Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP
Candidate for Region 1 Director (Incumbent)
Campaign Message:
I have had the pleasure of serving as your AANP Region 1 Director for the past two years and am eager to continue my service to all AANP members in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. I am a staunch advocate of the Nurse Practitioner role and I have worked diligently over the past twenty-four years to promote NP practice, policy, and education at local, state, and national levels. I am deeply committed to AANP, its mission and to each of you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this role and for your vote! Valerie Fuller
Current Professional Position
Nurse Practitioner - Department of Surgery
Leadership Experience in the Past Three Years
Leadership Experiences (in the past three years)
- 2021 to present - AANP Board of Directors, Region 1 Director
- 2020-2021- AANP, Chair of the Nurse Practitioner Education and Sustainment Committee
- 2019-2021- AANP Fellows Selection Committee
- 2019-2021- National Council of State Board of Nursing, Board of Directors, Region 4 Director
- 2019-2021- National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Board of Directors Liaison to the NCLEX Examination Committee and Next Generation NCLEX Committee
- 2014-2020- AANP, Maine State Representative
- 2010 to present- Maine State Board of Nursing, APRN Board Member and Board President Future Leadership Opportunities (over the next two years)
- 2023- Seeking re-election as the AANP Region 1 Director
- 2023- Seeking gubernatorial reappointment to the Maine State Board of Nursing as the APRN Board Member
Biggest Challenge Facing Nurse Practitioners and How AANP Can Help
One of the biggest challenges facing NPs in the delivery of the healthcare over the next decade remains the overly restrictive scope-of-practice regulations in states without full practice authority (FPA). It has been well-documented that we are facing an unprecedented shortage of health care providers at a time when there is an increased demand for primary health care services due to an aging population and a rise in chronic medical conditions. In addition, research suggests that persons living in states with restrictive scope-of-practice laws have less access to primary care and have an increased cost of care, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. To address this challenge, AANP needs to continue its full-practice authority campaign at state and federal levels and continue to form strategic alliances with policy makers, health care organizations, corporate businesses, and others to help advocate and/or legislate for the removal of these restrictive policies. Lastly, ongoing research (by AANP and others) is needed to demonstrate increased access to care, decreased costs of care and the growth of the NP workforce that can be seen in states with full practice authority.
Example of Initiative or Outcome of Leadership
I am a leader who believes in active listening, open communication, positivity, reliability, and persuasion! I also bring a depth of knowledge and experience to AANP and to the role of Region 1 Director. An example of my leadership skills at my workplace would be the establishment of a permanent seat for APRNs on the Medical Staff Committee. Prior to this initiative, NPs paid medical staff dues but had no voice or role on this all-physician committee. Recognizing this lack of representation, I developed collaborative relationships with the committee members and encouraged open communication and honest dialogue within the group regarding a change in committee structure. As a result of these efforts, I was successful in creating a permanent seat for APRNs on the Medical Staff Committee and was asked to serve as the first non-physician member of the committee. In addition, my history of service and leadership in other state and national nursing organizations has allowed me to develop key relationships with academic associations, professional groups, and other health care leaders. Through these connections I can continue to strengthen AANP’s strategic alliances, initiatives and plans.
If Elected, I Propose to Advance the AANP Mission as Follows
If elected as your Region 1 Director, my goal will be to empower our members, educate our policy makers, and work with interested stakeholders to identify and eliminate barriers to NP-provided care. I will continue to advocate for patients and their ability to choose NPs as their health care provider and work to increase public awareness and recognition of the NP role. Working in tandem with the Region 1 state liaisons and members, I will work to increase our membership base, improve student engagement, and provide local and regional opportunities to participate in activities that elevate NP practice, education, advocacy, and leadership. Lastly, I am deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all Nurse Practitioners during a time of unprecedented burnout and moral injury in our profession. We must hold policy makers, government agencies and health care organizations accountable for addressing the societal, regulatory, and organizational factors which negatively effect NPs and patients.