Utilizing my leadership expertise, if re-elected as Region 11 Director, I will continue to work towards advancing the NP role allowing ALL NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training giving every patient throughout the US full and unrestricted access to NP services. Over the last 22 years I have been active in promoting NP practice and recognition through my positions on multiple boards and leadership roles allowing the NP voice to be heard and considered. If re-elected I will continue to represent each member and support each state representative in their efforts. I will remain committed to facing challenges head-on developing creative strategies and solutions using my leadership strengths including coalition/team building and effective communication. If re-elected I will work tirelessly to continue to represent your concerns to the BOD and deploy my skills to continue advancing the professional practice of NPs throughout Region 11.
Full-time practicing nurse practitioner providing primary care and specialty diabetes management.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Florida Nurse Practitioner Network
Future
The biggest challenge facing NPs into the next decade surrounds the rapid growth of the NP role with the resulting changes in the educational programs. As such there increasing pressure from outside of the NP community regarding the appropriateness of NP educational preparation and the ability of new NPs to provide safe patient care when entering the workforce. There is a growing voice of national physician groups refuting published studies demonstrating safety and effectiveness of NP provided care. Schools are advertising that a NP degree can be obtained totally online in a very short period which is also being used to support their claims. There are NPs providing fuel by posting disparaging comments on social media regarding NP educational preparation and readiness to practice upon graduation. A strategic plan should be developed to address this important issue and could include a targeted media strategy to educate the public regarding the quality, safe and effective care that NPs provide. Also, NPs need education on how their words matter and the potential consequences. Work with nursing faculty leadership rework the advertisement of the programs to minimize the perception of the decreased rigor in completing educational programs.
In the spirit of servant leadership, I am compelled to serve in my professional association and am dedicated to the AANP mission to empower all NPs to advance quality health care through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership. To this aim, if re-elected I will work to ensure the needs of Region 11 members and AANP are in the forefront. I will bring my proven ability to build bridges and my skills in tackling difficult leadership situations. In this regard I have worked with coalitions to build trust, effective conflict management and improve communication allowing the team to meet their goals. Specifically, there has been legislative gains in the state of Florida because of this work including the historic passage of controlled substance legislation and more recently the passage of primary care full practice authority. I have the experience and skills to facilitate participation from colleagues and gather diverse ideas from others to develop different perspectives thereby reaching informed decisions that will be in the best interest of AANP and its members. I am committed to developing and applying the AANP strategic plan and will be prepared to ask the difficult questions in relation to supporting AANP initiatives.
As a proven leader with a strong dedication to the mission of AANP, if re-elected, I will continue my dedication towards empowering all NPs to advance quality health care through practice, education, advocacy research, and leadership. NPs need to be able to practice to the full extent of their education and I will continue to strive towards this goal by translating my leadership experiences and successes throughout Region 11. I will continue to work with the other members of the Board of Directors, AANP staff, and AANP State Liaison and other volunteers to develop and implement the AANP Strategic Plan and strategic initiatives. As a membership driven association it is imperative that Region Directors are available and responsive to the needs of its members. In this regard it will continue to be my priority to bring the voice of the Region 11 members to the AANP Board of Directors. I am committed to the mission of AANP and will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving the association goals while working for the needs of the membership.