The 4 State APN group was initiated by the University of Missouri-Kansas City's graduating class of 1996 in order to enhance collaboration and cohesiveness among area Advanced Practice Nurses.

The first officers elected were graduates of that class. All of the initial members were Family Nurse Practitioners. Today, there are Adult, Family, Women's Health, Pediatric, Maternal-Child, Psychiatric, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners within the group. In addition, 4 State APN's members now represent many universities.

Although the original intent was for collegiality and continued education, the group now looks at issues that affect Advanced Practice Nursing.

The 4 State APN organization is the only group with members of the AANP Organization within the State of Missouri. Official meetings are on a quarterly basis.

All Advanced Practice Nurses and graduate students are encouraged to become group members.

The 4 State APN group is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, which is the largest and only full-service professional membership organization in the United States for General Nurse Practitioners of all specialties. AANP's mission includes:

• Promoting excellence in Nurse Practitioner practice, education and research;
• Advancing health policy for access to high quality, cost effective healthcare for all;
• Serving as a resource for Nurse Practitioners, the healthcare community and consumers;
• and acting as a leader in the national and global community.