Constance McMenamin, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Biographical Statement
Curriculum Vitae

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Current Professional Position

University of Colorado. Senior instructor for Multiple sclerosis and Neuro-immunology

Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years

• Current leadership in the past three years include the current term of AANP Colorado State Liaison since July, 2021. Per current rules, I cannot participate as a board member related to health care to reduce concern for conflict of interest but I have continued to be an active, non-voting member of Colorado Nurses Association, Government Affairs Public Policy (GAPP) committee. In addition, active member on the conference committee at University of Colorado for annual 'Advances in Pharmacotherapy Update in Best Practice".
• Involvement in the conference committee provides an opportunity to shape conference topic with attention to the community providers; the goal of the conference is to access high quality speakers with attention to advancing practice topics for the family practice providers. My leadership within my current professional role of neuro-immunology has included efforts at recruiting highly motivated APP's to join our team. As a result of my unofficial role, our department has hired three NPs again highlighting the valuable breadth of experience of such providers. As a results, extensive mentorship of these younger professional in ongoing. In addition to shaping the department Physician/ APP mix, I participate in the Wellness committee and advocate strongly for appropriate and reasonable work-life balance.

Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help

The current and ongoing challenge for AANP in the next decade is education of the public, our patients, and families regarding the high level of care provided by Nurse Practitioners. This is crucial with the need to prioritize education to our elected officials regarding the high quality, cost effective, comprehensive care provided by NP. AANP continues to provide evidence through research regarding high-level care with documentation of NP visits highlighting recent numbers of 2 Billion NP visits per recent year. Our on-going challenge is to educate our physician colleagues to reduce the potential animosity that is found in certain specialties and professional organizations. Using the word PROVIDER on Direct to Consumer commercials provides general appreciation that a provider can be MD, DO, NP, PA. My leadership style is inclusive. In the past 18 months, I have worked to promote AANP through attendance and communication with leadership at state level NPOs and SIG highlighting both the role of State Liaison and the clinical excellence and advocacy awards. In educating NPs on the state liaisons role, I am offering encouragement for the next generation of AANP members/leaders/elected positions, offering mentorship and inclusiveness through my AANP role and political activism.

Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership

Current leadership in the past three years include the current term of AANP Colorado State Liaison since July, 2021. Per current rules, I cannot participate as a board member related to health care to reduce concern for conflict of interest but I have continued to be an active, non-voting member of Colorado Nurses Association, Government Affairs Public Policy (GAPP) committee. In addition, active member on the conference committee at University of Colorado for annual 'Advances in Pharmacotherapy Update in Best Practice". ?Involvement in the conference committee provides an opportunity to shape conference topics with attention to the community providers; the goal of the conference is to access high quality speakers with attention to advancing practice topics for the family proactive providers. My leadership in the current patient focus of neuro-immunology has included efforts at recruiting highly motivated APP's to join our team. As a result of my unofficial role, our department has hired three NPs again highlighting the valuable breadth of experience of such providers. As a result, extensive mentorship of these younger professionals is ongoing. In addition to shaping the department Physician/ APP mix, I participate in the Wellness committee and advocate strongly for appropriate and reasonable work-life balance.

If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows

Advance the AANP mission and strategic plan through PEARL framework. -Practice. Promote the NP roles promoting forward momentum in scope of practice both within the state and nationally. Past advancement of legislative success in NV and CO and will continue to do so. -Education on the role of NP to patients, health providers, and elected officials. In this context, correct use of words matters to be inclusive such as provider, Nurse practitioner, or APP but never use antiquated, outdated or offensive terms describing our professional title. -Advocacy-Ongoing efforts both state and national advancing the goal of high quality care for our patients and making sure NPs are at the table. I work closely with AANP to make sure the advancement of state policies aligns with our national AANP goals. -Research. Professionally, participating in research both with clinical trial and inclusion in clinical case studies for publication. AANP research such as compensation studies ensures that I am part of the collective voice. -Leadership. Continued efforts to engage/attract new members and create a nurturing environment for success. Mentorship in both policy and within state/national organizations. Recent discussion with AANP leadership, the future goal is to make micro-volunteer effort available to increase involvement.