Celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week 2024: ‘At the Heart of Health Care’

National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed from November 10 to 16, 2024, is a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role nurse practitioners (NPs) play in the healthcare system. This year’s theme, “At the Heart of Health Care,” highlights the central position NPs hold in providing quality care across various settings[2][4].

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is at the forefront of this celebration, emphasizing the dedication and essential contributions of NPs. With over 385,000 NPs in the United States, these healthcare providers are instrumental in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and private practices.

Loretta C. Ford, co-founder of the NP profession and a trailblazer in healthcare, recently addressed nearly 5,000 NPs at the 2024 AANP National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Ford emphasized the profound impact NPs have on patients’ lives and the importance of compassion, knowledge, and dedication in their work.

NPs are particularly crucial in rural areas where they often fill gaps in healthcare services. For instance, Micki Lyons, CEO of a healthcare facility in northeast Wyoming, described the challenges and rewards of providing care in such remote areas. Additionally, an NP in Saluda, North Carolina, set up a temporary medical station to provide free healthcare after Hurricane Helene, exemplifying the commitment and resourcefulness of NPs.

Governors across the country are also joining in to honor NPs during this week, acknowledging their critical role in ensuring healthcare access for all patients. The celebration serves as a reminder to lawmakers of the need to remove outdated barriers that prevent NPs from practicing to the full extent of their education and experience[3].