I was honored to be asked to speak at the fall 2011 TNA Convention. I spoke on The Future of Nursing Report: What It Means To The APRN. I was also asked to write an article for the Tennessee Nurse. Here is the finished product. Nurses, these are the marching orders for our profession!
I just thought I would share the article.
http://www.biomedsearch.com/article/institute-medicine-report-future-nursing/275576699.html
Advanced Practice Nurses – I am often asked “how can I become more involved as a Nurse Practitioner”. Here is how I answer that question.
Ways to Get Involved in the Nurse Practitioner Profession:
1) Join Your State Association: You state association is working on a state level, with your best interest in mind. Did you know that the national association, like AANP cannot work to change our current state statutes that dictate our practice? While national organizations are very supportive, we must do the work on a state level. Joining the state nursing or nurse practitioner organization can help make the change needed.
2) Join your local association: If one does not exist, start one! You can contact your state association for information about practitioners in your local area. Local associations, like Greater Memphis Area Advanced Practice Nurses (www.GMAAPN.org) is great way to network, find jobs, find mentors and find out about all of the state legislation that is dictating our practice.
3) Be an Example: Talk to other practitioners in your local area. Keep them abreast of changes to their practice. Also, it is imperative that you clear up misconceptions, and educate your peers and students coming through local school.
It is imperative that you act, NOW! Make this your New Year’s Resolution. I would be happy to communicate with you, if you have questions or ideas. Please take a moment and leave a comment or email me!
Happy New Year, I am looking forward to a GREAT 2012 as a Nurse Practitioner!!!!!
Do you have suggestions or topics for me to blog about in the coming year? Please let me know!!
The NP Mom 
Great post! I feel like I need to be involved in nursing clubs/associations but always put it off. I feel like there is no better time than now to get involved. After starting my RN TO BSN Online program, I have been so busy but since it’s a new year, I feel like it’s the perfect time to get involved. Thanks for the great post!
I am an FNP student in the last semester of my program.. My News Years Resolution is to start my career off right by joining our local NP Association. There are many changes going on in VA for NP’s and I want to be a part of it.. Thanks for posting..
Congratulations and Good Luck!
Superb website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get comments from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Appreciate it!
Thank you for the kind comments, Are you Nurse Practitioner?