In February 1984, seven nurse practitioners from the Tri-Cities Tennessee area met to discuss issues, protocols, impending legislation, peer review, and how to increase public awareness of the role of nurse practitioners.  This group decided on the focus of its meetings and continued to meet every couple of months for about two years.

On April 9, 1992, fifteen nurse practitioners convened for the first meeting of what is now known as the Northeast Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association (NETNPA).  The group met at the Johnson City Family Medicine Associates office.  The focus of the group was to revitalize a local group to share professional information and experiences, discuss issues, and to socialize.  The group also determined to include educational programs in its format.

Initially, the NETNPA met every other month.  Interest from nurse practitioners in the organization, coupled with developing support from pharmaceutical companies, enabled the group to move toward regular monthly meetings.  In 1993, the NETNPA initiated annual membership dues.  Nurse practitioner students have been welcomed to become members of this professional organization and reduced membership dues has encouraged their participation.

The first officers for the NETNPA were elected in October 1994.  The first official newsletter, written by Melanie Smith, was mailed in May, 1995.  By-laws for the group, patterned after the by-laws for the Tennessee Nurses Association Advanced Practice Council’s Operative Rules, were adopted by the NETNPA in June 1995.

In the fall of 2001, the NETNPA began an annual conference for nurse practitioners and other physician extenders in the East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky region.  This conference has provided expert and timely educational opportunities for primary care and specialty practitioners, offering continuing education credits for participation.

The NETNPA is involved in legislative issues through several initiatives.  The group provides annual financial support of TN-PAC, arranges regular joint discussion between the area legislators and nurse practitioners about issues of concern to advanced practice nurses, and regularly reports on legislative issues, meetings, and communications at the NETNPA meetings.

The NETNPA has committed financial resources and members have provided volunteer services for the following:  “Save our Skin”, a community wellness initiative sponsored by the Wellmont Health System; area Health Fairs and Health Screening initiatives; annual Nurses’ Day support along with District 5 of the Tennessee Nurses Association; and Compassion Connection, an organization that works with children dealing with grief.  The membership has also supported the National Marketing Campaign, which works to increase public awareness of the role of advanced practice nurses throughout the United States.

The current monthly meetings of the NETNPA focus on an educational topic of interest.  Some of the educational offerings are accredited for continuing education, and are provided at no charge to members.

The NETNPA is a professional organization for advanced practice nurses and welcomes physician assistants, nurse practitioner students, and physician assistant students to its membership.

Our Current Leaders:

President: Vicki Lewis, MSN, FNP
email: lewisvir@gmail.com

Vice President: Kay Bone, MSN, FNP
email: kayandpatbone@aol.com

Secretary: Heather Greene, MSN, FNP
email: hgreene13@myway.com

Treasurer: Paula Countiss, MSN, FNP
email: pcountiss0361@charter.net

Send mail to netnpa@gmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 25, 2008