It has been with great pride and pleasure that I have been able to serve as President of NAPNAP during 2007-2008. The President's Message has given me the opportunity to talk about the goals of my term, as well as to thank the past editors of the Journal and introduce our new editors. It also has allowed me to give voice to the issues of poverty, pay for performance, and unity among pediatric nurses. Now as I approach the end of my term (it is amazing how rapidly the time has gone), I am faced with the challenge of writing my last column and struggling to make it meaningful and memorable. So, my final word is really about thanking the persons who have made my presidency possible, as well as my thoughts on the future of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs).
No one takes on this type of role without the support of family. “Familia es todo”—“Family is everything.” My husband Victor, as well as my three sons, Alejandro, Gabriel, and Andres, all have been incredibly supportive. In addition to understanding about the demands of time and travel commitments, they have supported the spirit of the role, knowing that PNPs are trying to improve the health care of children and their families. Truly, the word “thanks” cannot convey how grateful I am to them for their encouragement.
The NAPNAP office staff is one of the most outstanding team of professionals I have encountered in my career. Each and every one of them is committed to the mission of promoting optimal health for children. Additionally, they are dedicated to providing support, guidance, and assistance to the membership.
The membership of NAPNAP, 7000 strong, remains the heart of the organization. To each of the members who have stepped up when asked to serve on the Board, a committee, or a task force, I give my most sincere thanks. To every primary care PNP, acute care PNP, and pediatric nurse, I say thank you for the difference you are making in the lives of children and families. Each and every day that you work caring for children, those children experience the highest quality health care the United States has to offer.
The end of my NAPNAP Presidency is not end of the road for me. Like many of you, I have debated as well as resisted obtaining either a Doctorate of Nursing Practice or a PhD degree. I have come to realize that for me, maintaining the status quo is not sufficient. I remain committed to advocating not only for better health care for children but also for the advancement of the profession of nurse practitioners. Fortunately, the University of New Mexico recently received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to begin a concentration in health policy within the nursing PhD program. God willing and the creek don't rise, I will be admitted as a student in this program.
I truly believe that nurse practitioners, regardless of specialty and setting, are the key to improving the health care system in the United States. Take a look at where you are in terms of your nursing career and realize that you are not too entrenched, too cynical, or too old to pursue a new path. Let your passion for what you do be your guide, and remember, you have 7000 strong to help you along.
¡Que les vaya bien!
(May all go well!)
Postscript
It is with great sadness that I report the January 11, 2008, death of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Rich Berrettini, Nurse Practitioner (NP). LTC Berrettini died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. LTC Berrettini was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge. He is the first NP to die of wounds from combat. As a civilian, he was a school nurse at Port Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania. We at NAPNAP wish to express our deepest condolences to his wife, Jane, and his two sons, Vincent, age 26, and Christopher, age 22.
On behalf of NAPNAP, I also would like to convey our deepest thanks to all of the men and women serving in our armed services. To the military families who have suffered a loss, we also convey our heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices you have had to make, as well as our condolences for the loss of your loved one.
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