State of Alaska > Governor > Proclamations  > Full Proclamation

Alaska Nurse Practitioner Week   Printer Friendly

WHEREAS, there are more than 125,000 licensed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the United States with more than 650 licensed in Alaska, providing high-quality, cost-effective, personalized healthcare to Alaskans for more than 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Alaska has one of the highest numbers of NPs per capita of any state in the nation; and

WHEREAS, NPs work to achieve advanced education, most hold master’s degrees, and many hold doctorates - including advanced clinical training beyond their initial registered nurse preparation; and 24 percent of practicing NPs in Alaska have received their graduate nursing education through the University of Alaska’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program; and

WHEREAS, NPs are partners in the healthcare of their patients, so that, in addition to clinical services, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education and counseling, guiding patients to adopt smarter health and lifestyle choices; and

WHEREAS, NPs can provide excellent, skilled, cost-effective care; and

WHEREAS, NPs offer services in the areas of family practice, women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric mental health, midwifery services, and other specialties; and

WHEREAS, NPs provide healthcare to people of all ages throughout the State of Alaska, and in diverse healthcare settings which include community clinics, health department clinics, public health centers, schools, university student health centers, private practice, emergency departments, home health care, long-term care facilities, and hospitals; and

WHEREAS, about 40 percent of NPs in Alaska practice in rural settings, an estimated 35 percent practice in medically underserved areas of Alaska, and nearly ten percent are the sole licensed providers in their communities; and

WHEREAS, NPs bring a unique perspective to health care service delivery by emphasizing both nursing and medical care.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 8-14, 2009 as:

Alaska Nurse Practitioner Week

in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to recognize the many contributions that this dedicated group of healthcare professionals makes to the health and well-being of the people in the communities they serve.

Dated: October 16, 2009