President's Message

Jean Martin, PhD, RN, CPNP

Greetings from your President! I am honored to be the current President of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). First, a little about myself. I have been caring for children and families for over 40 years, first as a pediatric nurse and then as a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). For most of that time I have also been a faculty member, the past 15 years at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI where I coordinate the Child/Adolescent track in the DNP program.

In all my years in nursing I have never experienced such excitement and opportunity for advanced practice nurses. But we also face many challenges. Some familiar topics such as scope of practice issues, and new ones such as implementation of health care reform. NAPNAP has played a very active and important role in partnering with other organizations to move our agenda forward as we continue to strive to fulfill our mission of promoting optimal health for children through leadership, practice, advocacy, education and research. To each of you who has been part of these efforts and represented NAPNAP, a sincere thank you!

I feel very fortunate to serve as President following the exceptional leadership of recent Presidents and Boards. Their dedication and hard work made One United Voice a great success and moved the organization forward on many fronts. Our membership is now approaching 7,500 with the eChapter providing a home for those without a state or nearby chapter.

Our ever evolving website with its secure member’s only section provides a wealth of information on health policy, job opportunities, and continuing education offerings, as well as opportunities to connect with fellow NAPNAP members. You can join an existing group or create one. One of the newest features is hosting the state chapters’ websites. Check it out and visit often!

NAPNAP strives to remain a premier organization dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare for infants, children and adolescents and to advancing the pediatric nurse practitioner’s role in providing that care. To achieve this NAPNAP needs ongoing participation and communication from members. We must know what you need and expect, your ideas and concerns, and your stories and experiences to keep this the strong organization it is. This is your organization and your voice is important!

I invite you to contact me whenever you have something to share at President@napnap.org.

Jean Martin, PhD, RN, CPNP
NAPNAP President