Practice Tip of the Week | Celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week

By Elaina Diaz MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN

National Nurse Practitioner Week, from Nov. 9 to 15, is a time to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide high-quality, patient-centered care across Texas and the nation.

This week highlights the depth of expertise, compassion, and leadership that nurse practitioners (NPs) bring to healthcare delivery. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), NP Week “offers opportunities to bring recognition to the NP role and increase awareness of the exceptional care that NPs provide.” In Texas alone, the Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP) reports more than 47,000 NPs delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in communities across the state.

The role of APRNs in Texas healthcare

APRNs, including NPs, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists, are registered nurses who have completed an advanced program of study and demonstrate competence in an expanded role of practice.

In Texas, APRNs serve in diverse settings such as primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty practices, and rural health centers. They assess, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic conditions; prescribe medications; order and interpret diagnostic tests; and emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Because of this broad range of practice, APRNs play a crucial role in increasing access to care, addressing workforce shortages, and improving health outcomes for Texans.

Supporting APRNs Through the Texas Nurses Association

The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) proudly supports APRNs through advocacy, professional development, and policy engagement. TNA collaborates with nursing leaders and legislators with the purpose to advance regulatory improvements that enhance APRN practice authority and promote equitable access to care for Texans. Through continuing education, leadership opportunities, and networking events, TNA helps ensure APRNs remain empowered to lead innovation in clinical practice, research, and health policy across the state.

Why this matters now

As healthcare needs grow more complex and populations age, APRNs are helping fill critical gaps in access, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The 2025 NP Week theme emphasizes that NPs are “trusted voices, proven care.” By combining advanced clinical knowledge with patient advocacy and education, APRNs are improving quality, equity, and continuity of care statewide. By leveraging their advanced training and holistic approach, integrating clinical skills, patient education, and advocacy APRNs help make care more accessible, equitable, and effective.

How we can honor our APRNs

During NP Week, we encourage our members and organizations to:

• Highlight APRN-led success stories and innovations in care.
  
• Recognize APRNs through awards, social media spotlights, and staff communications.
  
• Support professional development and mentorship opportunities for emerging APRNs.
  
• Advocate for continued advancement and visibility of the APRN role in healthcare policy.

Nurse practitioners and all APRNs are essential to the strength of Texas healthcare. Their commitment to clinical excellence, education, and patient advocacy embodies the very best of nursing practice. This week—and every week—we celebrate their leadership, compassion, and the impact they make in every community they serve.