Note from Your VCNP President
September is self-care awareness month and a timely reminder that taking care of ourselves is essential. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all of us in different ways, but I hope we can all agree on the need to slow down and take time for a few quiet moments each day. Other tips include getting outside, eating a healthy meal, prioritizing exercise, spending time with friends and loved ones, and taking a break from the news and social media.
Update on EO 57 and autonomous practice requirements
At this time, Executive Order 57, which allows NPs with two or more years of clinical experience to practice without a collaborating agreement during the state of emergency, is set to expire on September 8. Last month, Delegate Dawn Adams and Senator Jen Kiggans introduced Senate Bill 5070 to make regulations in the Executive Order permanent. Because voting on that bill was delayed until January’s regular General Assembly session, Delegate Adams submitted a budget amendment (Item 309 #iH) to extend the EO through July 2021. 
 
Regardless of the outcome of this vote, the existing Executive Order does not reduce the current 5-year requirement to apply for permanent autonomous practice licensure. (There is no application needed to practice under the temporary order.) If you meet the requirements and need assistance applying for permanent autonomous practice, contact vcnp@vcnp.net to be connected with a VCNP member who will answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
Support VCNP’s PAC
In approximately 60 days, Virginians will head to the polls to elect a state senator as well as more than 25 members of Virginia’s House of Delegates and House of Representatives. To ensure that Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, we need your help. Please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC. If every VCNP member gives $10, we will exceed our $20,000 goal.
Help improve immunization rates
Did you know that schools in Virginia are still requiring that students are immunized before the start of the school year, even during remote instruction? ImmunizeVA has created a variety of materials to educate patients about the importance of vaccines. Visit www.immunizevirginia.org for resources, or contact repstein@institutephi.org for materials in Spanish.
Racial Equity in Healthcare CE program
VCNP is hosting a virtual CE program on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 7-8 pm entitled “Moving toward Racial Equity in Healthcare.” Led by Dr. Kristina Johnson, the program is complimentary for members and $25 for non-members. Dr. Johnson is an assistant professor of family medicine at UVA where she provides primary care to a diverse patient population. Her passion is teaching about the role of racism in the development of health disparities and the actions health care providers can take toward dismantling systemic racism.
Add your name to preceptor list when you renew your VCNP membership
With regular in-person regional meetings on hold, VCNP’s student members are having difficulties connecting with members to find preceptors. If you haven’t already indicated your willingness to serve as a preceptor, please consider doing so by selecting this opportunity when you renew your VCNP membership. If you have already renewed, you can update your preceptor status, or any other needed profile changes, by logging in to your member profile and updating your information.

VCNP provides a list of members who are interested in precepting on the members-only portion of our website. VCNP student members use this list to find and contact possible preceptors. Thank you for helping us expand our preceptor list as we continue supporting future NPs.
With the school year underway (or about to get underway) for many of your families, I know there will be additional responsibilities to balance in our already busy lives. Please be sure to take some time for yourself, continue supporting your health care colleagues, and let me know how VCNP can be a resource for you. Thank you for your commitment to your patients and our profession.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors