Early in August, the NHNPA Board of Directors completed a day-long retreat.  While the group covered a variety of issues the primary focus of the retreat was enhancing NHNPA's advocacy efforts. Below you find a: summary of the retreat as well as a series of announcements and opportunities to get involved in our advocacy, networking, and educational offerings.  

Board Retreat

Kim Mohan (ED) and Jillian Belmont (Board President) offered presentations.  Jillian reminded the group of the valuable work that the Board completed with the NH Center for Non-Profits - and the importance of evaluating our efforts based on their impact on our mission. Kim reinforced the logic model that was adopted by the Board in the spring of 2020.  A logic model is described by the CDC as "a graphic depiction (road map) that presents the shared relationships among the resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact" for an association/organization or program.  

Teresa Rosenberger, NHNPA's lobbyist, and the President of Devine Strategies also presented. Teresa's informative presentation covered both NH's legislative process and an overview of the various ways organizations like NHNPA can leverage the resources of a paid lobbyist.   Board members also discussed: the recent successes, current structure, and operating procedures of the NHNPA Legislative Affairs Committee which is currently chaired by Kerry Nolte.   

During the afternoon the Board members really pulled up to their sleeves - making decisions and directing NHNPA policy regarding future legislative work.  In the coming weeks, we will be following up on these decisions and sharing updates with all of you!  In the meantime, there are many ways you can become involved in the association and support our collective work - many of which are described below.

OPPORTUNITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

One important advocacy priority for NHNPA is to ensure that NPs are represented on a wide range of legislative commissions.  In fact, last year alone, NHNPA advocated, through legislation, for seats on three different state-wide groups.  

NHNPA is seeking nominations for our organization’s appointment to serve on the: Commission to Study Telehealth Services established by HB1623. You may find a copy of the enabling legislation and more information about this volunteer opportunity by clicking here. If you are interested in representing NHNPA on this commission please take a couple of minutes to complete the BRIEF nomination form. Click here to access and complete the nomination form.  The deadline for submitting a nomination has been extended to September 15, 2020.

We are also seeking nominations for our organization’s appointment to serve on the: State Health Assessment and State Health Improvement Plan Advisory Council established by HB1939. You may find a copy of the enabling legislation and more information about this volunteer opportunity by clicking here. If you are interested in representing NHNPA on this Advisory Council please take a couple of minutes to complete the BRIEF nomination form. Click here to access and complete the nomination form.  The deadline for submitting a nomination has been extended to September 15, 2020.

NHNPA welcomes Tricia Aiston as our organization’s appointee on the: Commission to Study Testing for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Diseases established by HB 490, Chapter 9:2, Laws of 2020.  Tricia L. Aiston, M.S., APRN-FNP-BC  received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Master of Science in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program from Rivier University in NH.  She is licensed to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (ARPN), and is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She is a member of the NH Nurse Practitioner Association, the Dermatology Nurse Association, the New England Dermatological Society and the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners.  

NHNPA is also excited to announce that Mary Bidgood-Wilson (former NHNPA ED) was newly elected as the Chair of the Legislative Commission on Interdisciplinary Primary Care Workforce.  She is a long-term member of the commission and this is the first time that an NP has been elected to serve as Chair!  

In addition to representing NPs on commissions, we also have a variety of other opportunities to help inform decision-makers and shape policy initiatives on both the state and federal level.  For example, Sean Lyon (NH's rep for AANP) recently shared this opportunity. Throughout the Public Health Emergency, CMS has waived certain federal barriers to practice encountered by nurse practitioners. In an effort to evaluate the implementation and impact of these waivers, AANP has created the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CMSwaivers. They ask that you review and complete the survey if any of the identified waivers have been implemented in your practices or facilities.  

NHNPA FALL EVENTS - REGISTER TODAY!

Virtual Networking Round Robin 

This virtual networking round robin is designed to be highly interactive, providing you with an opportunity to reconnect with NPs and hear the latest updates from our sponsors. We will all gather together virtually and then divide into 6 small groups.  Each group will then have 10 minutes with representatives from each of the participating pharmaceutical companies. Due to the nature of the event, space is limited to 30 participants. 

