Margaret Quinn, a clinical professor and specialty director at the Rutgers School of Nursing, has achieved one of the highest national honors in her field: induction as a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Quinn, who leads the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Program at Rutgers, was officially inducted alongside 59 fellow leaders during the AANP National Conference on June 25 in Las Vegas.
The AANP fellowship recognizes nurse practitioners who have made exceptional contributions to clinical practice, research, education, and policy. With this distinction, Quinn joins an elite group of just over 1,000 fellows nationwide—representing less than 1% of the more than 461,000 licensed nurse practitioners across the United States.
Angela Starkweather, dean and professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, praised Quinn for her visionary leadership and lasting impact on the field.
“Congratulations to Dr. Quinn for this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication to pediatric health and unwavering commitment to educating the next generation of nurse practitioners,” Starkweather said. “Her work continues to strengthen our academic programs, expand access to high-quality care for children and families, and advance the nursing profession on a national level.”
A certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified nurse educator, Quinn’s career spans significant achievements in workforce development, childhood health advocacy, and nursing education. At Rutgers, she oversees both acute care and primary care PNP specializations, including one of the country’s few dual acute/primary care tracks. Over her career, she has secured significant external funding to expand academic programming, provide student scholarships, and integrate modern simulation technology into training.
Expressing her gratitude for the honor, Quinn emphasized the collaborative nature of her career.
“I am deeply honored to join this distinguished community of AANP fellows,” Quinn said. “This recognition reflects a career shaped by generous mentors, committed colleagues, inspiring students and the families and communities at the center of our work. I am grateful for their support and for the opportunity to continue advancing pediatric care and education.”
Beyond the classroom, Quinn serves as project director for a four-year, $2.6 million federal grant that founded the Rutgers University Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program. The initiative addresses healthcare disparities by preparing advanced practice registered nurses to deliver culturally responsive care in medically underserved areas.
Her national contributions include helping shape pediatric nursing educational guidelines, as well as advancing research in areas such as childhood obesity prevention, vaccine safety, and the impact of trauma on youth.
Quinn’s leadership extends locally as well; she currently serves on the executive board of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners-New Jersey Chapter as legislative chair. Her latest honor adds to an impressive list of accolades, including the chapter’s Leadership and Mentor Award in 2023 and the Rutgers Health Chancellor Award for Distinguished Educator in 2021.
