Dave Hanson is president-elect of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). He will begin his term as president of the Association in July 2007. Hanson had the privilege of serving on the AACN Board of Directors from 2001 to 2004. He was Treasurer from 2002 to 2004. 

Hanson is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Clarian Health Partners - Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the CNS for cardiovascular surgery progressive and critical care, his primary focus is on improving outcomes of acute and critically ill patients and to enhance resource utilization within the healthcare organization. Through cohesive relationship building and working to lay the foundation for creating lasting system changes, he has been successful in developing and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.

Hanson guides nursing practice by serving in the roles of clinical expert, consultant, researcher, educator and leader. Through his publications and presentations, he is nationally recognized for his expertise in the areas of cardiovascular care, advanced pre-hospital care, fostering collaborative nursing practices and successfully mentoring new graduate nurses in the ICU.

Hanson earned his BSN from Indiana University and his MSN from Texas Christian University. In the course of his career, he has worked as a staff nurse, team leader and nurse educator. In addition, to his time spent in the adult ICU, Hanson has also worked in the cardiac cath lab and emergency department.