October 2015 MONTHLY COMMUNICATION

President's Message: Maribeth Capuno

I hope that all are looking forward to the arrival of fall with the many changes presented to us. We have the opportunity to promote our profession through speaking at community events and precepting our future colleagues. We also have an opportunity this year to help shape the political climate. All of Virginia’s legislature is up for election. Support your regions by attending the Legislative functions that are occurring and remember to vote in November! We would love to have a Virginia Legislature that is receptive to our goal of providing access to quality healthcare to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

I look forward to hearing about the Legislative events and to celebrating Nurse Practitioner week with all of you next month.

Government Relations: Mark Coles, Chair

The Virginia General Elections are fast approaching with Election Day being November the 3rd. All seats in the General Assembly are up for vote. Control of the Senate will be up for grabs as the Republicans currently hold a slim 21/19 majority and several seats are highly competitive. The Democrats need a net gain of just one seat as Lt Governor Northam is a Democrat who could cast the deciding vote in the event of a 20/20 tie. Control of the Senate is important because that party determines the Chairmen and makeup of the various key committees. Any legislation that VCNP might consider, for example, would have to pass through the Senate Education and Health Committee. So we will be keenly interested in the eventual makeup of this committee and its sub-committees.

On the House of Delegates side, control of the chamber is not really an issue as the GOP currently hold a commanding 67/33 advantage and will retain leadership in the General Assembly. However, there are many competitive races across the Commonwealth, including our own Laurie Buchwald NP running in District 12 in Radford. (Further information regarding Laurie's campaign can be found at

We'll provide feedback after the elections regarding how the results may affect any VCNP legislative plans.

Education: Denise Chernitzer, Chair

The Education Committee has been busy planning the 2016 VCNP Annual Conference. The conference returns to the beautiful Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. The conference will be held from March 9-12, 2016. There are five pre-conference workshops planned as well as sessions in five clinical sessions. These sessions include pediatrics, acute care, general care, women’s health, and mental health.

PLANNING A REGIONAL CE EVENT?If your region is planning an educational program, contact the Education Committee so that one of the committee members can be assigned to serve as a lead nurse planner for obtaining the necessary credits. Deadlines for submission are based on the number of credits you are seeking. Programs of 1-3 credits MUST be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the program. Programs of 4 or more credits MUST be submitted at least 60 days in advance. It is imperative that these deadlines be met!

Nominations and Awards: Becky Compton, Chair

It is that time again to request nominations for the following three VCNP Board positions (terms begin in March 2016):

•President Elect. This is a six year obligation including two years as President elect, two years as President, and two years as Past-President.

•Secretary. This is a two year term with the option to be re-nominated twice.

•Treasurer. This is a two year term with the option to be re-nominated twice.

The Process: VCNP will collect nominations for these positions through October 15th. Once we have obtained the nominations, we will email the nominee a "nominee profile" form and "willingness to serve" form for them to complete. On November 15th, a ballot will be emailed to each VCNP member to vote; all election ballots must be received by December 15.

As you consider who to nominate, please keep the following requirements in mind: The nominee must be a current VCNP voting member; licensed as a nurse practitioner in Virginia and have served on the VCNP Board of Directors or held a Regional office. Please be specific for which position you are nominating someone. A description of each open position can be found on at

Email your nominations to Elaine Attridge by October 15th at;

Regional Spotlight; Southside
November 7, 2015
Fun Run & 5K & Pancake Breakfast
Sponsored by the Danville YMCA and the Southside Region of VCNP
The Southside Step Challenge...
"Taking 10,000 Steps A Day to Better Health"
The VCNP Southside region is partnering with the Danville YMCA to host the 29th Annual Family Fun Run & 5K & Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 7, 2015
Walkers Preparing for the Race: Please join local NP's in taking the Southside StepChallenge. We will meet every Saturday at 9am beginning September 26th until the 5k to prepare. Meeting place is in front of the YMCA. Prep Walks are free, but a donation of canned food or bottled water for God's Pit Crew isappreciated.
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Boars Head Inn, Charlottesville, VA

September 19, 2015

Executive Board Meeting

Maribeth Capuno, President & Doug Easter, Executive Director

Heather Hallberg, Membership, Sharon Bodtke, Public Relations, & Ruth Gibson, Tidewater President

Theresa Fortin, Richmond President, Ruth Gibson, Tidewater President, Kim Grossman, Southside President

Janice Porter, Peninsula President & Chris Daley, President - Elect

Nurse Practitioners: Partners for a Healthier Tomorrow