Angela Thompson, DNP, FNP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAANP
Candidate for Region 5 Director (Incumbent)
Campaign Message:
It has been my honor to have serve AANP membership as the Region 5 Director. If I am re-elected to a second term, I will work to ensure the goals and objectives of AANP are brought to fruition. This includes strengthening the NP voice locally, nationally and internationally. Our voice is so important as our profession moves forward to provide our patients with the quality care we offer. I will work diligently to assure that NPs remain at EVERY table and stay visible as providers. As a leader in the organization, I place a high value on the needs and concerns of those I lead. I am highly motivated to make a positive impact on the presence and legislative success of NPs in the Region and respectfully request your vote as the AANP Region 5 Director. Thank you for your support! Angela Thompson DNP, FNP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES, FAANP
Current Professional Position
Nurse Practitioner in clinical practice at a hospital-based outpatient Endocrinology clinic.
Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years
AANP Leadership Positions:
- Region 5 Director, 2020 to current
- Chair of the 2021 AANP National Conference
- Co-Chair of the AANP Endocrine SPG Community, 2019-current
- Vice-Chair AANP National Conference, 2019 & 2020
- AANP Indiana State Representative 2014 to 2020
Other National Leadership Activities:
- AANP Representative to CMS MACRA Episode-Based Cost Measure Wave 3 Clinical Subcommittee, 2018 to 2020
- American Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Co-Chair Advanced Practice COI, 2018-2020
State Organizations Leadership Positions:
- President- Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (CAPNI), 2020 to current
- CAPNI Representative to Indiana Nursing Workforce Advisory Group, 2019-2020
- Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana Medical Director, 2014-2022
Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help
The biggest challenge facing NPs is the continued restrictions placed on NP practice at the state and federal level. This is not a new challenge, yet it remains a pervasive issue that continues to negatively impact NPs’ ability to care for patients. Twenty-four states still have outdated nurse practice acts, forcing NPs to work under decades long restrictions and practice limitations that negatively impacts healthcare access. Removing the barriers on NP practice in the remaining restricted states would ensure primary care access in designated shortage areas or healthcare deserts. Evidence has demonstrated that people have significantly greater access to primary care services relative to those living in states where there is restricted scope of practice. Additionally, restricted states have longer wait times for access to care and a lower supply of providers in historically marginalized communities and underserved populations. AANP has been instrumental in assisting states with this challenge, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I would to like see AANP increase advocacy involvement at the state level. I believe this is key to helping states combat negative misinformation from medicine while providing additional manpower and support from the national NP organization.
Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership
I have been a strong champion of the NP profession since graduating in 2009. I have a proven track record as a servant leader at the local, state and national levels. I devoted a large part of my NP career navigating the political waters to expand access to NP care in my home state of Indiana. I advocated for the inclusion of NPs in healthcare legislation over the last several years with regards to telehealth, physical therapy, POLST, death certificates, high school athletic physicals, and most recently- signature authority items such as first steps, commercial drivers license, and diabetes self management education. I built a solid infrastructure of NPs to serve in various leadership and advocacy positions across the state of Indiana. This work has culminated into the formation of state legislative and grassroots committees and development of an online advocacy toolkit and formalized advocacy coaching program. At the Federal level, I have been actively involved with regional NP organizations, Region 5 state nurse practitioner organizations (NPO), and the state liaisons in region 5 to foster communication, provide networking opportunities, and serve as a resource while increasing visibility of AANP.
If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows
I propose to advance the AANP mission and strategic plan by focusing on engaging more NPs to seek membership in AANP. I want to grow our membership by volume with a focus on diversity and inclusivity. I want to ensure equal representation of all groups across all levels of the organization. In order for AANP to be recognized as a leading resource for NP's in practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership, I believe we need to do a better job of recruiting people from a variety of background and experiences to serve in AANP as members and as leaders.