Supporting Students on the Road to Becoming Nurse Practitioners
Discover the valuable resources and networking opportunities that set these nurse practitioner students up for success.
For Madeline Goering, the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) was fueled by a deep passion for patient care — and a little inspiration from her mother. She first began her career as a registered nurse (RN), following in the footsteps of her mother, mentor and fellow RN, Rhiannon Zerbe. After working as a nurse for six years, Goering wanted to take the next step. “I think a lot of nurses go into the field to help others,” explains Goering. “While I felt that way as an RN, I wanted to be able to help bridge the gap and provide continuous care as an NP — especially in those rural areas where there are not a lot of providers — and maintain long term relationships with my patients.”
As Goering studied to become an NP, a conversation with her mother sparked an idea: what if her mom joined her on the journey to becoming an NP? “One day, I was like, ‘Why don't you go back to school?’” Although Zerbe initially resisted the idea, her daughter made a strong case. “I told her, ‘You are such an intelligent, compassionate, empathetic nurse. We need more providers who really care about those patients. And that would be you.’”
Motivated by her daughter’s words, Zerbe applied and got accepted into an NP program. But as the mother-daughter duo embarked on this new chapter, they knew they needed additional support. “Once I decided that I was going back to school, I found out about the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP),” states Zerbe. “I’m a big believer in professional advocacy, and I knew that AANP was the organization that advocates for the NP role. So, I knew that I wanted to join.”
For students like Goering and Zerbe, juggling education and networking all while preparing for the transition to clinical practice can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, AANP provides a wealth of resources — from career preparation to financial assistance — tailored to help students succeed at every stage of their journey. Read on to hear more about Goering and Zerbe’s student experiences and learn how these valuable benefits are helping shape future NPs.
Breaking Through Barriers
For students like Zerbe, affordability was a key factor in joining AANP. Fellow NP student Tiffanie Hoffmeyer echoes this sentiment, stating that “I am part of a lot of memberships in a lot of organizations and, even as a student, I never had to pay only $55. That has paid for itself so many times.”
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of a promising NP career. AANP supports students through grants and scholarship opportunities that help alleviate the costs of advanced nursing education. Additionally, student membership comes with deeply discounted registration rates for AANP’s national conference. “I went to the national conference last year because it was affordable,” states Zerbe. “Once I was there, I recognized the huge value. There were so many sessions to choose from that, even as a student, I could sit in and learn from.”
Attending AANP’s national conference has been a transformative experience for many students. Looking back at her time at last year’s conference, Goering states, “The national conference was absolutely incredible. Not only did I gain valuable insight from the sessions I attended, but it led to networking opportunities professionally. I talked to a recruiter there from British Columbia, and I have accepted a position at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver because of the conference.” Looking back on that experience, Goering reflects: “I'm really thankful for AANP for allowing me to gain an opportunity like that. Honestly, if it wasn't for the conference and me being a part of the organization, I don't know if I would have ever gotten that opportunity.”
Gearing Students Up for Success
Many students find AANP’s support essential in navigating the early stages of their careers. Hoffmeyer shares how her AANP network helped her manage post-graduate uncertainties: “As a new graduate, I know more than I feel like I know. I still have that imposter syndrome, and I need people around me that can guide me and say, ‘No, you're doing great. You're right where you should be.’ That’s what I’ve gotten out of my AANP membership.”
Preparing for certification exams and transitioning into professional practice can be daunting, but AANP’s Gear Up for Success Guide simplifies the process. This comprehensive resource provides essential information on licensure, certification and job search strategies. It also includes resume and interview tips to help students confidently enter the workforce and secure their ideal NP role.
One of AANP’s standout student benefits is the AANP Student Education and Training (SET) learning center. This online experience is designed to complement NP student education and provides AANP NP Student Members with complimentary resources on demand — including clinical case studies, interactive learning modules and exam preparation resources.
These resources offer critical support as they explore the many specialties available to NPs. As Hoffmeyer explains, “I was really struggling with pediatric pharmacology. So, I went through AANP’s student resources and found an AANP SET activity on pediatric pharmacology that was phenomenal. The way it broke it down for me was just great.”
Kickstart Your NP Career with AANP
By taking advantage of AANP’s student benefits, aspiring NPs can confidently transition from the classroom to clinical practice. Whether it’s through educational programs, financial support or career guidance, AANP is committed to empowering the next generation of health care leaders.
As Goering emphasizes: “If you are an NP student or an NP, I highly suggest joining AANP. It’ll open up incredible pathways that you never could have possibly dreamed about.” Are you ready to make the most of your NP student experience? Join AANP today to explore your student benefits and take the next step toward a successful career!