National Nurse Practitioner Week!

It’s finally here!  This week, November 11-17, is National Nurse Practitioner Week.  Throughout this week we officially have the chance to recognize each other’s hard work and commitment to our profession, to raise awareness of the exceptional role NP’s play in our health care system.

During National NP Week, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners encourages nurse practitioners to not only acknowledge each other for their commitment to the health of their patients but also to educate the public and lawmakers about the benefits of nurse practitioner delivered health care.  State laws vary drastically regarding the abilities of nurse practitioners.  In some states nurse practitioners are allowed to practice independently while in others they are not.  Many states allow NP’s to prescribe medications freely while others strictly control NP’s prescribing abilities.  If your state laws are not NP friendly, use this week to contact legislators encouraging them to expand the nurse practitioner role in your state so NP’s can enjoy further success in their careers and provide a better quality of care for their patients.  The AANP provides an excellent packet you can use to assist you in this endeavor. 

Nurse practitioners are critical to the American health care system.  We inspire millions of Americans to be healthy.  We treat families helping them with medical problems from strep throat and ear infections in children to chronic diseases in the elderly.  We are an integral thread in the fabric of our communities.  Let’s use this week to thank our colleagues and fellow NP’s for all that they do.  Continue to educate your patients regarding your ability to help them and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

Thank you fellow nurse practitioners for all that you do!  I am looking forward to a week full of NP recognition!