While this is a free event for NPs, your participation will help raise funds for NHNPA to help support our advocacy work during the next legislative sessions.  

Click here to register. 

 

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and usually held in Concord, NH.  Please contact NHNPA for more details.

NHNPA has been quite busy during this time of significant transition for our Association and we are excited to share several updates with you!  

Executive Director Transition - Jennifer Thompson and I completed a transition period during the month of April. As you may know, Jen and I have worked together as a team for about two years.  While, I am going miss: her leadership and friendship, I am also excited to know that she has left the organization in a very strong position to take advantage of the momentum we have been building. (Photo below:  Jen (left) and I (right) meeting to complete our transition.)

I am sure that over time, we will all have a chance to get to know each other better, but in the meantime let me share a little bit about myself.  Combining over 20 years of healthcare delivery and non-profit management experience, I opened a consulting and organization management company, The Tandem Group, LLC.  I enjoy working with non-profit organizations to accomplish their missions and individuals reach their professional milestones.  I am so excited to dedicate my time to working as the first fulltime ED for NHNPA!  Most recently, I have fulfilled the role of VP of Operations for NHNPA. I am the former Executive Director of the New England Rural Health Association and was the Director of the NorthEast Telehealth Resource Center. My early career was nested in clinical practice (as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and community organizing. 

Annual Conference and Membership Meeting - We certainly missed seeing all of you in person at the Annual Conference!  The conference planning committee pulled together an incredible schedule filled with opportunities for learning, networking and fun.  Over the last couple of weeks, we have been processing refunds for our attendees, vendors and sponsors.  We will be reaching out to those of you who committed to present this year, shortly, to give the opportunity to present in April of 2021 at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods.

Although unconventional in nature, NHNPA hosted our Annual Membership Meeting via Zoom in early April.  Key highlights of the meeting included: Board elections, NHNPA awards, approval of new bylaws as well as time for networking and discussions.

There was a lively conversation regarding COVID which helped inform our advocacy efforts!  Please continue to keep us updated about: your experiences, your needs and available resources that others may benefit from being aware of!  You can email me directly at [email protected] or please feel free to call the office!

(Photo: NHNPA members meeting for our Annual Membership Meeting - over 50 NPs attended this evening meeting!  Thank you to those of you who were able to take the time to join us.)

AANP Awards - In April, NHNPA announced our award recipients. We will continue to honor the awardees over the next couple of months and with a special ceremony at our NP Week Celebration on November 13th at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH.  This year's awards program is being generously sponsored by Catholic Medical Center, Elliott Health System and MaineHealth.  Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Congratulations to our awardees!

Board Transitions - During the annual meeting and in the weeks that followed we said good-bye and thank you to our outgoing Board members including Chrissy Ferrari (President) and Kara Doberstein (Member-At-Large).  Chrissy will remain a member of the Board in a non-voting capacity for the next year.

We also elected new Board members and have been conducting an onboarding process.  This new Board has been very active already!  They have worked together and have adopted a work plan and budget for the 20-21 fiscal year.  Over the coming weeks, you will have a chance to learn more about our new Board members and their plans via our social media channels.  

(Photo: Our new Board President, Jillian Belmont (left) and new President-Elect, Meaghan O'Leary (right) at a recent AANP event.)

I want to take a moment to thank our former and newly elected Board members for their dedication to the work of the Association over the past few months.  From staffing changes and canceling our annual conference to our legislative advocacy efforts we have relied on each of you and benefitted greatly from your commitment to the Association and our mission!

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.  Please visit NHNPA.org for an updated schedule.

April 2020

Dear New Hampshire NP Colleagues,

What a difference a month (or a week) makes!  As I read through the March FTED, in preparation of writing today, I am struck by the complete about-face we have had to do.  Of course, the entire world has had to do an about-face to address the COVID-19 pandemic. I know you have too.

