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National Nurse Practitioner Week

  • Published
  • By Col. Marla Buckles
  • 779th Medical Group Chief Nurse
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Now is the time to recognize 155,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) in honor of National Nurse Practitioner Week. This week, Nov. 11, marks the start of this year's theme: "Your partner in health...The Nurse Practitioner; Informed...In Touch...Involved."

The military has a variety of NPs who provide primary, acute and specialty health care services.

"Here at Joint Base Andrew's Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic we have Acute Care, Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Women's Health NPs who offer a full range of services," said Col. Marcia Potter, 779 MDG Family Health NP. "NPs work well within the 779th Medical Group's (779 MDG) Medical Home Health Care model, collaborating with the patient and their family members. NPs are known for focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices."

NPs are licensed, expert clinicians with advanced education.

"As NPs in the military, we are able to practice to the full extent of our experience and education," said Col. Catherine Mattie, 779 MDG Women's Health NP. "The majority of NPs are required to have Master's Degrees in Nursing; however, starting in 2015, the entry level education for all NPs will be a Doctorate of Nursing Practice."
As NPs in the military continue to grow, they do so in collaboration with outside organizations.

"Across the country NPs, in partnership with national nursing organizations including the American Academy of NPs and over 500 nursing schools, have committed to further educate our nation's current and future NPs and nurses on how to recognize and care for veterans and their family members impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression and other combat related issues, in ways appropriate to each nurses' practice setting," said Potter.

Take a moment during National NP Week to say thanks to an NP you may know.

"On behalf of the NPs at the 779 MDG, we consider it our privilege to use our clinical expertise to serve as one of your health care providers on the military medical team safeguarding your health and well being for the future," said Mattie.