Welcome back to another ISAPN Member Spotlight! Wanting the full advantages of Full Practice Authority is one thing, experiencing it and then losing it is another. This week's member tells her story, and stresses the importance of ISAPNs goal – giving APRNs every opportunity to grow.

Alyssa Smolen

 

What are your credentials? 

DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WCC

 

How long have you been a member of ISAPN?

3 years - I joined when we moved from Iowa in 2021

 

What is your area of practice/specialty?

I currently work in Internal Med but will be transitioning to a full time wound care in an outpatient wound clinic in 2 weeks!

 

If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go and why? 

I have always wanted to go to Australia - I participated in an Australian pen pal program as part of a summer University for Kids program in 3rd grade and have wanted to visit ever since!

 

How many years have you worked in healthcare? 

11 years

 

What inspired you to become a member of ISAPN?

I was involved in the Iowa Nurse Practitioner Society as a student and saw the networking and education benefits being a member of the state NP society offered. After I graduated from my DNP program, we moved to IL. I knew I wanted to be a member. Moving from a state with true, unencumbered full practice authority for all APNs, I understood the advantages that this offers our profession. Because of the efforts of ISAPN, IL has made tremendous progress towards this. I continue to be a member of ISAPN to continue to support APNs in the state and all of the work ISAPN does to support us in the capital.

 

What is your favorite book?

Recently I have been enjoying historical fiction - the Rose Code by Kate Quinn was one I enjoyed!

 

If you couldn't be an APRN, what other job would you try? 

I LOVE coffee - I would love to try out being a barista or even coffee roaster to learn more about different beans, roasts, and how to make a fancy design on the top of a latte.

 

How has being a member of ISAPN benefited you?

As a board member for the past 2 years I have seen first-hand how much ISAPN does to make sure that APNs are at the table in Springfield. I recognize how much goes into continuing to advocate and support our role at a state level. I am very grateful that ISAPN has a team of experts to protect our role and scope of practice now and into the future.

 

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a student. What would it be? 

Be open to new experiences and specialties. What I thought I wanted to do as a BSN student and then again in my FNP program are very different from where I have ended up. I never imagined specializing in wound care, but as a result of a variety of experiences both as a RN and APN, I have found this was an unexpected area I enjoy and am passionate about!

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join ISAPN today!