Setting the Stage for our Next Strategic Plan

Abstract

Our days as busy pediatric advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are filled with addressing the urgent concerns of our patients and families. Amidst the intensity of all the critical conversations and complex decision making, it is important to reflect on how the work we do today will impact the future of our patients’ health and wellbeing. This year, we have a unique opportunity to craft the association's response to current trends in pediatric health and pediatric advanced nursing practice by developing our next three-year strategic plan. Our current strategic plan included the following priorities: leadership and mentorship, engagement, advocacy, professional practice, awareness and influence, and organizational operations and sustainability (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) 2016National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)2016-19 Strategic Plan.2016https://www.napnap.org/2016-19-strategic-planGoogle Scholar). As we prepare for this process, our plan should mirror the current and evolving health care landscape. New priorities may focus on identifying innovative models of health care teams, investment in clinical care approaches to address social determinants of health, or carefully examining our patients’ interaction with social media and other technology platforms. We may need to advocate for policies which aim to expand access to coordinated care models for children with medical complexity or better characterize the unmet mental health care needs of children and adolescents. Finding ways to support provider wellness and prevent burnout will help ensure that we are all caring for ourselves and therefore, our patients, in the best way possible. NAPNAP, along with other pediatric-focused stakeholders, have the opportunity to lead research, understand, and advocate for these pressing health care needs, along with many other child health and professional topics. As with any new initiative, our approach will need to be thoughtful, intentional, and representative of many diverse and competing health care priorities. It is essential to learn from our past accomplishments and where we have opportunity to improve upon operational projects which are already underway. A review of current evidence will help identify where our shortcomings reside in meeting the demands of children's health care needs. We need to rely on the expertise of our leaders, that is, special interest group and chapter officers, committee chairs, and community partners, to better understand regional and local trends. Finally, staying abreast of current developments in children's health policy and regulatory changes will aid in placing NAPNAP as a trusted authority in advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. The investment we place into this process will successfully lead to a current, well-informed, and comprehensive new direction for our association. I encourage your commitment to this process by getting involved in the association's programs, service offerings, and outreach. In just the last year, NAPNAP started on its journey of exploring diversity and inclusion as it relates to our members and the patients we care for. Through NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth and the Alliance of Children in Trafficking, we continue to identify and support efforts to advocate for children at-risk for significant health outcomes. The numerous opportunities to volunteer can be easily matched with your interests, no matter where you are in your career trajectory. Join a Special Interest Group to share your knowledge and learn from others in the same specialty. Attend chapter events to network with local colleagues and inform one another of changes in your community. Respond to calls for action, participate in our child health learning collaborative calls, and build relationships with your local legislators. Policy makers need to hear your voice and perspective on policies which directly impact children. Arm yourself with the most recent evidence to inform your practice by attending our national conference, specialty symposia, or courses from NAPNAP's pedsCE™ online database. Consider submitting a paper to the Journal of Pediatric Health Care or submit an abstract to the annual conference to disseminate your research and clinical expertise with others. I am truly looking forward to my year as President of NAPNAP. I am so inspired by the conviction of our members, who are committed to improving child health outcomes. Our collaborative teamwork as APRNs, no matter in which state or what setting, cannot be underestimated. I will keep members appraised of the progress of NAPNAP's strategic planning and welcome your feedback at any time. All of us have a responsibility to ensure our patients grow up to be healthy and resilient members of society. I, for one, am proud to be a part of that journey.