Professional Development.
Professional Memberships & Engagement
As part of my commitment to lifelong learning and active participation in nursing leadership and advocacy, I maintain membership in several professional organizations at both the state and national level. These affiliations keep me informed of emerging research, evolving healthcare policy, and best practices in pediatric care and advanced practice nursing.
As a member of NAPNAP, I receive access to peer-reviewed publications, clinical practice updates, and ongoing professional development opportunities focused specifically on evidence-based pediatric care. NAPNAP also provides regular updates on national healthcare policies impacting children and advanced practice pediatric nursing. This membership supports my growth as a future Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and strengthens my clinical decision-making and policy awareness in pediatric primary care.
Membership in ANA supports my professional development with resources that span national nursing standards, ethics, and workforce advocacy. I receive updates on clinical guidelines, legislative changes, and access to ANA’s extensive continuing education library. ANA also fosters national engagement on pressing nursing issues, including scope of practice expansion and interprofessional collaboration, which aligns with my role as an emerging APRN.v
My state-level membership connects me with pediatric-focused APRNs across Colorado, providing regionally tailored resources, local networking opportunities, and updates on state pediatric initiatives and legislative actions. Through newsletters and events, I stay informed on child health advocacy, regional health disparities, and professional development activities focused on pediatric populations in Colorado.
As a CNA member, I actively engage in nursing advocacy and leadership at the state level. I am an active voting member in CNA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) Committee meetings, where I stay informed about and contribute to legislative developments affecting Colorado nurses and patients. Along with 14 other voting members, we decide which legislation the CNA will support or oppose. I also serve as Chair on a subcommittee for the Colorado Nurse Practice Act Sunset Review, where we collaborate on efforts to improve healthcare equity and access for all, as well as nursing roles and safety. This involvement enhances my ability to be a change agent in healthcare policy and practice. Chair - Nurse Practice Act Sunset RN/LPNs Subcommittee ​Member - Nurse Practice Act Sunset APRN Subcommittee Voting member (September 2025)- CNA GAPP
I complete monthly continuing education through my employer to maintain clinical safety, regulatory compliance, and best practices in home and pediatric healthcare. Topics include bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA, infection control, hand hygiene, medication safety, PPE use, and emergency preparedness. These brief, focused modules help ensure up-to-date knowledge aligned with federal and state guidelines. Additionally, I complete annual OSHA training through the University of Colorado College of Nursing, which reinforces core principles of workplace safety, hazard prevention, and healthcare-specific OSHA standards.
I am actively engaged in advocacy efforts to improve access to healthcare services for medically complex children, particularly within the Medicaid system. My work focuses on addressing gaps in private duty nursing (PDN) hour approvals, navigating prior authorization processes, and pushing for clearer, more equitable policy guidelines. I collaborate with families and providers, communicate with state agencies and legislators, and participate in policy discussions to ensure patient-centered care remains a priority. Additionally, I regularly contact federal legislators to voice concerns about healthcare decisions and policies that affect vulnerable pediatric populations on a national scale.
Health Policy & Advocacy
Tools
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Engagement
Reference CU Anschutz Medical Campus. (n.d.). Spotlight on mental health and wellness. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. https://www.cuanschutz.edu/chancellor/messages/at-the-forefront/spotlight-on-mental-health-and-wellness
As part of the College of Nursing curriculum, all graduate students participate in the Tools of Engagement: Mental Health, Communication, and Longevity in Nursing educational modules. This initiative equips future nurses with strategies to support both patient and provider mental wellness, manage stress, and work effectively with individuals facing mental health challenges. The program includes: - Education on mental health principles, coping skills, and clinical communication - Peer support groups led by psychiatric mental health NP students, offering experiential learning - A focus on reducing emotional overwhelm in nursing through self-awareness and resource navigation This innovative, faculty-developed program promotes resilience, clinical confidence, and compassionate care in high-stress healthcare environments. (CU Anschutz Medical Campus, n.d.)
