Anticipating Another Year of High-Quality Service!

Abstract

As I reflect on 2021, yet another year steeped in the pandemic of COVID-19, I cannot express the depth of gratitude I have for my many nurse practitioner (NP) colleagues across the globe. It was an honor to be part of this year’s National NP Week, which was second to none! Its theme, NPs: Going the Extra Mile, celebrated the strength, innovation and resiliency of all NPs who make a positive impact on the lives of their patients every day. It was a fun week filled with festive activities and outreach. Leading up to NP Week, many states submitted NP Week proclamations signed by elected leaders, underscoring the unique contributions NPs bring to patient care. NP Pulse: The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner® podcasts highlighted NPs who have led in new and innovative ways. How inspiring it was to hear from Michelle Edwards, Jennifer Wilbeck and Britney Broyhill during NP Week. Additionally, NPs, patients and members of health care teams everywhere submitted stories, letters and videos of gratitude, recognizing NPs in action. NPs were also highlighted nationwide by news and media outlets. The rich content and joy of this year’s NP Week celebrations were momentous and will be remembered as we move into the new year. Looking ahead, registration for the 2022 AANP Health Policy Conference, which opened on November 9, is filling up quickly. On-demand educational sessions from the fall conference continue through January 4, and there are countless continuing education (CE) opportunities for NPs available through next year’s conferences and the AANP CE Center. Lastly, recognition of NPs didn’t stop with the close of NP Week. AANP continues the Thank an NP initiative, where anyone can share stories, photos and videos recognizing the meaningful difference an NP has made in their life. Our profession continues to grow at an accelerated rate, increasing access to quality health care for patients. As the professional home for all NPs, AANP connects you to a diverse community of colleagues and provides clinical resources and CE activities that will help advance your practice. AANP now offers 23 specialty interest and practice groups — AANP Communities — which are online forums designed to help you network with and learn from colleagues with like interests. These are just a few highlights imbedded within the rich and multifaceted milieu of AANP’s resources and the many exciting activities coming our way. See you in 2022!