Looking Back and Moving Forward: Reflecting on the Nurse Practitioner Role in 2022
By Alex Fernandez
Review some of the recent advances made by nurse practitioners and see what’s in store for the rest of the year.
Throughout 2022, nurse practitioners (NPs) have continued to provide exceptional, person-centered care while serving as leaders in their communities. Despite the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, you have remained resilient, worked to remove practice barriers and increased vital access to NP-delivered care. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) would now like to recognize the incredible work done by NPs in the first half of the year, provide resources to help you practice self-care and spotlight the member benefits that will help you make the most of your membership throughout the end of 2022.
Celebrating Recent Milestones in Patient-Centered Care
This has been a landmark year for hard-working NPs across the U.S. At both state and federal levels, The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner® rang out loud and clear to help remove practice barriers. Now, 26 of the 50 U.S. states have secured Full Practice Authority (FPA)! Patients in New York and Kansas recently gained full and direct access to NP-delivered care, and now across more than half the nation, NPs are working at the top of their education and clinical preparation. In June 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6087, which would help ensure that federal workers can have their work-related injuries certified by an NP and have any related health care needs overseen by an NP. You can help move this bill forward by urging your Senator to take up and pass H.R. 6087.
Following these victories, NPs from across the country — and the world — celebrated the return of the in-person 2022 AANP National Conference by attending the opening general session and listening to the inspiring words of AANP President April N. Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN. “In 2022, we’ve reached historic milestones as a profession, with U.S. News and World Report ranking the NP role the top health care job in America and more than 355,000 NPs now licensed nationwide. NPs truly are leading to advance the future of nursing and health care, and patients and policymakers are recognizing our vital role.” Continue to lead the future of health care — visit the AANP Advocacy Center to see how you can get involved in the next big advocacy victory.
Caring For Yourself to Support Your Care for Others
While it is important to recognize the powerful work being done across the entire NP profession, AANP encourages you to take some time to acknowledge your individual strengths, celebrate your successes and enhance your well-being. Checking in on your personal wellness can help you avoid burnout and develop self-care strategies that will keep you healthy and centered throughout the rest of the year. AANP has developed a new member benefit that encourages you to prioritize your well-being through monthly reminders, resources and opportunities that will enhance your wellness within eight key areas.
Take care of yourself so you can continue to provide exceptional care for your patients. Visit the NPower: Your Wellness program page to access members-only resources related to mental health awareness, physical activity and the benefits of moderation for healthy nutrition and sun safety.
Learning and Growing Throughout 2022
Are you on track to meet all your professional goals for this year? Make the most out of your AANP membership to ensure all your educational, professional development and networking resolutions are met in 2022. Visit the AANP CE Center to enroll in a variety of brand-new activities on osteoporosis management, COVID-19 vaccine confidence and an evidence-based approach to heart failure that will expand your knowledge and help you complete all your CE credit requirements. If you want to instantly connect with like-minded NPs who work in your specialty and share your professional interests, then join an AANP Community today. Spread across 24 specialty practice groups and four specialty interest groups, the AANP Communities offer a chance to deepen your knowledge, expand your network and help progress the development of theory and practice in key areas of health care.
If you missed your colleagues at national conference, or are looking for other opportunities to get involved with your professional association and fellow NPs, then register for the 2022 AANP Fall Conference and the Hospital and Emergency Procedure Course in Anaheim, California, this September. These events are your chance to soak up some sun, recharge, gain invaluable skills and network with your colleagues in Southern California.
Register for the Free 2022 State of the Association Member Update
Learn how your AANP membership has helped shape and redefine NP-led care over the course of the past year — and see what’s in store for the future — by attending the annual State of the Association Member Update. Register now to attend this free meeting for all AANP members.