By Caitlin Hanbury 

Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing to officially recognize Nurse Practitioner Week in the commonwealth of Virginia, signing a proclamation highlighting the critical role nurse practitioners play in advancing health care across the state.  

The event, held on Nov. 12, brought together nurse practitioner students, faculty, health care leaders, and university leadership to celebrate the dedication and contributions of nurse practitioners (NPs) amid a rising demand for health care providers in Virginia’s medically underserved areas. 

Also signed by Virginia governors of the last three administrations, the proclamation is part of a longstanding tradition of bipartisan support for the significant impact NPs have on improving access to care and the professions’ role in health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, and counseling.

Nursing is at the heart of our health care system.
Nurse practitioners play a role in our health care system that is unmatched.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin 

17,500 licensed NPs in Virginia have a crucial role in expanding access to care, especially in medically underserved communities where they are more likely to practice. Concerted efforts in Virginia over the last decade have led to changes in autonomous practice for NPs and resulted in improving the availability of primary, acute, and specialty services in care deserts — regions with severe shortages of health care providers. 

At the VCU School of Nursing, nearly 300 NP students are preparing to meet this demand. Supported by 20 full-time, board-certified NP faculty, students gain valuable clinical experience by working alongside their instructors in real-world clinical and community settings. This academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the school’s NP program, underscoring its long-standing commitment to preparing highly skilled nurse practitioners essential to Virginia’s health cre workforce. 

The proclamation ceremony kicked off with remarks by the School of Nursing’s interim dean, Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., who expressed pride for the school’s role in preparing future nurse practitioners and emphasized the importance of supporting and advancing the NP profession. 

“Today’s proclamation highlights the essential role nurse practitioners play in our communities,” Kinser said. “We stand in support of nurse practitioners who make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginians every day.” 

During the ceremony, VCU School of Nursing student Megan Huntley, who is in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, shared her experience as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Following Kinser’s remarks, student Megan Huntley reflected on her own journey, shaped by her background in acute care nursing and service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. She is now studying for her Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

“I am continuously reminded of the honor and privilege we have to continue to show up each day, extend dignity, provide exceptional care and encourage and support patients as they take an active and informed role in their own health and wellbeing,” Huntley said. 

During the event, Youngkin reflected on his personal connection to the VCU School of Nursing. His mother, Ellis Quinn Youngkin, Ph.D., earned her nurse practitioner certification from the school in 1978 and later taught there, inspiring a generation of skilled, compassionate VCU-trained health care providers. 

“This is a special moment for me because not only am I with the most extraordinary collection of health care providers, but I look at you, and please take this with the affection that it is meant, I see my mother in you all,” he said. 

Youngkin went on to praise the impact of nurse practitioners across Virginia, noting that modernized state laws and improved health care policies have strengthened their role in expanding care access statewide. 

“Nursing is at the heart of our health care system,” Youngkin said. “Nurse practitioners play a role in our health care system that is unmatched. We look across our commonwealth today and we see nurse practitioners doing extraordinary things.” 

Gov. Glenn Youngkin reflected on his mom’s journey at VCU School of Nursing, where she earned her nurse practitioner certification. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications) 

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., shared that the university is taking proactive steps to address health care workforce shortages, adapting its programs to accommodate the schedules of busy nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers. 

“We know there’s a shortage of all kinds of providers but certainly nurse practitioners. We are headed into this with open eyes,” Rao said. “It’s about educating the next generation. This is really about adapting to the changing needs of people and patients.” 

The week-long celebration of Virginia Nurse Practitioner Week runs from November 10 to November 16. 

From left to right: VCU President Michael Rao, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, VCU student Megan Huntley, and interim Dean of the VCU School of Nursing Patricia Kinser, Ph.D. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)