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.

View the Committee Charge

Portrait of a Nurse

Tribute to Dr. Loretta Ford

Dr. Loretta Ford envisioned a better health care system. Along with Dr. Henry Silver, she developed the first NP program in 1965. At 102 years old in 2023, Ford continues to inspire! AANP is honored to pay tribute to a living legend. Her message and life will continue to motivate NPs for generations to come.

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.

Learn More

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!

Would You Like to See Your State Featured?

Tell AANP where to find historical information in your state:

Report a Repository

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!

Read the Interview

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:

Report a Repository

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

Thank you for your interest in donating a historical item to AANP. Before you donate, please keep in mind the following guidelines: (1) your item(s) must be consistent with and relevant to AANP’s stated purpose, scope and activities; (2) item(s) must have clear title and be free of copyright restrictions; (3) item(s) donated to AANP are irrevocable upon the formal and physical transfer to AANP; (4) item(s) acquired by gift or bequest to AANP will remain in AANP’s possession for as long as they retain their physical integrity and authenticity, and as long as they remain useful for AANP’s purposes; (5) all legal instruments of conveyance and warranty of title, signed by the donor and setting forth an adequate description of the items involved and the precise conditions of the transfer, shall accompany all donations.