The Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP), the statewide professional organization for all nurse practitioners (NPs) licensed in Virginia.
The organization of NPs in Virginia began a quarter century ago in the regional or local areas of the state. With the growth in the number of NPs throughout the state, Virginia NPs initially organized to become a Professional Practice Group of the VNA. In 1984, the VCNP became a council of the VNA, and as such has continued to grow in membership and in the services provided to its members. Membership now is over 1,700.
Although there are other specialty NP groups, the VCNP offers an advantage for all NPs in Virginia because of its association with the VNA and the American Nurses Association (ANA) with their broad based membership and the resources available through these relationships.
The goals and purpose of the VCNP include:
To increase the awareness of and the impact of the role of nurse practitioners on health care and on the professional, educational, and political systems
To facilitate the advancement of the nurse practitioner role as an integral component of quality health care delivery through public relations, political activism and consultation
To foster professional and collegial growth through continuing education
To provide for a communication system for nurse practitioners throughout the state of Virginia
Participation is available through voting or non-voting membership. Nurse practitioners licensed in Virginia, who are current in their dues, are voting members. Non-voting membership is offered to NP students, other advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants.
