Year in Review & Looking Ahead to 2026 | A Letter from Dr. Nancy A. Hurlock, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

A Letter from United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN) President- Dr. Nancy A. Hurlock, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

Year in Review & Looking Ahead to 2026

As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude, pride, and optimism on behalf of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia.

2025 has been a year of continued growth, resilience, and collective impact. Across the state, our chapters, councils, committees, and members have demonstrated what is possible when APRNs come together with purpose and intention. I am incredibly proud of the work accomplished and deeply thankful for the leadership, dedication, and service each of you has contributed to advancing our profession.

Celebrating Our Chapters
To our UAPRN Chapters: thank you for your leadership at the local level. Your advocacy, education, mentorship, and community engagement efforts are the heartbeat of this organization. Whether hosting meetings, supporting students, engaging legislators, or expanding membership, your work has strengthened UAPRN’s presence across Georgia and amplified the APRN voice where it matters most.

A Year of Strategic Progress
This past year, UAPRN continued to build momentum around shared governance, advocacy, and professional development. We strengthened internal collaboration, supported leadership development through ELEVATE Transition Program, expanded legislative engagement through the Government Relations Council (GRC), and laid important groundwork for the next phase of organizational growth.
After a year away, we were also proud to host a successful UAPRN Conference this past September, bringing APRNs together on a platform that united, empowered, and fostered true camaraderie. The conference served as a powerful reminder of the strength of our collective voice and the importance of creating space for connection, learning, and shared purposes.
As we look forward, we carry this momentum with us.

Representing the Full Scope of APRN Excellence
As a state organization, we must continue to do better in representing all our APRN colleagues.
Policy is undeniably a critical part of what UAPRN supports. It provides the pathway through legislation and advocacy to remove barriers and moves us closer to allowing APRNs to practice to the fullest extent of their education, training, and scope of practice. This work remains essential and unwavering.

However, we are so much more than policy alone.
We are mentors. We are educators. We are entrepreneurs. We are leaders.
My goal as President is to lead initiatives in 2026 that intentionally create platforms where all APRN talents can shine equally. We must ensure that every APRN role is seen, supported, and valued across all four pillars of advanced practice - Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Nurse Midwives.
UAPRN is strongest when every APRN sees themselves represented within this organization.

Looking Forward: Strategic Priorities for 2026
Our 2026 strategy centers on unity, shared governance, and elevating APRN voices, ensuring every chapter and every APRN is connected, informed, and empowered.

To support this vision, UAPRN will focus on the following six strategic priorities:

1. Strengthen Shared Governance: Align the State Board, GRC, ELEVATE Transition Program, Advisory Council, and Chapters under a cohesive governance model while standardizing communication pathways and decision-making processes.

2. Advance a Unified Legislative Agenda: Identify priority legislative initiatives for 2026 and provide consistent monthly legislative updates to support chapter-level advocacy alignment.

3. Increase Collaboration Across Chapters: Launch statewide initiatives that promote shared projects, cross-chapter mentoring, and quarterly Chapter Leadership Roundtables to foster alignment and peer support.

4. Enhance Membership Growth & Experience: Roll out a statewide membership campaign emphasizing One Organization, One Voice, while expanding CE opportunities, professional development, and onboarding support for new members and leaders.

5. Build Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and community partners, while expanding sponsorship opportunities and cultivating long-term collaborations.

6. Develop Leadership Capacity & Organizational Infrastructure: Formalize succession planning and expand leadership development through our upcoming “Calling All Leaders” initiative, while strengthening internal systems through standardized workflows and communication processes.

Calling All Leaders
As we prepare for the future, succession planning is essential. UAPRN is committed to intentionally developing the next generation of APRN leaders. In 2026, you will hear more about “Calling All Leaders,” an initiative designed to identify, mentor, and prepare members for leadership roles at both the chapter and state levels.
This is an open invitation to those ready to grow, serve, and help shape the future of our organization.

Looking Ahead to 2026: A Milestone Year
As we plan ahead, I am excited to share that our 2026 UAPRN Conference will mark a significant milestone as we celebrate

20 Years Stronger Together: Honoring the Legacy, Shaping the Future of APRNs.
This conference will reflect where we have been, celebrate how far we have come, and look boldly toward the future of advanced practice nursing in Georgia.

Closing Thoughts
UAPRN’s strength has always been rooted in its people. As we transition into 2026, I remain confident that together we will continue to lead with purpose, advocate with clarity, and move forward as a unified organization one that reflects the full depth, diversity, and excellence of advanced practice nursing.

Thank you for your commitment, your leadership, and your belief in the power of APRNs working together.

With gratitude and vision,
Dr. Nancy A. Hurlock, DNP, AGPCNP-BC President, United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN)