30 Years of NP Practice in Arkansas

1995: Nursing Writes a New Prescription for Arkansas Healthcare

 

This headline from the Arkansas Nursing News reflects the crucial change in statute that created the Advanced Practice Nursing license in Arkansas. Although Act 409 of 1995 was passed in February, but the first Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP, now Certified Nurse Practitioner [CNP]) license was not issued until October 12, 1995. By the end of the year, 23 nurses had received their ANP license. To obtain that license, nurses had to complete an educational program that included graduate level courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment, complete a preceptorship, and hold national certification as a nurse practitioner. 

 

These pioneers were certified as family, women’s health, primary care pediatrics, or adult nurse practitioners and expanded access to healthcare throughout Arkansas. Although most have retired, four maintain an active CNP license, with one holding a Certificate of Full Independent Practice. One of the original ANPs became a Certified Nurse Midwife and practices in that role today. 

 

Do you know any of the original ANPS?

Judy Leach

Joni Yarnell

Rebecca Amos

Susan Harris

Diane Serenson-Unger

Elizabeth Palidino

A. Renee Crowl

Debra Shivers

Deborah Gossett

Deborah Martin

Karen Olson

Rowena Plumlee

Dawn Bruni

Bulah Darnell

Cecelia Fredrich

Susan B. Patton

Keith Seidel

Naomi Hawkins

Doris Ballard-Ferguson

Jo Ann Bolick

Susan J. Miller

Delia James

Kathey Boeckmann

 

In honor of this milestone, we ask you to support the Dr. Loretta Ford Scholarship Fund. Your contribution of $30, is an investment in the next generation of nurse practitioners, ensuring that our legacy continues  

Together, we can make education more accessible to help NP students achieve their goals.  If every ANPA member contributes at least $30 this week, we will achieve 75% of our scholarship fundraising goal.  

Donate here or copy/paste this into your browser: https://www.arcf.org/give-online/?fund=ANPA+Dr.+Loretta+Ford+Memorial+Fund