Strength In Numbers

Hello everyone! I would like to introduce myself to those who may not be familiar with me as the newly elected communications committee chair. My name is Amy Owens Horelica. I am a recent graduate, but I am not new to life. Nursing became a second career for me after 10+ years in the commercial interior design and architecture field. During this time, one of my greatest hobbies was the health and fitness field. Both fields were touched by mental health in multiple ways. For example, the psychology of color and space, body image, self-esteem and health benefits to name a few. Additionally, watching the challenges of having a special needs sister and a grandfather struggle with Alzheimer’s affected me. As such, nursing and ultimately becoming a PMHNP was a great way to marry both my talents and passion!

As communications committee chair, I am passionate and committed to providing information to members which is relevant to practice, research and legal issues, including:

• Information on upcoming events and workshops
• New and updated practice related concerns
• Interesting research-based information and articles
• Current legal issues and how to become involved

These are just a few topics of interest. If you as members would like to see other topics of relevance communicated, please do not hesitate to share and make suggestions. There is strength in numbers in advocating for our profession!

Speaking of numbers, check these out:

In a recent study by Wallet Hub (reported July 31, 2023, https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-health-care/23457) and reported in the Austin American Statesman, Texas ranked in the bottom 10 for health care (#45) and had the highest percentage of uninsured adults aged 19-64 and children 18 and under.  Of note, the top 10 states ALL had full practice authority for advanced practice nurses, and of the bottom 10 states only Alaska had full practice authority while 6 of the remaining 9 had the most restrictive forms of practice.   Could it be purely coincidence that better health care for citizens exists in states with full practice authority?