30 Years of NP Practice in Arkansas
Posted about 5 hours ago in Education_CEs
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