To the Journal editor:

The week of November 13-19, 2022 is National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week.

This week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the important work of these unique healthcare 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 healthcare services.

NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) 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.

NPs practice in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and private practices across the country and offer a comprehensive perspective on health care.

They are the healthcare providers of choice for millions of people.

The theme for this year’s celebration of NP Week is NPs: Rising to meet the needs of patients. Please join NPs, patients, and legislators in expressing your gratitude for an NP who has made a positive difference in your life.

The 2022 commemoration occurs as NPs continue to ensure each patient receives the equitable person-centered, high-quality care they deserve.

From the front line of the pandemic to telehealth, NPs are rising to meet the needs of all patients in all practice settings and communities.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties.

It represents the interests of the more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S.

AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs’ patients and other health care consumers.

Sincerely,

TERRY DURLEY, DNP, MPA, CRNA, FNP-C

Chapter President: Northern Advanced Practice Nurses Network/Eastern Upper Peninsula (NAPNN/EUP), Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP)

Marquette