Dr. Geraldine Young (‘05) to make global impact on healthcare with induction as Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
A distinguished practitioner and educator whose path began at Alcorn State University has been selected for an honor in a prestigious medical organization.
Dr. Geraldine Q, Young, a 2005 graduate and former assistant professor at Alcorn's Department of Graduate Nursing, will become a 2019 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) during the New Fellows Orientation Luncheon and Induction Ceremony Thursday, June 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The purpose of FAANP is to provide a forum to extend and enhance Fellow's efforts to mentor and to facilitate leadership development of nurse practitioners (NPs). Representing the interests of the more than 248,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties.
The induction makes young Young, a Greenville, Mississippi native who earned a master's degree in nursing in 2005, feel accomplished because of all of the challenges she conquered to reach this level in her career.
"I am elated to be selected as a 2019 Fellow," said Young. "This honor represents the adversities that I have experienced on the trajectory to serve others, by any means necessary, in the realm of nursing education and practice. My endurance through it all is paying off."
The new role provides Young with an opportunity that she has pursued for a while. She's excited to have a bigger platform to reach out and assist other nurses in the field.
"At this point in my life, I am at the pinnacle of my career. The service that I provide is broad; thus, I can reach more people. This has always been my goal."
Motivating both young and seasoned nurses is one of Young's priorities during her fellowship.
"Coexistence as a clinician, educator, business owner, and advocate is a strength because it provides me with an opportunity to encourage others and build a support system for prospective and existing nurse practitioners."
Young encourages other nurses to work hard so that they can be selected as Fellows in the future.