Why I choose to be a member of NPADC

NPADC is my professional nurse practitioner organization. It represents my interest in the District of Columbia. It speaks for me and other nurse practitioners like me, when it comes to where I practice, what I practice, and how I practice.

I joined NPADC as a student because I was looking for a mentor, I was looking for a preceptor, and I was looking for guidance on what it will be like to be a nurse practitioner District of Columbia.

I stayed a member of NPADC, because of I found guidance, I found role models, and I found a community that nurtured my professional curiosity, and gave me the opportunity to mingle with other like-minded individuals. I found ways I can advance my career beyond what was thought to me in school. Through this community, I discovered more of what I could be as a nurse practitioner in the District of Columbia.

At times, I stayed a member of NPADC at distance. While I missed out on the networking opportunity; chances to see and dine with my fellow nurse practitioner face-to-face, I still stay informed about what was going on District of Columbia 6500 miles away.  I knew which regulations by the board of nursing were going to affect me and my practice.

I hope to lead NPADC to provide nurse practitioner students opportunity to find their mentor, to provide practicing nurse practitioner the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, to influence regulations in DC that will affect all nurse practitioners, and to continue to fight for a completely independent practice.

There are many reasons to join and remain a member of the Nurse Practitioner Association of District of Columbia, please share yours and convince those that are not members why their local professional organization matters.

Ibironke Balough
President-Elect (2016-2017)