Specifically, related to NHNPA, we have had to cancel our Annual Conference scheduled for April 9 and 10, 2020.  Thank you for your patience as we move through this process. We are currently working on processing refunds.

NHNPA will still be holding our Annual Membership Meeting.  Not only is this required by law, but is the forum for voting on our new Board Members.  As you know, we will be voting in a new Vice President and a new Member-at-Large. The meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 6 PM.  A Zoom invite will be sent to all members shortly.  I urge you to attend as it is very important that we have enough members present to have a valid vote.  In addition, I want to make sure your voice is heard in electing new officers. We will also have the membership vote on revisions to our by-laws.  

Please place the NHNPA Annual Meeting via Zoom in your calendar for Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6 PM.  We will share the Zoom link with you as soon as we have it.  Click here to view the full agenda.

We know many of you are working on the front lines, day after day, trying to keep people healthy.  Your dedication and sacrifice are appreciated by so many. Please stay safe!

Jennifer Thompson, MS, APRN

Executive Director

New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association

[email protected]

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and usually held in Concord, NH.  Please visit NHNPA.org for an updated schedule.

March 2020

Dear New Hampshire NP Colleagues,

I ended a recent presentation with this slide that I have titled “Worth the Climb.”  This is me, hiking in New Zealand, in November 2019. What you cannot see is that just a few hours before this picture was taken, we were in full winter gear in freezing rain and snow.  The locals say “In New Zealand, we can see four seasons in one day.” Well, this day, we hiked through four seasons on one trail, in one day. It was a moderately difficult hike, but with full winter gear, warming temperatures, and clearing skies, it was hard!  A lot of changing of plans, changing of gear, revising, rethinking, but always forward progress.  

As my term as Executive Director of NHNPA comes to an end in May, I see similarities to this day in New Zealand.  Two years ago, we entered unchartered uncharted territory hosting our own annual conference.  At the same time, we were changing leadership, addressing legislative challenges and upgrading our website.  However, through the grit of our Board, supporters, and volunteers and our growing and more engaged membership, NHNPA continues to be on the map!  Our members are on numerous committees and commissions at the state government level. We are frequently invited to participate in healthcare discussions with our federal legislators.  We have established ourselves as an educational resource for healthcare professionals around the Northeast. And, most importantly, we continue to serve the NPs of New Hampshire.

There have definitely been obstacles on the trail,,. we have had to reassess, revise and change course once or twice.  But we continue to have forward momentum.  I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to work with an amazing group of NPs and represent NPs around the state.  I truly believe that the collective work we have all done has made New Hampshire a leader in NP practice. As NPs, we face professional challenges every day.  NHNPA works constantly to address the challenges that impact NP practice. So, over the last two years, to see the growth and momentum we have created - is definitely worth the climb!

At the top!

Speaking of forward momentum, the 2nd Annual Northern New England Nurse Practitioner Conference in Nashua, on April 9th and 10th is selling out fast.  Last year over 300 healthcare professionals gathered for informative discussion and education on various clinical, policy and leadership topics.  This year is shaping up to be even better. If you have not already registered, please visit NHNPA.org. Registration now open at NHNPA.org.

For updates on featured conference sessions, follow NHNPA on Twitter @npa_nh or like us on Facebook @nhnpa.net  and Instagram @npa_nh.  

or...

Did you know NHNPA is on social media?   Be sure to follow us…

Another benefit of participation in professional organizations is the ability to network and learn.  NHNPA will be doing this in a big way on April 9th and 10th at the Northern New England Nurse Practitioner Conference in Nashua.  Last year, over 300 healthcare professionals gathered for informative discussion and education on various clinical, policy and leadership topics.  This year is shaping up to be even better. Please visit NHNPA.org to learn more and register.  Save money with Early Bird registration through 2/10/20.  

If you have not already done so, please take a moment and go to nhnpa.org now to update your membership.  From the home page, choose Member Login (if you are a member already).  This will take you to the Member Landing Page.  

