2024 America’s Top Nurse Practitioners Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Patient Care and Professional Leadership

POCN’s Annual Award Program Highlights the Vital Role of NPs in Communities Nationwide During National NP Week

BOONTON, N.J. – November 12, 2024 – As National Nurse Practitioner Week (November 10-16) unfolds, POCN, the U.S.’s largest network for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates (PAs), proudly announces its 2024 America’s Top NP Awards. These awards celebrate NPs who excel in providing high-quality care, expanding healthcare access, and demonstrating leadership among healthcare professionals. Nominated by their peers, these honorees embody the dedication and expertise that define the NP profession. 2024 marks the 8th year of the America’s Top NP Awards

Today, 30 states grant NPs full practice authority, reinforcing their impact on health outcomes across diverse fields, as shown in studies linking expanded NP practice with improved health indicators. U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes NPs among the best healthcare roles, highlighting their crucial place within the broader medical landscape. NPs continue to drive essential health services, with over 270 million patient visits annually, representing a growing share of prescriptions and playing a pivotal role in healthcare delivery, especially for underserved populations.

The 2024 America’s Top NP winners have made remarkable contributions, including:

  • Fostering peer support and leadership within the NP field
  • Advancing patient care and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Expanding care options for underserved communities

Alongside NP leaders, POCN celebrates this year’s recipients for their dedication and transformative work in healthcare.

This year’s honorees include:

  • Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAANP (Dermatology)
  • Sandra Christensen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, MFOMA, FAANP (Obesity Medicine)*
  • Paul Di Flauro, NP,BMTCN (Hematology/Oncology)
  • Ericka Brunson-Gillespie, DNP, RN, AGACNP-BC (Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine)*
  • Josh Hamilton, DNP, RN/PMH-BC, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CNE, CTMH, CNE, CLNC, FAANP (Psychiatry)
  • Heather Jackson, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAANP (Pain Management)*
  • Davida Kruger, MSN, APN-BC, BC-ADM (Endocrinology)
  • Kathy Marshall, NP (Endocrinology)*
  • David McCaskill, FNP-C, ACNP (Cardiovascular Medicine)*
  • Renee Ott, MSNm, FNP-C (Dermatology)*
  • Kelly Papesh, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC (Neurology)
  • Lisa Richards, FNP-BC, AF-AASLD (Hepatology)*
  • Ashley Whitlatch, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C (Urgent Care)
  • Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP (Family Medicine)
  • Laura Zitella, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, AOCN (Oncology)

*First time winner

“We are honored to recognize this outstanding group of NPs whose dedication drives meaningful change for patients, colleagues, and underserved communities,” says Richard Zwickel, founder and CEO of POCN. “Their accomplishments underscore the critical role NPs play in healthcare. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for their contributions.”

Winners of the 2024 America’s Top NP Awards will receive:

  • Annual membership of a professional organization of their choice
  • Recognition through POCN’s media channels, including features on POCN+ and other platforms
  • An advisory role to POCN, helping to shape future initiatives supporting NPs and PAs

POCN’s commitment to NPs and PAs is reflected in its mission to unite these professionals through networking, education, and resources that elevate patient care. To learn more about POCN and its programs, visit www.pocn.com.

About POCN

POCN, the largest network for NPs and PAs in the U.S., serves over 740,000 members by providing resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs that enhance healthcare outcomes. The organization is dedicated to elevating the roles of NPs and PAs through advocacy, access to professional development, and support services. For more information, visit www.pocn.com.