Idaho State University and cities of Pocatello, Chubbuck to commemorate National Nurse Practitioner Week Nov. 11–17

In the United States, this distinguished group of health care professionals number approximately 248,000 strong, with an additional 23,000 nurse practitioner students graduating each year.

A proclamation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, will acquaint local citizens with the role of theses providers of high-quality, cost-effective, personalized health care and will highlight the value of choosing an nurse pratitioner for primary, acute and specialty care. Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England will give the proclamation in the main lobby of the Beckley Nursing Building on ISU’s Pocatello campus, with a brief reception to follow.

Anita Smith, dean for the College of Nursing at ISU, highlights a newly released research report by Peter Buerhaus, professor in the College of Nursing at Montana State University and director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies at MSU.

“Dr. Buerhaus shares findings that demonstrate how nurse practitioners are influential in Americans gaining access to quality primary care,” Smith said. “Findings indicated that the nurse practitioner workforce has dramatically increased, and that NPs are more likely to practice in rural settings and care for our vulnerable populations. Honoring our Idaho nurse practitioners this week allows us to thank them for their service to all of our communities.”

Smith continues, “Nurse Practitioner Week and Veteran's Day are in same week and what an honor to thank all who served to care for our nation and communities. In the College of Nursing, we are honored to have nurse faculty who served our country in multiple roles and continue to share their leadership and service in the classroom mentoring our future nurse leaders.”  

The proclamation ceremony in Pocatello is just one of many events held in communities around the country to recognize the unique combination of nursing and health care services nurse practitioners offer to patients. Focusing not only on diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses, nurse practitioners 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 Nurse Practitioner Week brings visibility to the role of the nurse practitioner, helping consumers make wise choices when selecting their health care provider.

To strengthen public awareness of nurse practitioners and access to primary health care, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® has launched “We Choose NPs,” a national public awareness campaign integrating television, radio, digital and in-person events in communities nationwide. Visit WeChooseNPs.org to learn more.

To learn more about NPs, log on to the AANP website at aanp.org. AANP is the largest professional membership organization for NPs in all specialties and includes more than 90,000 individual members and 200 organizations. To locate an NP in your community, visit npfinder.com.