About NAPNAP

With approximately 7,000 members, NAPNAP is the professional association for PNPs and other advanced practice nurses who care for children. Established in 1973, NAPNAP has been actively advocating for the children's health by: providing funding, education, and research opportunities to PNPs; influencing legislation that affects maternal/child health care; and producing and distributing educational materials to parents and families. NAPNAP prides itself in the caliber of its members, which includes national child health care experts, respected authors, distinguished faculty, and practicing professionals.

Mission Statement:

Promoting optimal health for children through leadership, practice, advocacy, education and research.

Chapters:

Visit our Chapters page.

Membership:

Over 7,000 members and 48 chapters across the United States. Due to the heightened awareness of the need for quality care for children, membership has increased 21% over the past five years. There are approximately 10,000 practicing PNPs in the U.S.

Publications:

The Journal of Pediatric Health Care, a bimonthly pediatric journal containing articles about research and current developments in pediatric care. Circulation: 7,000

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a bimonthly newsletter, reports on NAPNAP's activities as an association.

"Position Statements," To view NAPNAP's position statements posted online click here.

President:

Linda L. Lindeke, PhD, RN, CPNP at: president@napnap.org

Chief Executive Officer:

Karen KellyThomas, PhD, RN, FAAN, CAE at: kkellythomas@napnap.org

History:

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) promotes the highest standards of health care for children. NAPNAP, founded in 1973, was formed to organize and support pediatric nurse practitioners and associates (PNP/As) in improving the quality of care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Although NAPNAP was established in 1973, the pediatric nurse practitioner/associate has existed for over 30 years. In 1965, a nurse and a pediatrician at the University of Colorado saw the need for the extension of child health care services. They began to educate registered nurses to become PNPs by teaching them to do physical examinations, diagnose and treat patients, and assist in family counseling.

In May 1973, PNPs from six areas of the country met in Columbus, Ohio to explore alternatives for affiliating with nursing and medical professional organizations. The group decided PNPs could best be served by a specialty nursing organization. In September 1973, the first issue of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the association's newsletter, was published highlighting the outcome of this meeting and announcing the agenda for the first national meeting of PNPs. In October 1973, 400 PNP/As met at this national meeting and voted unanimously to support the development of NAPNAP.

Ever since, the group has been actively working to improve the quality of care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. This is accomplished by monitoring health legislation affecting maternal and child care; advising state boards of nursing; producing and distributing materials to educate consumers on child care; and providing opportunities and funding for continuing education of PNPs.

Today, through education, research, and legislative action, NAPNAP serves over 7,000 members, about 70% of PNPs nationally, and 49 local chapters throughout the United States. Pediatric nurse practitioners interested in joining NAPNAP should contact the headquarters office.

Contact:

Felicia Taylor, MBA, BA
Director of Membership, Chapters & Communications
(856) 857-9700

Headquarters:

20 Brace Road Suite 200 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-2634

Bylaws

Click here to review the NAPNAP Bylaws approved March 20, 2007.