AANP Member Spotlight: Jennifer Guttery, 100,000th Member
Hear from Jennifer Guttery, a brand-new member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), on why she chose to join AANP, The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®.
Q: What inspired you to join the nursing profession and become a nurse practitioner (NP)?
When I initially started my undergraduate studies, I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do. I graduated with a fine arts degree, but after about 10-12 years, I returned to the University of Florida for my bachelor’s in nursing, because I wanted a profession that I could take anywhere. I think it also must be genetic, as my mother is also an NP!
I knew there was such a high demand for nurses, and my intention was always to enter into an NP program. When my son became school aged, I decided it was time to also return to school, and I’m now completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Florida College of Nursing.
As a nurse, I was in acute care for 14 years, but now I am turning to primary care. I want to help patients receive the care they need to keep them out of the hospital and on the path to good health.
Q: What is it about the NP role that is most exciting for you?
The diversity of jobs we can have as NPs is outstanding—we’re administrators, consultants, lobbyists, educators and researchers—it’s a very versatile role. What I most enjoy as a nurse is the personal touch we take in making sure people are able to sustain and enjoy their health.
Q: Why did you choose to join AANP?
Getting involved in nursing organizations like AANP is a great vehicle to network with others in your profession. It allows you to become more involved in leadership and policy change at the state and federal levels.
Q: Which of AANP’s member benefits are you most excited to begin using?
I’ve taken several continuing education (CE) courses from AANP, and I find them to be very high quality—they’re interesting and engaging.
I’m looking forward to my trip to the 2020 AANP National Conference in New Orleans to begin meeting my fellow NPs and NP students and to take advantage of more CE opportunities.
Q: What does being a part of AANP—and the 100,000 NPs that make up this community—mean to you?
There’s something special about being part of an organization that is trying to benefit our profession but also improve the health care community as a whole. As a member of AANP, I have even more chances to engage with policymakers and get involved with policy change issues—including the march to full and direct patient access to NP-provided care in all U.S. states and territories.
Thank You for 100,000 Members
With 100,000 NPs and NP advocates now a part of this national community, The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner® is a powerful force across our country.
From the chance to act on issues that impact NPs by using the AANP Advocacy Center to exclusive, members-only savings on practice tools and certification, there are countless benefits to being an AANP member!
If you aren’t yet a member, see how we speak louder together. Consider joining your national NP association—now 100,000 voices strong.