[NPInfo] How many of you are active in NP associations?

[Nbalkon at aol.com]

Hello All...
 
For several days I have been reading very interesting conversations  
stimulated by the Forbes article rt M. Mundinger...
 
While there are valid points raised and some not so valid regarding NP  
education, comparison of NP education to others who do similar work, and the  
'value' of doctoral degrees for NPs.... I'm left to wonder how many of those  that 
have responded thus far are active in NP professional organizations on the  
local, state, and national levels?
 
The NP organizations ALL are/have been involved in discussions and policy  
making regarding the DNP. It is clear to me that they are ADVOCATING for  NPs 
[those with and without doctorates] and will continue to be active in this  
regard. 
 
Organizational literature, websites, and meetings continue to update  
membership on DNP and other issues 
relevant to NP practice and education. Members have mechanisms to share  
their observations and concerns. I'm astounded with some of the claims made  in 
e-mails seen on this list serve. Some claims are ignorant of the issues [what  
was, what is, what is evolving].
 
I encourage involvement in professional organizations to ensure our voices  
are heard. For example, AANP has > 20,000 members and is growing.
 
Also.... PLEASE don't continue saying NPs are "trained"...  you've  been 
EDUCATED!
 
Thanks for your kind attention.
 
Nancy Balkon, PhD, ANP-C, APRN-CS, NPP
Southern New York State Representative - AANP
Clinical Associate Professor - Stony Brook University
 
 
 
 




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