UCLA Nursing celebrates Nurse Practitioners during National NP Week

For more than six decades, nurse practitioners (NPs) have been on the frontlines of patient care, delivering primary, acute, and specialty services to millions of patients at every stage of life. Today, more than 461,000 licensed NPs serve communities nationwide, providing nearly 1 billion patient visits each year, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

In recognition of their impact, organizations across the country joined AANP to celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week from November 9–15, 2025.

The UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing held a special event honoring the contributions of its NP students, alumni, and faculty. With remarks from nursing Dean Lin Zhan and UCLA Health’s Chief Nursing Executive Karen Grimley, the event provided a forum for students and faculty to connect on what advanced practice providers bring to clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and beyond.

Along with the events that took place across the country, AANP also spearheaded an effort to secure NP Week proclamations from local governments in each state. This year, history was made. NP Week proclamations were secured from all 50 states — a first and an extraordinary milestone. Proclamations were also issued in Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories, marking an unprecedented level of nationwide recognition. This achievement reflects the growing visibility and respect for nurse practitioners and highlights the vital role NPs play in delivering accessible, patient-centered care in communities across the country.

Several municipalities across California signed proclamations honoring the service of NPs, including the cities of Long Beach and Newport Beach. UCLA Nursing Assistant Adjunct Professor Dr. Carol Cunningham represented UCLA, and NPs statewide, while accepting a proclamation from the City of Newport Beach. 

"I am honored to represent as the AANP California State Liaison and advocate for high-quality, patient-centered care for patients, families, and caregivers. As a Family Nurse Practitioner and educator, I believe that strengthening our collaboration and communicating effectively moves us toward forward momentum—together. To all dedicated NP students and NPs: continue building the Nurse Practitioner provider–patient relationship, because trust goes a long way and truly transforms care."