The board of directors held a virtual board meeting earlier this month.

As we prepare to launch VCNP’s next 50 years, I’m inspired by the passion and dedication of our members and board to challenge the status quo and advance our organization. This year marked significant progress for VCNP, and I’m excited for the opportunities and continued growth in 2025.

In the coming weeks, we’ll unveil our new Annual Report, a comprehensive reflection of the impactful work accomplished by our state and regional leadership, committees and members over the past year. This report will replace the quarterly newsletter, which has been made redundant by the success of our bi-monthly President’s emails.

I also want to extend my gratitude for the thoughtful feedback many of you shared in our fall member survey. Your insights are invaluable, and your Board of Directors has been listening. We look forward to sharing updates and new initiatives that reflect your priorities and our shared goals in the year ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! I look forward to an exciting and productive new year together!

Conference registration is open! Join your colleagues on the Norfolk waterfront for four days of education and camaraderie during our annual conference, March 26-29. Register today, and take advantage of the early bird discount.

The Piedmont Region will host its annual Pharmacology symposium in Charlottesville on January 25.

As part of their NP Week service project, Richmond Region members collected food for RVA Community Fridges at their Pharmacology Symposium last month.

Candice Parkins, Richmond Region PR chair, got some help from her son (left) with food deliveries.

Members of the Southwest Region donated 60 vials of insulin and three totes of medical supplies including bandages, epi-pens and Benadryl to the Health Wagon to assist individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Congratulations to Tidewater Region scholarship recipients, (l-r) Mary Adebowale, Kassaundra Ewing, Lerlyne Lewis and Tonya Bowers.

VCNP representatives gathered for the 2024 Lobby Day.

Join us on January 23 at the State Capitol in Richmond to advocate for nurses and the nursing profession. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or are new to advocacy, you will be prepared and supported by experts as you meet with legislators.

The day will begin with coffee and a light breakfast followed by a group training session led by our lobbying team and former Del. Roxann Robinson. Meetings with legislators will be scheduled by our lobbyists in advance. Help us build relationships and educate legislators about our key concerns and future legislative priorities.

Richard Grossman (second from left) celebrated the success of HB 971 with (from left) Dr. Olivia Newby, Del. Kathy Tran and Valerie Wrobel.

Richard Grossman, VCNP’s long-time lobbyist, will retire at the end of this year. For the last 10 years, VCNP has benefited from Richard’s expertise navigating the complex legislative system and advocating for autonomous practice licensure, insurance issues and other matters impacting health care in Virginia. Thank you, Richard, for your commitment to Virginia’s NPs, and best wishes in your retirement!

Past VCNP president Dr. Olivia Newby (right) met Sister Bernie in 2023 when Dr. Newby volunteered with the Health Wagon.

Sister Bernie Kennedy, founder of the Health Wagon, passed away on December 7. She was instrumental in bringing health care to Southwest Virginia and Appalachia. We extend our sympathies to Sister Bernie’s family, friends and colleagues.

The 2024 Healing Politics Campaign School class included VNA’s Dr. Ashley Apple and Dr. Kimberly Gordon, who spoke at our 2024 conference.

The Healing Politics Campaign School for Nurses & Midwives is accepting applications for its 2025 program, scheduled for July 24-26 in Durham, NC. Whether you’re interested in running for office, managing a campaign, or working on one, this program builds on your nursing skills and knowledge to help build better public policy.

Dr. Alissa Wong was the recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award.

Nominations are due Jan. 27 for VCNP’s NP awards - Distinguished NP, Founder’s Award, Education Award, NP Advocate and Rising Star.

Did you know VCNP members receive a 20% discount (50% for students) on UpToDate membership? Get access to this online resource offering immediate access to current, evidence-based info. Additional discounts for mobile access too!