State Liaison Candidate
Campaign Message
As State Liaison, my vision is to serve as a dynamic connector between Nurse Practitioners in our great state of Rhode Island and AANP, advancing the profession through informed advocacy, strategic collaboration, and unwavering support. I am committed to amplifying state-specific needs, promoting educational excellence, championing research, and increasing visibility of the NP role. By fostering partnerships, encouraging member engagement, and delivering accurate, timely information, I will help ensure that Nurse Practitioners across our state are empowered, informed, and equipped to lead in every facet of healthcare.
Bio Sketch
Dr. Olajumoke Adetunji is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate from the University of Rhode Island. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in recognition of her academic excellence. She also holds a B.S. in Nursing from Mount Carmel College of Nursing and a B.S. in Human Physiology from the University of Ilorin. A multi-award-winning clinician at Optum, Dr. Adetunji is known for her exceptional patient care and leadership in healthcare. She has served in various roles, including nurse manager, faculty member, non-profit leader, and expert consultant and advisor. She has also contributed to Brown University s SciToons program, which engages the public with science through animation, and continues to mentor future nurse practitioners through teaching and preceptorship. Dr. Adetunji is a passionate advocate for the nurse practitioner role at all levels of government. She represented Rhode Island as an AANP delegate in 2019 and returned in 2025 as the Rhode Island AANP Liaison, leading the state s delegation to the U.S. Capitol. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Adetunji is an avid reader, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time with her family.
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 impact of AI technology on healthcare could be our next challenge in the next decade. As vital and helpful as this technology is, there are HIPPA concerns about its collection and analysis of sensitive health data and how that information is stored and accessed. The authenticity of the information and its ability to make critical decisions, may bring about ethical concerns. AANP can help address this challenge by offering CEUs, workshops, and training, and partnering with academic institutions and federal agencies to promote ethical, equitable AI integration in healthcare, both in clinical practice and broader applications.
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.
As a leader, I inspire and empower others by fostering a collaborative, goal-driven culture through strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. As a lead APC, I provide peer mentorship and develop evidence-based care plans for chronic disease management in collaboration with clinicians. One key outcome of my leadership was expanding a faith-based healthcare team from 2 to 12 professionals, including NPs, MDs, and nurses, in under a year. I also serve as health advisor for this faith-based organization with over 1,000 members, shaping policies that promote wellness and equitable care. These skills prepare me to advance the AANP mission.
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 foresee is balancing my work, home, and volunteer commitments while continuing to serve as Rhode Island Liaison. However, I plan to manage this by staying organized, planning ahead, and being intentional with my time. Delegating tasks when appropriate will help ensure all responsibilities are met without becoming overwhelmed. I have developed effective systems to maintain balance and will continue to adapt my schedule as needed. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve, and I remain committed to fulfilling it with the same dedication and focus while managing my other responsibilities effectively.
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?
To advance AANP s mission, I will continue to prioritize developing comprehensive, up-to-date educational programs for NPs and students, with a focus on digital health and emerging technologies. I will advocate for policies that promote healthcare equity, support research aligned with person-centered care, and encourage inclusive community engagement. Strengthening leadership development within AANP will be key to amplifying our voice and impact. Additionally, I will promote strategic partnerships with academic institutions and healthcare organizations to expand learning opportunities and advance practice. These efforts will support NPs in delivering high-quality, equitable care across diverse communities.