From here, please complete your profile:

1. Update your contact information, email, photo, employer, and other information.

2. Renew your membership (if due) and you have the option to choose auto-renewal and change your billing preferences.

3. Opt-in (or opt-out) of the searchable member directory.  This will allow other members to connect with you professionally.

I am honored to be able to serve the nurse practitioners of New Hampshire. Together, we can do great things.

Jennifer Thompson, MS, APRN

Executive Director

New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association

[email protected]

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and usually held in Concord, NH.  Please visit NHNPA.org for an updated schedule.

February 2020

Dear New Hampshire NP Colleagues,

At NHNPA, we are very proud of our tradition of acknowledging outstanding nurse practitioners (NPs) and supporters.  Each year, at our annual conference, NHNPA recognizes individuals for three different awards: NH NP of the Year, Advocate of the Year and Lifetime of Service.  Please consider nominating a colleague. You can submit your nominations by February 10 at nhnpa.org/awards. 

Have you heard it is an election year??  Not only for the entire country, but two Board positions at NHNPA are open as well.  Stay tuned for more details regarding these two important positions!

 A word on membership…  In New Hampshire, there are approximately 2,600 licensed nurse practitioners.  At the time of this writing, 416 NPs are members of NHNPA. This represents a state membership rate of 16%, lower than the national AANP membership rate of 25% (Goolsby and BuBois, 2017).  

Why are these numbers important?  You’ve heard me say it before: the larger our membership, the louder our voice.  It is through this collective voice of the professional organization of NHNPA that NPs have and can influence health policy.  In fact, this was exactly how full practice authority in New Hampshire became a reality - nurse practitioners working together, a collective voice, to change a law.   Membership and involvement in state and national professional organizations is considered “an ethical expectation” (Goolsby, 2017). Recently, the collective voice of NHNPA has been influential in several legislative initiatives, including: the Primary Care Workforce Coalition, the Governor’s Commission on Drugs and Alcohol, the Commission to Study Environmentally-Triggered Chronic Illness and the PDMP Advisory Council.  If you are already a member of NHNPA – thank you! If you are considering membership – here is your call-to-action. Join now at NHNPA.org!  We need you on our team!   

Another benefit of participation in professional organizations is the ability to network and learn.  NHNPA will be doing this in a big way on April 9th and 10th at the Northern New England Nurse Practitioner Conference in Nashua.  Last year, over 300 healthcare professionals gathered for informative discussion and education on various clinical, policy and leadership topics.  This year is shaping up to be even better. Please visit NHNPA.org to learn more and register.  Save money with Early Bird registration through 2/10/20.  

If you have not already done so, please take a moment and go to nhnpa.org now to update your membership.  From the home page, choose Member Login (if you are a member already).  This will take you to the Member Landing Page.  

From here, please complete your profile:

1. Update your contact information, email, photo, employer, and other information.

2. Renew your membership (if due) and you have the option to choose auto-renewal and change your billing preferences.

3. Opt-in (or opt-out) of the searchable member directory.  This will allow other members to connect with you professionally.

I am honored to be able to serve the nurse practitioners of New Hampshire. Together, we can do great things.

Jennifer Thompson, MS, APRN

Executive Director

New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association

[email protected]

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and usually held in Concord, NH.  Please visit NHNPA.org for an updated schedule.

January 2020

Dear New Hampshire NP Colleagues,

Happy New Year! 

As we close out 2019, we have many great successes to share.  We have launched our new website at NHNPA.org.  This new platform is the hub for NHNPA with enhanced functionality including: announcements, resources, event registration, and a membership directory.  As a member, you have more control over your profile, including changing contact and payment information, printing receipts and tracking CMEs.  

Please remember, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS!  As I have said in the past, your membership gives us a voice and our collective voice allows us to achieve our shared mission and shape health policy.  

In 2019, NHNPA participated in several legislative efforts in support of NP practice and the health and well being of our patients, including: 

• Primary Care Workforce Coalition

• State budget - advocating for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates

• Governor’s Commission on Drugs and Alcohol

• Appointment to Commission to Study Environmentally-Triggered Chronic Illness

• Appointment to PDMP Advisory Council

The upcoming election year will be very busy on the health policy front.  The NHNPA Government Affairs Committee hosted an advocacy training and working meeting for the 2020 NH legislative session on Thursday, January 9, 2020. 

