In recognition of the countless contributions that nurse practitioners (NPs) have made over the past 60 years and will continue to make to the health and well-being of Californians, Nov. 12-18 has been designated Nurse Practitioner Week.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice-registered nurses who provide comprehensive health care to communities throughout the country including in Santa Barbara County.
They diagnose and treat illness, provide reproductive care, prescribe medications and other treatments through a caring, patient-centered model of care.
This year, Sara Thurman RN, is being recognized as Person of the Year by the Santa Barbara County Chapter – California Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Thurman has a distinguished career in health care with education in environmental science, Chinese Medicine and a master of science in nursing. She is board-certified and currently serves Planned Parenthood in informatics, gender-affirming care and women’s health.
Thurman is an advocate for women’s rights and access to quality care for all. She was a founding member of the Santa Barbara County Chapter-CANP in 2016, and has served on the board as treasurer and president, and continues as an at-large board member and an advisor for current board members.
The chapter will celebrate Thurman’s award at a member’s meeting, Nov. 8 in Santa Barbara.