To the Journal editor:

The week of Nov. 10-16, 2019, is National Nurse Practitioner Week. This week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the important work of these unique health care professionals who for over a half-century have provided comprehensive, cost-effective, patient-centered services to millions of Americans in need of primary, acute and specialty health care services.

NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who have advanced clinical education, national board certification, and training beyond their initial registered nurse preparation. NP practice offers a unique combination of nursing and health care service to patients.

Focusing not only on diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses, NPs integrate health promotion, disease prevention, counseling and patient education to help patients understand their complete health picture.

In a population that is aging, with baby boomers becoming seniors in growing numbers over the next 10 years, having choices about health care providers will become even more important.

National NP Week brings visibility to the role of the NP, helping consumers make wise choices when selecting their health care provider.