I began consulting for nurse practitioner (NP) programs in 1980 as a member, and later Chairperson, of the Western Regional Accreditation Committee for the American Nurses Association (ANA).  This was the first professional process to acknowledge quality preparation of graduates from Certificate and MS degree nurse practitioner programs on a national scale.  Initially this was aligned with the process of approving Continuing Education providers through out the United States.  As part of the accreditation process,  I provided on site consultation to the applicants regarding their proposal and the established guidelines. I continued in this role through 1986 when I moved to the policy-making Board of Accreditation of ANA.

I have developed, implemented, and maintained NP programs from 1974 through 1999 when I retired as full time faculty from Texas Woman’s University (TWU).  I have used the initial ANA guidelines as a base for the certificate program developed at UTHSCSA in 1974.  More recently, I have used the NONPF guidelines for developing the last programs at TWU with a focus on family.  The guidelines have been the basis for all consultation currently undertaken in my current role.  My focus areas of curriculum development include family, primary care, and school health. 

The preceptorship period is a key element in the preparation of the clinician.  In program development, I stress methods of gaining access to qualified personnel willing to undertake this role and maintaining those preceptors.

For years, I had espoused the potential of NPs as entrepreneurs working in their own practice.  In 1990, I followed through with this challenge and initiated a private practice.  The practice used several innovative measures of incorporating a nursing model, independent contracting, billing, and research of costing out services.  The practice grew until 1996, when managed care would not recognize the NP as a primary care provider, and the lack of a viable reimbursement mechanism forced it to close.   

I continued to emphasize the concepts of a nurse-managed center and entrepreneurship in my position at TWU.  TWU CARES was developed and funded as a primary care NP clinic serving the low-income residents of the community.  We developed and implemented a quality assurance program for a nurse-managed clinic.  Faculty practice became a valued part of the teaching/service role.  TWU CARES offered the opportunity to role model and control the student learning experiences.

My consulting experience includes: redesigning existing NP programs; distance education; accreditation self-study; working with Boards of Nursing statutes, and; designing mentorship experiences for new NP faculty.  I have also worked with faculty to move beyond the daily requirements and explore new learning techniques and methods.

I have maintained an active practice as an NP during all my years as a faculty member.  Currently, I practice in a free clinic serving Latinos in my community.  Being an active clinician is a constant reminder of the need for quality prepared NPs.