MONROE — SSM Health Monroe Hospital recently shared that Rich McLaughlin, APNP-CNP, Hospitalist, has been appointed as the Wisconsin State Liaison for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
The AANP state liaison plays a key role as the primary point of contact between Wisconsin’s nurse practitioners and AANP’s regional and national leadership. Liaisons help advance the interests of nurse practitioners and advocate for improved patient care at both the state and national levels.
This is an elected position with a one-year term. When the prior liaison relocated, AANP opened the position for appointment until the next election. McLaughlin applied, underwent a competitive vetting process, and was selected to serve.
With more than 30 years of advanced practice experience and 25 years as a certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, McLaughlin brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. His career spans cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, trauma, general surgery, and hospitalist medicine. He has also been a dedicated educator, presenting multiple workshops at the AANP National Conference from 2004 to 2022, and was named a Fellow of AANP in 2011.
“I feel that my years of experience in multiple subspecialties, along with my teaching experiences at AANP, helped me with this appointment,” McLaughlin said.
In his new role, McLaughlin is especially excited about supporting initiatives that will increase patient access to healthcare across Wisconsin.
He also sees strong connections between his work in Monroe and his new statewide responsibilities.
“The information from AANP helps keep nurse practitioners up to date with current national and state practice information,” he said. “At Monroe, all of our guidelines are based on best practice, and that aligns closely with AANP’s goals.”
Working in a rural hospital has also shaped McLaughlin’s perspective.
“In rural practice, we often have to cultivate skills across critical care, diabetes, procedures, and subspecialties since specialists aren’t always available,” he explained. “That experience strengthens my understanding of the challenges nurse practitioners face across Wisconsin.”
As a hospitalist, McLaughlin says he finds “managing critical care patients and performing critical care procedures” to be the most meaningful part of his role.
McLaughlin’s appointment reflects not only his deep clinical expertise but also his commitment to advancing the nurse practitioner profession. His leadership will help strengthen connections between local practice and national standards, ensuring Wisconsin’s nurse practitioners are well-supported and informed.
SSM Health Monroe Hospital congratulates McLaughlin on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the positive impact he will make in this leadership role.
