A note from your VCNP President
Top Story
National NP Week begins on Sunday!

Click below to check out a video message with VCNP President Elect, Olivia Newby and me.
I’m excited that Governor Northam has recognized our work with an NP Week proclamation. We’ll be sharing this proclamation and others on our social media channels this month so don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
This year’s theme is “NPs: Going the Extra Mile.” Help us recognize your efforts and the many places you go the extra mile by sending a photo of you at work or volunteering in the community. Please don’t include patients or colleagues. If you post on your personal social media accounts during NP Week, please use the hashtag, #VCNPatwork.
 
We’d also like to recognize our NP veterans during NP Week. If you are a veteran, please send us your name, branch of service and a photo.
Virginia NP Practice
VDH updates
The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates about:
  • CDC expands eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses for certain recipients of Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines and allows for heterologous booster doses
  • Update on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 years
  • VDH webinar on “Understanding COVID-10 vaccine: What the evidence tells us”
  • VDH statement on the use of ivermctin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19
Booster shot updates from CMS
As of October 20, the FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for the Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines to allow for use of a single booster dose for certain populations.
VCNP News
Vote in VCNP state election
Place your vote now for VCNP’s 2022-2024 president-elect, secretary and treasurer. To vote, click the button below to log in to your member profile and select the ballot link under “Elections.” Voting closes on November 15.
Conference poster presentations
The call for poster presentations is now open for the 2022 VCNP conference, scheduled for March 2-5 at The Omni Homestead Resort. Submit your poster presentations by December 10.
VCNP PAC
Thanks to everyone who donated to VCNP’s PAC during the membership renewal period. Although you can donate to the PAC at any time, there are targeted times during the year when we ask for your contributions. Your donations support legislators who champion NP practice and help advance the NP profession in Virginia.
 
Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
Thanks to these members for their recent donations – Melissa Connolly (Tidewater), Lisa Golley (NoVA), John Lyons (Tidewater), Morgan McDowell (Lynchburg) and Renee Tierney (Richmond).
Important Reminders - NP Practice
Share your stories
As of Oct. 19, there were 1,713 NPs with autonomous licenses in Virginia! If you’re one of them, let us know why you applied and why you think it’s important for other NPs to do so. Send your stories – and a photo - to alissa@commonwealth-pr.com for use in future VCNP communications.
Invest in NPs - Apply for autonomous practice
Even if autonomous practice won’t benefit you in your current job, applying is an investment in you and the NP profession. You’re eligible to apply if you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours). You will not receive an email when your license is approved. To check the status of your application, log in to your online account about 4-6 weeks after submission. You will not receive a new printed license until your next license renewal.
Free VDH COVID webinars
The VDH is hosting a series of webinars this fall about topics related to COVID-19. CE credits are available.
 
The final webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3 from 6-7 pm. Topic is “Understanding COVID-19: What the Evidence Tells Us.” Join the webinar at:

Dial In: +1-408-418-9388, Meeting Number: 132 936 7287

Webex Webinar Link: Click Here to Join
Thank you for your continued commitment to your patients and our profession. I’m looking forward to celebrating your efforts next week during National NP Week.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com