It’s the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, and nurses have stepped into the spotlight as #HealthcareHeroes. You have been ranked the “most trusted profession” for the last 18 years and nurse practitioners remain among U.S. News & World Report’s #BestJobs. And now…. it’s Nurse Practitioner Week. This year, the theme is “NPs Moving Forward: Today, Tomorrow, Together.”

Meet Johns Hopkins Nurse Practitioners and future Nurse Practitioners

We’ve seen a political takeover of our most trusted institutions in health. Yet every nurse is an infectious disease nurse and I’m proud of all the efforts made across the health system.

Jason Farley, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, ANP-BC, AACRN

We will always remember 2020 because of COVID-19. But it’s been an incredible time to be a DNP Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care NP student. I have had the opportunity to be a part of exciting, life changing moments for my patients, I even worked with our kidney transplant team and was able to experience the miracle of transplant!

Melissa Boggan, DNP Advanced Practice Track: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Student

I have said “We don’t know” more in the last six months than I have in 27 years as a family nurse practitioner. However, not knowing evidence reveals what is most important in caring for other people: be present, be transparent and above all – be compassionate.

Catherine Ling, PHD, RN, CNE, FAANP, FNP-BC, FAAN

“This year has brought many challenges to the way we deliver health care. Despite the changes, I’ve found myself surrounded by the same caring, thoughtful, and dedicated people working to overcome these barriers. I’m incredibly fortunate to be consistently surrounded by such inspiration.”

Clifton Thornton, MSN, BS, RN, CPNP, PhD student

PNPs are still stressing the importance of getting children’s immunizations and Well Child checks completed. Telehealth has opened a new strategy for keeping the pulse on the health of our children and families. I have been able to continue with my practice and precept advanced nursing students.

Brigit VanGraafeiland, DNP, CRNP, CNE, FAAN

Despite all the challenges I have faced this year, or perhaps because of them, the Year of the Nurse and Midwife has reinforced who I am as a nurse and guided me towards who I aspire to be as an NP. From participating in the JHSON Global Health Experience in Guatemala at the beginning of 2020 to volunteering during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel as if each experience this year has been pivotal in my journey to becoming the NP I want to be.

Sherry Chen, BSN, RN, DNP Advanced Practice Track Family Nurse Practitioner Student