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Abstract

PhD, NP One of the rewards of serving as an editor is the frequent correspondence I have with many readers. I have always been impressed with the depth of knowledge, passion, and critical thinking of many of my nurse practitioner (NP) colleagues. This is readily apparent in the emails that are prompted by the Point/Counterpoint column and the professional continuing education (CE) activities. Both these offerings are designed to educate, raise questions, and promote dialogue about contemporary clinical and professional issues. Both of these formats also have an online presence that allows for NP reader response. We encourage NPs to participate in both of these activities on the Web site (www.npjournal.org). The Point/Counterpoint column is often designed to be somewhat controversial. Comments reflect both pros and cons of a specific topic. The biggest response always comes when columns touch on issues that reflect larger societal debates, such as the nurse’s role in providing abortion services. But many professional issues, such as changes in curricula, credentialing, role expectations, or preparation, also excite strong reactions on each side of a topic. Often the response is divided between experienced NPs who have completed their education and newer NPs who are still in school or just entering the workforce. The Letters to the Editor section presents selected emails or letters that document some of these reactions. Additionally, the JNP homepage always offers a 1-question poll where NPs can register their vote on the most recent Point/Counterpoint question. Our real goal is to both educate NPs about a topic and to stimulate professional discussion about some of these issues that impact NPs today. We know that the more NPs participate in these surveys, the more valid the poll findings. We invite you to participate in the poll every time you sign on to the Web site. The other online attraction for which we receive lots of comments is the CE activity offered with every issue. The 1-credit activity is free to ACNP members and premium subscribers who register and complete the activity online. The CE activities are accessed from the homepage, not from the article itself. NPs who do not wish to complete the CE activity online or have an employer CE education budget they wish to use may print off and fill out the CE application and send it, along with a check for $10, to the CE fulfillment company. The certificate of completion is then mailed to them. The most popular CE topics often focus on a clinical topic such as osteoporosis, suicide prevention, or immunization. However, genetics counseling, how to survive a legal deposition, and nutritional information that is relevant to all NP specialties are also popular topics. We consider it a professional service to offer activities that help meet your NP certification requirements. We continue to see expanded participation in our CE activities and invite new participants to take advantage of this monthly feature.