Everyday Heroes ... Nurse Practitioners is the theme for 2010 National NP Week, which runs from November 7th to November 13th.  Reflect on your practice and the impact that you have on the patients you care for. You make a difference by sharing your knowledge, providing high-quality care, and advocating for your patients - thank you!

Here are some Nurse Practitioner Facts from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) which I find particularly inspiring:

• There are more than 140,000 NPs practicing in the U.S.
• 88% of NPs have graduate degrees; 92% have national certification.
• NPs have prescriptive privileges in all 50 states (including controlled substances, in all but 3 states).
• Average full time NP total income is $92,100/year.

Let this week be a time for you to promote the role of nurse practitioners to other nurses and your patients.  Explore the AANP website, and read the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners and the Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners. There is also a great resource in the AANP’s Frequently Asked Questions: Why Choose A Nurse Practitioner as your Healthcare Provider? This is a good one to share with patients!

This week you can also enjoy open access to the November issue of The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Health Care. Have a great week!