A note from your VCNP President |
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HB 1245 was reported out of the Senate Health Professions subcommittee on Friday with an amendment to grandfather Virginia NPs who have autonomous practice licenses but revert to five years of clinical experience starting July 1 for those who have not yet applied. The bill will be heard in the Senate Education and Health committee soon.
While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we will continue advocating for NPs in the commonwealth. Between now and June 30, we encourage ALL NPs with two or more years of experience to apply for autonomous practice licensure. Even if it will not benefit you in your current job, applying is an investment in you and the NP profession – and sends a message to legislators about the importance of this licensure.
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Please continue watching your email for next steps and contacting your Senators to ask for their support. |
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Last week, the CDC updated its mask guidelines for indoor mask use. The new guidance states that individuals living in counties with low to medium levels of transmissions do not need to wear masks indoors unless they are at increased risk for COVID-19. Transmission levels are based on new COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity and new COVID-19 cases. Visit the CDC website for a list of U.S. counties and current COVID-19 levels. |
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Conference starts Wednesday
The VCNP Conference Planning Committee looks forward to seeing everyone in-person at The Homestead this week. COVID vaccines are strongly encouraged for all attendees.
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Support Blue Ridge Area Food Bank at Conference
VCNP is partnering with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank during this year’s Conference. As of February 23, VCNP had raised $592.25, the equivalent of 2,369 meals! If we raise $750, we can help provide 3,000 meals.
The Food Bank serves an average of 118,300 people each month across 25 counties and 8 cities in central and western Virginia. Donations will be collected at Conference, or make an online gift now.
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Get involved with VCNP in 2022
Want to help advance NP practice in Virginia? Looking for professional development opportunities or ways to network with your colleagues? Volunteer for a VCNP committee!
Currently chaired by Kathryn Reid, PhD, RN, FNP-C, the Membership Committee works with regional membership chairs to recruit new members, retain current members and contact lapsed members, develop and promote member benefits and new initiatives, and review and update the membership brochure and application as needed. Regional membership chairs serve as the first point of contact for new members to help welcome and introduce new members to the region. Committee members also assist with special projects like the membership survey and promotions and represent VCNP at the Membership table at the annual Conference.
The committee meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Most committee work is accomplished over email and during regional meetings and state membership committee meetings. The average time investment for the regional membership chair ranges from 2-8 hours per month.
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VCNP PAC
What is the cost of NP practice to you? During the 2022 General Assembly session, we need your PAC donations to support legislators who support NP practice. Donate today so NPs can continue providing greater access to care for your patients, families and friends.
Thanks to these members for their recent donations – Denise Bruen (Piedmont), Carola Bruflat (NOVA), Laurie Buchwald (Blue Ridge), Maribeth Capuno (Blue Ridge), Tricia Cox (Blue Ridge), Christine Daley (Peninsula), Sherrie Doss (Blue Ridge), Carole Everhart (Southwest), Laurie Anne Ferguson (Southwest), Brittany Gay (Blue Ridge), Barbara Girardin (Tidewater), Carol Gordon-Delooper (NOVA), Sara Hallowell (Piedmont), Lauren Ingle (Southside), Laura Jackson (Tidewater), Beth Jaeger-Landis (Piedmont), Jacqueline Laraway (Southwest), Lancie Lokis (Shenandoah), Phyllis McCormick (Southside), Eileen Theresa O’Grady (NOVA), Alysia Erin Pack (Tidewater), Amada Rumpke (Richmond), Josephine Sauppe (Lynchburg), Sarah Stowell (NOVA), Morgan Torrence (Blue Ridge), Jessica Watts (NOVA), Jack Weisskohl (Richmond) and Paula Wypych (NOVA).
Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
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General Assembly updates
VCNP is monitoring multiple NP-specific bills this year. To view 2022 health care-related legislation.
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It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since we gathered in person at Conference. COVID has changed all of our lives — and shown the world the important work of NPs. I hope to celebrate with many of you as we honor your efforts and our incredible profession this week. |
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Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com
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