Look for our weekly legislative updates! With your help, NHNPA remains at the forefront of shaping health policy in New Hampshire.  It is through the collective voice of the members of NHNPA that NPs can make a positive difference in health policy and healthcare leadership in New Hampshire.

Our first annual Northern New England Nurse Practitioner Conference was a huge success.  Over 350 NPs from around the Northeast participated in a wide range of clinical discussions and hands-on workshops.     

Join NHNPA at our second annual Northern New England Nurse Practitioner Conference in Nashua, NH, on April 9-10, 2020.  NHNPA has a long history of providing quality clinical education.  We will continue to bring together thought leaders from around the country and nurse practitioners from the Northeast region for state-of-the-art education.  Watch for the NHNPA logo and colors in your email and mail. Be sure to register early for the NHNPA conference to participate in education specific to the scope of practice in New Hampshire.  Registration is open!  Visit us at NHNPA.org to register today!

If you have not already done so, please take a moment and go to NHNPA.org now to update your membership.  From the home page, choose Member Login (if you are a member already).  This will take you to the Member Landing Page.  

From here, please complete your profile:

1. Update your contact information, email, photo, employer, and other information.

2. Renew your membership (if due) and you have the option to choose auto-renewal and change your billing preferences.

3. Opt-in (or opt-out) of the searchable member directory.  This will allow other members to connect with you professionally.

I am honored to be able to serve the nurse practitioners of New Hampshire. Together, we can do great things.

Jennifer Thompson, MS, APRN

Executive Director

New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association

[email protected]

NHNPA Board meetings are open to the general NHNPA membership.  They are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and usually held in Concord, NH.  Please visit NHNPA.org for an updated schedule.

December 2019

Dear New Hampshire NP Colleagues,

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed an inspirational celebration of NP practice in New Hampshire.  Over 100 NPs and special guests from around the state came together for an evening of networking, learning and celebration.

New Hampshire is one of 22 US states allowing full practice authority, ensuring patients have full and direct access to all the services that NPs are able to provide.  The valuable work of NPs was recognized by Governor Sununu, once again, by proclaiming November 10-16, 2019, Nurse Practitioner Week.

At the event, we learned a little bit more about each other and the diverse roles we each play in caring for the residents of New Hampshire.  We also learned about extending our skills globally. Nancy Dirubbo, DNP, shared her stories about providing medical care on the global stage.  She provided a very interesting and inspirational talk on caring for underserved populations around the world.

   As we move into this holiday season, we are thankful for having the privilege to care for people as nurse practitioners.  We are thankful to work in a state that allows us to work at the top of our license. We are also thankful for the camaraderie and professional support we all share.

Please remember, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS!  As I have said in the past, your membership gives us a voice and our collective voice allows us to shape health policy. 

Over the past year, NHNPA has been involved in the following health policy initiatives:

• Primary Care Workforce Coalition
• State budget - advocating for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates
• Tobacco 21 initiative
• Climate change and health initiative
• Non-compete language in NP contracts now illegal
• Assistant physician role defeated
• Alternative therapy program for nurses
• Defeated 5.5% income tax on NP revenue
• Mental health procedures for involuntary commitment
• Oral contraceptive dispensing
• Environmental causes of environmental disease
• Governor’s Commission on Drugs and Alcohol
• Therapeutic Cannabis Advisory Council
• NH Oral Health Coalition
• Commission to Study Environmentally-Triggered Chronic Illness
• PDMP Advisory Council

With your help, NHNPA remains at the forefront of shaping health policy in New Hampshire.

For updates related to your practice, follow NHNPA on Twitter @npa_nh or like us on Facebook @nhnpa.net  and Instagram @npa_nh.

I am honored to be able to serve the nurse practitioners of New Hampshire. Together, we can do great things.