This month marks my 50th Editor's Memo. The Latin phrase, tempus fugit (time flees), comes to mind as these 4 years have passed very quickly. I always joke to friends that the monthly copy deadlines roll around faster than the due dates for my bills.
In the 4 years and 3 months since I became the editor-in-chief of The Nurse Practitioner journal, I have shared my viewpoints on relevant NP and clinical practice topics. My writing has given readers a peek through a small window of my soul. Some revelation (of person) is inherent in writing and naturally follows when one 'talks' to others on a regular basis. The responsibilities of this position have helped me to remain open and flexible and broaden my worldviews. Likewise, as the evolving changes in our healthcare and educational systems continue to impact advanced practice nursing (APN) roles, I eagerly anticipate further change and gains for our profession.
Healthcare professionals lead the way
President Obama recently appointed two brilliant women to lead two of the government's largest health-related agencies. Dr. Mary Wakefield, a nurse, is the chief Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a physician, is Commissioner of the FDA. Both leaders are progressive, visionary pioneers and will be instrumental in moving the nation's healthcare agenda forward in positive ways to improve quality of and access to care for all Americans. Dr. Wakefield is an expert in quality and patient safety, rural healthcare, Medicare payment policy, workforce issues, and the public policy process. Dr. Hamburg is a revered expert in public health, biodefense, and disease control. Their individual and collective backgrounds have direct implications for NP and APN practice roles in the present healthcare delivery system and any model(s) that might be forthcoming.
New programs, better services
In June, Congress passed historic legislation that granted significant new authority and responsibility to the FDA to regulate tobacco for the first time. HRSA will soon create a new tobacco center within the FDA to oversee the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. Other priorities identified by Dr. Hamburg are drug safety and direct-to-consumer advertising. In addition, HRSA allocates the funds for educating and training the healthcare workforce, as well as improving access to healthcare services for the uninsured, special populations, and the medically underserved.
Dr. Wakefield has stressed that access does not simply mean having healthcare insurance; access also means having geographic access to healthcare services, professionals, and different types of care; particularly in rural areas. NPs have traditionally provided care for individuals in the groups targeted by HRSA, and many practices and educational programs have benefited from HRSA funding. Having more FDA regulation in the arsenal to fight smoking should facilitate cessation efforts for both providers and patients. Improved measures to monitor drugs after FDA approval should further promote patient safety.
A rewarding 50 months
Articles published in The Nurse Practitioner journal reflect the concerns of patients, providers, and policy makers. I would like to remind readers of our mission: "to meet the needs of NPs (and other advanced practice nurses and clinicians) by providing practical, cutting-edge, clinical and professional information." As editor-in-chief these past 4 years, I have appreciated your email messages and continue to welcome your comments. Readers' commitment to quality in clinical practice drives my pledge for excellence. I wish to thank all of our readers for sharing these rewarding 50 months with me, and I look forward to journeying through the future together.
Jamesetta Newland, RN, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP
Editor-in-Chief, [email protected]