Nomination Council Candidate
Campaign Message
If elected, I will infuse energy, collaboration, and vision into AANP s advocacy efforts. My focus will be on expanding opportunities for Nurse Practitioner (NP) leadership and ensuring that our profession continues to be a driving force in enhancing patient and population health. I believe that through strong advocacy and unity, we can tackle the challenges our field faces and create meaningful change. Together, we can elevate the impact of NPs in healthcare, promote health equity, and empower the next generation of practitioners. I am truly honored to be considered for this opportunity and ask for your support in working together to advance our important mission. Let s unite to strengthen our advocacy and transform the healthcare landscape for the better. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Bio Sketch
Jenna Herman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota. She has over a decade of experience delivering comprehensive healthcare across diverse settings, including rural health, primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, correctional facilities, and addiction services. A lifelong learner, Dr. Herman is currently pursuing post-graduate certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Herman is actively involved in professional leadership, particularly within the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She completed the AANP Leadership Program in 2016 and served as North Dakota State Liaison from 2015 to 2021. Her leadership focuses on legislative advocacy, professional development, and advancing the nurse practitioner role in healthcare, earning her the prestigious AANP Advocate State Award for Excellence in 2022. She also serves as Secretary of the Minnesota Nurse Practitioners and participates in multiple national nursing organizations, including past service on the nomination committee for the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. A published author in peer-reviewed journals and a national speaker, she remains dedicated to advancing nurse practitioner education, clinical practice, and leadership.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing NPs in the delivery of health care over the next decade? How should AANP address this issue to support NPs and the populations they serve?
The biggest challenge NPs face over the next decade is achieving full practice authority nationwide amid shifting healthcare models. Barriers to independent practice limit access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and constrain NPs ability to lead in value-based, team-driven care. AANP must continue to advocate at federal and state levels, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, and support research that highlights NP-led outcomes. Additionally, investing in leadership and policy training will empower NPs to navigate complex systems and drive change. Removing restrictions on practice is essential to advancing health equity and ensuring high-quality care for all populations.
Describe, in detail, leadership and other professional skills that you will bring to AANP and provide at least one initiative or outcome that occurred because of these skills.
I bring academic leadership rooted in improving clinical quality and NP readiness. As FNP Program Coordinator and DNP Chair, I guided over 40 students through projects that addressed gaps in rural care, such as opioid and mental health screening in primary care and statin initiation in high-risk populations. These initiatives directly improved clinical outcomes while strengthening community partnerships. I led curriculum development to ensure alignment with evidence-based practice and evolving health needs. My experience also includes national service with AANP and NONPF. I will bring a systems-thinking approach to AANP, advocating for education that drives measurable improvements in patient care.
Identify one major challenge that could impact your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position you are seeking. How do you plan to manage this challenge to be successful?
One challenge I anticipate is balancing national leadership responsibilities with my ongoing clinical and academic roles. As a practicing FNP and Clinical Associate Professor, I manage diverse responsibilities that require dedicated time and focus. To handle this, I rely on strong organizational systems, clear prioritization, and delegation when needed. I have successfully managed similar demands while serving as an AANP State Liaison and Program Coordinator. I also benefit from colleagues who value national service. By maintaining structured time management and open communication, I am confident I can fully meet the expectations of this AANP leadership position.
AANP’s mission is to empower all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership. If elected, how do you propose to advance AANP's mission and strategic plan?
If elected, I will advance AANP s mission by strengthening advocacy efforts to improve rural health access, ensuring equitable, person-centered care for underserved communities. I will support practice by promoting NP-led rural clinics, enhance education through targeted training on rural health challenges, and encourage research focused on rural outcomes. Leadership development will be prioritized to empower NPs in these areas. By collaborating with policymakers, I will champion legislative changes that expand rural broadband and telehealth, directly addressing barriers to care. This holistic approach aligns with AANP s strategic plan to boost NP impact across practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership.