Robert Lucia, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, LCPC
Candidate for Nomination Council
Campaign Message:
My name is Robert Lucia, and I am an NP from Illinois. I am running for a position on the nomination council. I have leadership experience in academic, healthcare, and community settings. I am passionate about advanced practice nursing and the NP’s role in healthcare. I worked in my own professional setting to have nurse practitioners work to the full scope of their license while fostering an environment conducive to the growth and professional development of the clinician, applying that philosophy and work ethic to benefit the AANP as a whole. I can help the AANP by ensuring that the best candidates are brought forward for leadership roles with my thorough understanding of the AANP mission and strategy. I am a young leader with a lot to learn, but I believe I bring the experience, passion, and vision to best serve all of you and our shared mission. Thank you!
Current Professional Position
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)
Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years
- Lead Clinician- OSF OnCall Urgent Care
- Lead Provider- COVID Digital Response Team, OSF Healthcare
- Editorial Board Member- ACTA Scientific Pediatrics
- Reviewer- American Journal of Nursing and Health Science
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Education Committee
- Cystic Fibrosis Quality Improvement Team
- Medical Board- Colton Underwood Cystic Fibrosis Charity
- Alumni Advisor- Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Bradley University
- Alumni Board Member- Methodist College
- Strategic Planning Committee- College of Education and Health Science, Bradley University
Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help
I think that the biggest challenge facing nurse practitioners in 2022 and beyond are the scope of practice restrictions found in various States throughout the country. Research has shown that nurse practitioners provide safe care grounded in best practices delivered in a holistic, patient-centered way. The restrictions on advanced nursing practice are due to a variety of reasons, but at the end of the day, these restrictions are a detriment to patient care. The AANP has a history of lobbying and advocating for nurse practitioners and continued focus should be made in States that continue to restrict practice.
Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership
I believe that innovation, inclusion, and a supportive environment are essential to driving excellence. In addition to my formal leadership roles, I have obtained additional leadership certificates from Harvard University, the University of South Florida, and Dartmouth focusing on inclusive and ethical leadership, leadership for remote workers, and training others to lead. At Bradley University, I have developed the curriculum and taught two leadership courses focused on conflict resolution and small group dynamics. Having started my career under poor leadership, I have dedicated much of my professional life to not only building up my leadership skills but building those skills in others as well. One initiative that was important to me when assuming my most recent leadership role was a focus on comprehensive clinical evaluation for advanced practice providers. I worked to develop a tool that would be used by advanced practice clinicians to self-evaluate their clinical practice while receiving feedback from a clinical lead as well. This tool was implemented and is now being used as standard practice in our organization. We are able to critically evaluate providers and provide growth opportunities multiple times throughout the year--growing both our clinicians and our professional practice.
If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows
The nomination committee plays a vital role in bringing expert-level nurse practitioners into leadership positions. This nomination committee, by its very nature, bringing the best candidates forward, allows us, as an organization to have the right people in place to best execute the strategic plan. In this position, I feel like I have a good understanding of the strategic plan, the four main goals, and the subsequent objectives. This understanding is critical when conducting reviews and interviews of all eligible candidates seeking a particular office. I think that in this role, I can use my leadership skills in combination with my personal experiences in professional practice, to help bring high-quality applicants to the table that can help the AANP drive forward its mission and strategic plan.