I’ve been a nurse for over 37 years and a nurse practitioner since 1998 and I have never been prouder of the NP profession. In 1965, Loretta Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN and Henry Silver, MD started the first NP program, and over the years we’ve grown to over 325,000 nurse practitioners in the U.S., according to the latest statistics from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The pandemic has solidified the truth about who we are as healthcare providers and professionals. These are things we’ve known for years, yet some are only beginning to recognize our worth.
What NPs Stand For
We believe health equity is a right of all people. To achieve health equity, we recognize that one size healthcare for all just doesn’t work. People are individuals and it’s important that healthcare is tailored to meet the needs of the person to ensure the highest quality care.
We know that all people deserve access to quality health care no matter their zip code, skin color, gender, identity, or sexual preference. We believe in equitable care without judgement.
We know that healthcare institutions must recognize they care for the community, not just individual patients, and as such must meet the community where care is needed. That means ensuring healthcare providers are out in the community providing care.
We believe healthcare needs to be multidisciplinary and each discipline is equally important. We are advanced practice nurses trained and educated to provide healthcare and ensure the highest quality care and life for people in need, and we do it by collaborating with all disciplines.
We know the patient is the “captain” of their health and we are there to help them make informed decisions along the way by educating them with the latest and best available evidence.
This week we celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week and all the great things we’ve accomplished in our profession. We are healthcare providers who deliver equitable care without judgement to all people! Thank you to all my nurse practitioner colleagues for your dedication to your patients and the profession.
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