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Nurse Practitioner and AANP History
About the AANP History Committee
To ensure its enduring availability to future generations of nurse practitioners (NPs), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) History Committee is dedicated to gathering, curating and preserving information and artifacts related to the history of the NP role and the professional associations that support it. Our rich history paints a picture of the great successes that NPs have achieved and the invaluable contributions we have made to the health of our nation. Preserving documents on a state-by-state, national and international level and developing a database which identifies where historical information is stored or archived will increase access to this information and serve as inspiration for future successes. The AANP History Committee wants to encourage all researchers and NP organizations to participate by continually adding to our historical knowledge base.
Portrait of a Nurse
Year of the Nurse and the Midwife Stories
As NPs, our unique voice and perspective was a large part of the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife celebration!
This digital, visual collection shares the activities and experiences of real NPs and other advanced practice nurses (APNs), who are working both here in the U.S. and internationally. Reflect on 2020 by reading their stories, from serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic to supporting the development of APN roles and performing community service abroad. You'll soon see that all around the world, NPs are stepping up to deliver health care and health education.
Recent NP History Highlights
- Facebook Live Conversation With Dr. Loretta C. Ford and AANP President Dr. April Kapu Hosted by Nurses Care Hub — Watch a Facebook Live conversation with Dr. Loretta C. Ford, co-founder of the NP role, and Dr. April Kapu, from July 10, 2022, as they discuss how the NP model of care was created and ways to empower the next generation of NPs. Kapu also shares insights regarding the current NP practice environment and why NPs and policymakers must clearly understand how their state laws and regulations impact their practice.
- Loretta Ford Featured in Growing Bolder.
AANP Historical Timeline
NPs have an exciting story to tell, and so does AANP! It all began under an apple tree in Pennsylvania with a handful of visionary NPs. Explore AANP’s historical timeline to see what happened next.
NP Pulse Podcast Episodes Featuring NP Pioneers
Featured State History
This section is dedicated to the rich and unique NP history that each state boasts. Check back regularly for new featured states!
Featured Historic Interview
This section features a select interview of a promonent NP. All interviews were originally published in the FAANP Forum. Check back regularly for new featured interviews!
History Resources
Please reference these helpful links and resources to see how you can get involved in NP history.
Do You Know Where to Find Pieces of NP History?
The AANP History Committee is searching for photographs, artifacts or repositories related to NPs, the NP role, AANP or other NP associations from the 1960s through the present day.
Some examples might include but are certainly not limited to:
- Contact information for state or local repositories or archives that include NP history.
- Photographs of NPs and photographs from early NP conferences and key events.
- Copies of seminal articles or studies.
- Medical devices, books or other artifacts owned or used by influential NP leaders.
- Signed bills, proclamations or other documentation of legislative advancement.
Tell Us About a Repository or Historical Archive in Your Area:
Submit Historical Documents or Photos:
Mail Physical Artifacts, Documents or Photos to:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
History Committee
5901 Vega Avenue
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735