By Laura Gasque
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Instructor Alexandra Armstrong, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-AC (MSN 2014), has been named a National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Emerging Leader. NAPNAP is recognizing 50 emerging leaders as part of its “50 Forward” anniversary celebration.
“It is such an honor to be named an emerging leader for NAPNAP. The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners is at the forefront in education, research and practice for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners,” Armstrong said. “It has been wonderful being involved with NAPNAP professionally as a state officer, presenter, foster care education committee member and now through a publication in The Journal of Pediatric Health Care.”
Each state chapter and Special Interest Group nominated one emerging leader from across the country, representing the diverse experience and expertise in the profession and association. The Alabama chapter nominated Armstrong for her passion for vulnerable pediatric populations, including underprivileged patients, children who have undergone adverse childhood events, and high-risk pediatric diabetes patients.
Armstrong will be featured on NAPNAP’s website and social media channels during the year as well as honored during the 44th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care in Orlando in March.
“I am so thankful for the relationships formed through NAPNAP that have allowed me to advance in my career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner,” Armstrong said. “NAPNAP’s values align well with the School’s mission to shape patient-centered, equitable health care. NAPNAP has avenues to advance in practice, scholarship and education through publication and professional conferences. Their values align with the UAB SON through their joint devotion for lifelong learning, leadership, innovation in practice and research, professional integrity and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Armstrong is a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner at Children’s of Alabama. She has served NAPNAP’s Alabama Chapter as president for 2020-2021 and secretary for 2021-2022. Her work investigating the hospital regulation of pediatric nurse practitioner practice has been published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, and she presented her research at NAPNAP’s national conference in 2022. Armstrong also serves on the Junior Board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Alabama.
