On November 2, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner issued a proclamation declaring November 12 through November 18, 2017 as Nurse Practitioner Week.
Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued the following statement in support of the proclamation:
“With over 230,000 nurse practitioners licensed today in the U.S., to say that they play an essential role in our health care system would be an understatement. These medical professionals have extensive knowledge in their field, and are trained to provide cost-effective, quality care. The contribution and services that nurse practitioners provide is especially important considering that many of our rural communities already face the challenge of gaining and maintaining health care access. Nurse practitioners play a critical role in today’s healthcare system, and provide important care and support as our state grapples with an ongoing health care provider crisis. This proclamation is just a small way to increase awareness, show our appreciation and applaud the hard work of all the nurse practitioners that go to work each and every day.”
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, nurse practitioners are expert healthcare providers who are educated and trained to provide primary, acute and specialty health care.