Health Carousel’s Executive Earl Dalton inducted as Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing

Health Carousel proudly celebrates the selection of Earl Dalton, MHA, MSL, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Fellow and Chief Clinical Officer and VP of Clinical Services, as a Fellow in the 2025 Class of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) a prestigious honor recognizing his outstanding, sustained contributions to nursing and global health care.

A Legacy of Impact in Nursing Leadership

With over 28 years of hospital experience, Earl Dalton has long been a champion for nursing excellence and patient-centered innovation. As Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) at Health Carousel since 2016, he has led the company’s clinical strategies, nurse development programs, and global workforce transformation efforts.

His career includes:

• Leadership at Tri-Health Systems, where he directed Adult Health Inpatient and Emergency Services and helped his team earn ANCC’s Magnet Status.  

• A 2016 selection as Cincinnati’s Most Distinguished Nurse Leader.

• Speaking engagements at major national and international events, including the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, Philippine Nurses Association Annual Conference, and International DAISY Day.

• Published insights in Customer Care News on nursing and the patient experience.

• Fellowship training through the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship Program (2023).

• Serving on several influential boards, associations and committees:

• Current President of the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO)

• The Joint Commission, Staffing Advisory Panel and Technical Advisory Committee Member

• Case Western Reserve University, Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy, Global Advisory Board.  

A Rare and Earned Honor

Dalton’s induction into the Academy is a milestone not only for him personally, but for Health Carousel’s broader mission to elevate ethical global nurse recruitment and care delivery.

“This was a huge honor to be accepted into the Academy,” said Dalton. “It represents recognition of 30 years of contribution to nursing. Induction to the American Academy of Nurses (AAN) can only be done through a recommendation from a current inductee and I was beyond honored to be recommended by two very important mentors in my professional life who supported me. I am deeply grateful to the AAN and Health Carousel for their continued support of my work. I am proud of our team's work in the nursing community in general, but it's been a real highlight to see the impact Health Carousel has made in nursing on the world stage.”  

“Being inducted into the American Academy of Nursing is widely considered by nursing professionals the biggest honor that can be bestowed upon a nurse. It’s an honor that less than 1% of all nurses achieve. For me, I consider this like getting into the hall of fame to use a sports analogy. Professionally, I’m beyond grateful to have been submitted and inducted. It recognizes my contributions to the science of nursing across my 30-year career. Especially over the last 10 years, Health Carousel has given me the time and resources to make a meaningful impact on the global nursing community.”

Reflections from a Trusted Colleague and Leader

“It is with immense pride and deepest gratitude that I congratulate Earl Dalton on his well-deserved selection as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing,”

said Donita Ross, ACNO & VP of International at Health Carousel.

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“His career stands as a testament to unwavering integrity, boundless compassion, and relentless patient-centered advocacy—qualities that have impacted the lives of thousands of patients and inspired generations of nurses and nurse leaders. Earl’s dedication to elevating the profession, especially through his transformative work at Health Carousel, has strengthened the nursing workforce both domestically and globally, ensuring that more patients receive care from a qualified healthcare professional, when and where it's most needed. On a personal note, I am profoundly thankful for his mentorship and steadfast guidance throughout my own journey—his influence has shaped not only my career but my calling.”

Elevating Nursing on a Global Stage

The American Academy of Nursing announced its largest class in history on June 18, 2025, with inductees representing 42 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 12 countries. The Class of 2025 was selected through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process evaluating impact, innovation, and leadership across disciplines. Dalton’s official induction will take place on October 18, 2025, during the Academy’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, DC.

The 2025 conference theme “Impact Through Integrity and Trust: Our Role as Navigators and Translators” is deeply aligned with Dalton’s work in building trust across cultures, shaping policy, and mentoring future nurse leaders.

“I am incredibly proud of the work Health Carousel has done to serve a global nursing community,” said Dalton. “We help nurses connect to their lifelong dream of practicing in the U.S., but we also recognize the importance of giving back to nurses in their home countries. Just like Florence Nightingale, the ‘lady with the lamp,’ our Light the Way foundational work has helped thousands of nurses further develop their practice locally—improving the lives of the patients they serve. That makes my heart smile.”

“As a nurse, I am always concerned for the welfare of the patients we ultimately serve. That commitment drives everything we do.”

“Over my 30 years in nursing, I’ve learned the value of strong mentors. You need people who will cheer you on—and also challenge you when needed. I also carry with me a piece of wisdom shared by colleagues in Africa: ‘You cannot be what you cannot see.’ Taking time to understand what’s different, and why, is more powerful than you realize.”

“Right now, I’m pausing to celebrate. In life, we don’t always do that well enough—and this is a big one. But after that, it’s back to the work that brought me here in the first place: helping nurses migrate when they’re ready, helping elevate their practice wherever they are, and ultimately, improving the lives of the patients they serve.”