State Liaison Candidate
Campaign Message
I am excited for the opportunity to continue representing Nevada nurse practitioners. As a native Nevadan, I understand the unique challenges of our state, particularly in the healthcare community. I have practiced in multiple settings and am board certified as an FNP, PMHNP and certified as an ENP. I will continue to advocate for the current and next generation of nurse practitioners, focusing on breaking down barriers to practice, pushing for fair reimbursements, and ensuring that Nevada NP voices are heard.
Bio Sketch
Dr. Terry Bartmus serves as an Assistant Professor and community nurse practitioner, where she contributes to the advancement of nursing science through research, education, and clinical practice. She has dedicated her career to improving access to healthcare for underserved populations, particularly individuals facing mental health challenges, homelessness, poverty, and health disparities. With over 15 years of experience, she holds board certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP-C). Her clinical work spans primary care, emergency medicine, university student health, and psychiatric care, with an emphasis on integrated, interprofessional, and holistic approaches to treatment. She engages in quality improvement initiatives that focus on integrating behavioral health services in primary care settings and addressing barriers to mental health treatment. Her doctoral project examined obesity in college-aged students, highlighting the intersection of mental health, lifestyle interventions, and the prevention of chronic diseases. She continues to implement innovative care models and promote health equity through policy and practice change. Through collaborative research, interdisciplinary partnerships, and mentorship, she advances the field of nursing science and healthcare innovation to improve health outcomes at the population level.
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?
Although Nevada has FPA, I think the biggest challenge still facing NPs is not having FPA in every state. AANP has done a stellar job of focusing on the states that need help and ensuring those leaders are equipped for addressing these challenges. I think AANP s stance of taking a positive, data-driven approach is the key. Showcasing actual stories of the breakdowns in healthcare is what will change the minds of legislators. Seeing what happened in Louisiana when a supervising physician passed away broke my heart. Stories will help others understand FPA for NPs is the answer.
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 am a seasoned NP and have certifications as an FNP, PMHNP, and ENP. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and policy advocacy. I collaborated with the local school of medicine and social workers to create an NP led primary/mental health clinic that served mostly Medicaid patients with severe mental illness. This clinic helped detect chronic diseases that many of the patients were never screened or treated for such as hepatitis C, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. I have also served as a preceptor in every clinical setting and serve as a mentor.
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?
Time management has been a continual challenge for me throughout my career. I have served as Nevada SL for one term and successfully managed the role, including attending our legislative session in Carson City (8 hours away) on two separate occasions. I utilize strong organizational systems and checklists to ensure I stay on top of my tasks and duties. As a full-time professor, service is part of my workload, so I am given portions of my week to specifically work on items pertinent to this role.
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 continue to champion policies that expand FPA for NPs. Nevada has been successful in improving reimbursement equity. It is a priority for me that I will continue to collaborate with leaders in Nevada to increase access to care in rural communities and address health disparities. I will continue to promote membership and student engagement through speaking at universities and collaborating with the local NPOs.