest honor and is bestowed upon a person who has made significant contributions to nursing and health care over the course of their career.

Dr. Aiken is a renowned researcher and advocate whose pioneering work has transformed nursing by demonstrating the value of baccalaureate education on garnering improved patient outcomes, the impact of safe nurse staffing on saving lives while reducing costs, and the need for positive clinical working environments to improve nurse retention. These areas of focus led to the origination of the Magnet Recognition Program during her tenure as President of the Academy from 1979 to 1980. Magnet status, now known as the Magnet Recognition Program under the American Nurses Association Enterprise, continues to recognize organizations for nursing excellence and improved patient outcomes.

“Dr. Aiken’s impact on health outcomes and policy research cannot be understated. Her research has provided the evidence base that that has led to fundamental change in health policy and nursing practice,” said Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel. “She is a recognized leader at the local, state, national, and international levels and has had a hand in improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.”