VALDOSTA — Area cities will recognize Valdosta State University’s Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) program as they sign proclamations in honor of Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 8-14.

Valdosta Mayor John Fretti signed a proclamation last week in Martin Hall. Lake Park, Nashville, Hahira, Quitman and Morven city officials signed proclamations at recent council meetings.

College of Nursing Instructor Myron Faircloth said he applauds the region for recognizing the vital role nurse practitioners play in providing comprehensive, patient-centered health care.

“Our nurse practitioner students have been serving the area in residency clinics since we started the program in 2007,” said Faircloth, who graduated from the VSU College of Nursing in 1995. “It is essential to consider the importance of nurse practitioners in overcoming the shortage to primary care.”

Valdosta State’s ANP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide primary care for individuals and families from 13 years of age.

Dr. Maria Whyte, nurse practitioner program coordinator, said ANPs graduate with leadership skills and an understanding of evidence-based practice in health promotion, illness prevention and the management of acute and chronic illnesses.

“We have graduated six students so far, and we currently have 21 NP students in the program, all learning to develop patient education strategies, apply ethical and legal principles to complex health care situations and develop effective care plans,” Whyte said. “Often delegated clients with the most complex social and economic limitations, adult nurse practitioners are well suited to optimize health in a less than optimal health care system.”

Call the College of Nursing at (229) 333-5959 for more information.

The ANP program is accepting applications until Sunday, Nov. 15.