Reflections on Two Years as AANP President: Celebrating NPs and Advocating for Health Care Access

Over the past two years as president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), I have enjoyed the honor of meeting and working with countless nurse practitioners (NPs) dedicated to improving access, equity and health care outcomes for their patients. I’d like to reflect on a few of highlights of my term. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was hosting the podcast NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, where I had the opportunity to interview NPs from a variety of backgrounds and specialties. I also visited over 40 universities and colleges of nursing, meeting with nearly 3,000 students and faculty to discuss the future of the NP role, building an outcomes-based practice and AANP student member resources. Advocacy was another exciting area of focus during my term. I loved meeting with legislators and national leaders, visiting the White House to represent NPs, and speaking with state NP organizations. I am proud to have been a part of efforts that led to four states moving to Full Practice Authority for NPs — Delaware, New York, Kansas and Utah. I am grateful to have worked with AANP staff, the AANP Board of Directors, member committees, state liaisons, AANP Fellows, international ambassadors and other leaders across the organization. Together, we developed and implemented fantastic programs and initiatives that support and elevate the NP profession. My term as AANP president has been a truly humbling and fulfilling experience. I am honored to have this incredible opportunity to serve NPs and their patients, and I am confident this profession will continue to thrive and make a positive impact in health care. I look forward to seeing you all this month at the 2023 AANP National Conference in New Orleans. Together we will network, educate, collaborate and celebrate NPs!