DCNP Wants You Back!

We Want You Back!

We miss you!  We noticed that your membership has lapsed and we very much would like you to renew!  Why another nursing organization?  Why nursing organizations at all? 

I am a nursing organization geek.  Always have been since over 40 years ago, the Pennsylvania gifted me a free 6-month membership to the PNA!  A new grad, I was inspired by the history of our profession and ready to do whatever it took to advocate for the work that nurses do!  I saw nursing organizations as our voices in health care. . .and when nurses use their voices, we are advocating for our patients.

All these many years later, I haven’t lost it.  I haven’t lost that inspiration, that recognition that our voices together are powerful.  We speak for one another, the work that we are called upon by society to do, the work that our education prepares us for.

It may seem like “nothing is happening” in Delaware for NPs.  We are at our most vulnerable when things are “quiet”.  Our history is replete with examples of rights won and rights lost.  The DCNP can be proud of the work that has been done on full practice authority.  Delaware joined fewer than 20 states a few years ago when we won the right to practice to the full scope of our education.  But/and as nurses, we know that surveillance is essential to staying healthy. . .we need to “keep on our toes” and watch and listen and be ready for changes in the wind that may affect our practice.  DCNP does that every day.  With a strong advocacy program, our volunteers are in regular contact with Governor Meyer and the Delaware State Legislature.  We have friends in “high places” because of our work.  We are vigilant in our review of current issues that have the potential to affect our practice and the lives of our patients.  We hold regular (monthly!) education meetings in both regions of our state, and 3 years ago, we initiated a successful clinical conference that provides NPs with continuing education, professional interaction and fellowship.   If you were unable to attend our Fall Conference, you can still purchase the Enduring CE Activity from our homepage. If you renew, you can log in, and then purchase this activity and get the member discount.

There is strength in numbers.  When we speak to members of our interprofessional teams, our legislators, our patients, and say that DCNP represents Nurse Practitioners in Delaware, we are powerful because of you.  Your voice, your practice, your expertise.  DCNP needs all of it. . .and so do our patients!

Hope to “see” you soon!

Susan Apold, PhD, AGNP

President