Elizabeth Kuzma, DNP, FNP-BC
Candidate for Nomination Council
Campaign Message:
I love being an NP and giving back to the profession through professional services. Over the last 8 years I have served in many roles in AANP, most recently as a member of the Nominations Council. I would like to opportunity to continue to serve in this capacity. There is a steep learning curve for new members to the committee to learn about the policies and procedures of the organization and the nominations process. I hope to be able to continue to share my knowledge and experience to support and mentor new committee members and maintain a robust nominations process for our organization.
Current Professional Position
Clinical Associate Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner
Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years
PROFESSIONAL, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF NURSING
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Lead, Coordinator of APRN Program Leads, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Faculty Lead for the Development of the Digital (Online) FNP Program
PEER REVIEWER
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, Western Journal for Nursing Research (WJNR), Journal for Nurse Practitioners (JNP), Women’s Health Issues, Journal of Dental Education (JDE), Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (JAANP)
AANP LEADERSHIP
National Nomination’s Council member, National Research Committee member, former State Representative for Michigan, regular attendee of the AANP Annual Region 5 Invitational Leadership Meetings
NONPF LEADERSHIP 2020 NONPF
46th Annual Conference Abstract Reviewer Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP)
LEADERSHIP
Legislative Ambassador
FUTURE LEADERSHIP
If re-elected, AANP Nominations Council, Peer Reviewer for Professional Journals, MICNP Legislative Ambassador, and my professional leadership through the University of Michigan School of Nursing
Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help
There are many issues facing NPs in the delivery of healthcare over the next decade, however, the most significant is the one we have been grappling with for decades, the need for full practice authority (FPA) for all NPs across the country. We cannot fully address issues of payment parity, collect clear data on NP care outcomes and cost in all settings, or the many other issues NPs are facing until we have reached that foundational milestone. We continue to make slow, steady progress, and will continue to do so. Patients and communities should have full and direct access to care from an NP no matter where they live. AANP is a leader in this area and supports states with their efforts understanding the intricacies and interconnected nature of the fight for FPA across state lines. AANP should continue the work of supporting states, state organizations, and following important policy issues across the country.
Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership
As a leader I pull together members of the team, build on their strengths, and encourage mutual decision-making. I am an extremely organized, a true planner, and have a strategic viewpoint that is helpful not only to envision future potential, but more important to design, plan, and implement change. My leadership skills have continued to develop over the last 10 years in the various leadership roles I have taken on professionally. I began at the local chapter level of my state NP organization, progressed into statewide leadership roles, then most recently roles at the national level as a member of the AANP Nominations Council. I have learned a great deal about both national and state NP organizations and how they are connected. I bring a strong policy background to the table and am actively engaged in policy advocacy for patients, nursing education, and the NP profession. Additionally, I have been involved in leadership in interprofessional education and practice initiatives, working alongside professionals from seven other disciplines to design, plan, and implement programs that will create meaningful experiences for NP students and other graduate level health professions students with the hope to change the future of healthcare.
If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows
Active in AANP since 2010, I was first elected as the AANP State Representative for Michigan in 2014, was appointed to the Research Committee in 2018, and was elected as a Nomination’s Council member in 2020, where I am currently serving my first term. I have given multiple podium presentations at the AANP national conference. I attend the health policy conference yearly to connect with and learn from colleagues across the country and have been a recipient of an AANP Foundation Grant award. I mentor members to become future leaders and active members of the AANP. Through these experiences, I have gained a strong understanding of the mission, vision, values, and future direction of AANP. I believe in empowering all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality healthcare for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership. My experience, knowledge, and skills demonstrate my ability to continue to lead in AANP and advance its mission, particularly in the areas of health policy, professional advocacy, and professional stewardship.