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Join us in celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 12-18, as we extend our heartfelt recognition to the invaluable contributions made by UVA Health nurse practitioners. This week is dedicated to honoring a distinguished group of clinicians whose legacy traces back to 1965, marked by the initiation of the first Nurse Practitioner program. This milestone was a response to the ongoing primary care shortage affecting millions of Americans — a challenge that persists even today. 

Nurse Practitioners embark on their journey as registered nurses and then pursue additional training in master's or doctoral programs, delving into advanced topics such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical management. They provide holistic care, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide array of conditions through pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and procedural-based approaches.

Over the years, the profession has evolved to encompass practitioners specializing in various fields beyond primary care. Today, nurse practitioners contribute to a wide range of specialties, including psychiatric, adult and pediatric acute and primary care, gerontology, neonatology, women’s health, and more. Each of these specialties allows Nurse Practitioners to focus on specific patient populations, providing them with a unique perspective to deliver holistic care. Their presence extends across diverse healthcare settings, from outpatient clinics and surgery centers to operating rooms, community health centers, hospital administration teams, and even into roles as industry and political leaders. Nurse practitioners have also gained recognition from most major insurance companies, including Medicare/Medicaid.

At UVA, nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in the majority of our clinics and inpatient teams, delivering exceptional care, enhancing access, and driving progress in the healthcare field. The impactful contributions of our nurse practitioners are exemplified by individuals like Doug White, CPNP-AC/PC, a senior leader in the PICU who serves as a preceptor and mentor for new APPS, providing education to medical residents and fellows in the PICU. Noteworthy leaders among our nurse practitioners include Dr. Rebekah Compton, DNP, who serves as the Chief of Clinical Operations for UPG, leading our healthcare teams to new heights.

The individualized care provided by nurse practitioners at UVA is particularly noteworthy. This is evident in professionals like Tanya Prachar, NP, who runs the Memory Disorders Multi-Disciplinary clinic and Acute Concussion Evaluation clinic. Kristine Shannon, FNP, provides exceptional primary care and is revered for her procedural skills in IUD insertion, serving as an instructor for her fellow colleagues. Such examples highlight the exceptional caliber of care and dedication exhibited by our nurse practitioners.

The influence of nurse practitioners at UVA Health and across the nation is undeniable. During this week, we encourage you to take a moment to congratulate and celebrate the nurse practitioners you work closely with, acknowledging their dedication and impact on healthcare.