Celebrate 'Your Partner in Health - The Nurse Practitioner'

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The role of the nurse practitioner (NP) is being showcased November 9-15, 2008, as NPs across the country celebrate more than four decades of practice and research during National NP Week. Nationally, this distinguished group of healthcare providers number approximately 125,000 strong with an additional 6,000 NP students graduating each year.

Events held in communities around the country will acquaint local citizens with the role of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, and personalized healthcare and will highlight the value of choosing an NP as Your Partner in Health(C).

NP practice offers a unique combination of healthcare service to patients -- placing emphasis on both care and cure. Focusing not only on diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses, NPs integrate health promotion, disease prevention, counseling, and patient education. Working with their patients to help them understand their complete health picture so that they make smarter health and lifestyle choices, NPs are truly a patient's Partner in Health.

In a population that is aging, with baby boomers becoming seniors in growing numbers over the next ten years, having choices about healthcare providers will become even more important. National NP Week brings visibility to the role of the NP, helping consumers make wise choices when selecting their healthcare provider.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), formed in 1985, is the oldest, largest and only full-service national professional membership organization in the United States for NPs of all specialties. AANP represents the interests of more than 125,000 NPs around the country. AANP continually advocates for the active role of NPs and serves as a resource for NPs, their patients, and other healthcare consumers.

For more information visit the AANP Web site at www.aanp.org. To locate an NP in your area, go to www.npfinder.com.

SOURCE American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aanp.org