Michelle Beauchesne, DNSc, RN, CPNP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
Candidate for Nomination Council
Campaign Message:
Campaign message I became a pediatric nurse practitioner in 1979 and have been fortunate to have had an extensive career as a practitioner, researcher and educator. I have held leadership roles in many diverse organizations and have a comprehensive understanding of nursing leadership as a result of those diverse experiences. Currently, I am using my vast experience in these areas as a consultant on leadership and education, nationally and internationally. I have benefited a great deal from the last five years on the FAANP selection committee, which has introduced me to multiple diverse AANP colleagues, preparing me well to serve on the AANP Nomination Council. I will continue to bring my broad perspective, which spreads across both academia and practice, to the nomination process.
Current Professional Position
Professor Emeritus, Northeastern University and Nurse Consultant on Leadership and Education
Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years
I was appointed Chair of the International Council of Nurses/ Advanced Practice Nursing Network Education Group (2012-2018) but committed to completing a project on describing clinical education globally for 2 years after my official term ended. This presented not only a challenge to scheduling virtual meetings but also interpreting practice, education, and cultural terms and organizing the enormous amount of data gathered. However, we completed the project culminating in the 2020 publication in The Nurse Practitioner, "A snapshot of clinical educational experiences for advanced practice nurses worldwide" which was chosen as the featured article and CEU activity. I continue to be active in the newly formed invitation only alumna group of that organization. I was asked to join the Board of the Nursing Archives Associates housed at Boston University in 2019-present. I continue to be a member of the Royal College of Nursing International Advisory Board and continue as an international member on the board of the Journal of intellectual Disabilities. In my consultation practice on leadership and education, I serve as program evaluator and am on the leadership team for several grants. However, I have the ability to choose my opportunities now and balance my workload.
Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help
As a PNP for over 40 years I have witnessed many challenges to the delivery of health care. This has been especially evident as I dedicated my practice to caring for young children and the vulnerable population with developmental/intellectually disabilities. The state of the economy and high cost of health care is especially challenging today. Being active in AANP and other nursing organizations has been my way of contributing to the visibility of advanced practice nurses and securing a place at the table. Together we have met many challenges and accomplished much since 1979. We need strong and dynamic leadership to guide us as we continue forward.
Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership
I have held leadership roles in education and many diverse professional organizations nationally and internationally throughout my career. I am a past President of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), The Association Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AFPNP), and the Nursing Division, of the American Association of Intellectual Disabilities (AAID). I have held other key leadership roles such as Chair, Educational Standards and Guidelines, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) for 2 terms and LACE representative (NAPNAP) for 6 years. Throughout these roles I faced many challenges both within the organizations and within the profession. However, I viewed these challenges as providing me many opportunities to make a difference. I gave written and oral testimony to the Future of Nursing, had significant input into NONPF's position on the DNP education, and created the first dual Primary Care/Acute Care PNP role. This innovative NP role served as the model for future APN specialization education and formed the basis for new certification rules and licensure regulations. This was an uphill process but now is written into our standards. It required skills in collaboration, compromise, dedication, and perseverance to name just a few.
If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows:
This council plays a pivotal role in determining current and future leadership of AANP. Offering members strong choices on the ballot for every position is the key to a strong and successful organization. Dynamic and accomplished leaders are instrumental to achieving the goals outlined in the Strategic plan, specifically, Goal B-Reputation, Authority and Expertise: NPs will be acknowledged for their authority, leadership and expertise in high-quality, equitable health care and Goal D-AANP as an Organization: AANP will be recognized as the leading resource for NP practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership in health care. If we are to present ourselves the premier organization for advanced practice nursing across specialties, we need a slate of talented, experienced leaders who possess these qualities and have diverse areas of expertise. As a member of the Nomination Council, I pledge to work diligently to present a slate of candidates that will advance these goals.