Networks
Specialty Practice Interest Networks (commonly referred to as Networks) are recognized only with the approval of the NPA Board of Directors and represent the following:
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Specialty represents the special services provided by pharmacists.
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Practice represents the site where pharmacists currently practice.
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Interest represents the areas of practice that pharmacists are interested in (other than the areas in which they practice).
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Networks represent the method of communication used with the NPA for the practice of pharmacy.
NPA Networks are free for members to join, and you can participate in as many networks as you'd like. Our Networks cover various pharmacy areas such as compounding, chains, and long-term care. Joining a network will allow you to expand your professional network and stay current on the latest developments in that area.
Academia Network
The NPA Academia Network is suited explicitly for pharmacists involved in educating the next generation of pharmacists. The network addresses the faculty needs of Nebraska’s two schools of pharmacy. This may include addressing not only issues that affect faculty members but also those that affect our students and the future practice of pharmacy.
Network Chair, Nicole Nielsen PharmD, RP, BCACP, APh, MEHP, CDCES
Ambulatory Care Network
Ambulatory care pharmacy practice is a rapidly expanding opportunity for pharmacists to ensure safe, effective, and affordable medication therapies. Focused on patient-centered services, collaboration with healthcare teams, and promotion of optimal medication management, this approach helps improve access to healthcare, enhance medication adherence, and support the management of chronic conditions in the community. The NPA Ambulatory Care Network is targeted at pharmacists who provide pharmaceutical services in clinic settings outside hospitals or community pharmacies. The Network helps ambulatory care pharmacists stay updated with clinical practices through educational programming and connects with others to enhance pharmacy practice in the ambulatory care setting.
Network Chair, Allyson Helms, PharmD, RP, BCPS, BCACP, MS HSPA
Chain Network
Chain pharmacies in Nebraska, as across the country, operate in an environment of rapid change: increasing consolidation, shifting reimbursement models, growing payer and PBM complexity, mounting operational demands, and developing expectations for patient-care services. These pressures make it more important than ever for chain pharmacists to collaborate, share best practices, and speak with a unified voice on issues that affect patient access, professional standards, and sustainable practice.
Our Network goals are:
The NPA Academia Network is suited explicitly for pharmacists involved in educating the next generation of pharmacists. The network addresses the faculty needs of Nebraska’s two schools of pharmacy. This may include addressing not only issues that affect faculty members but also those that affect our students and the future practice of pharmacy.
Network Chair, Nicole Nielsen PharmD, RP, BCACP, APh, MEHP, CDCES
Ambulatory Care Network
Ambulatory care pharmacy practice is a rapidly expanding opportunity for pharmacists to ensure safe, effective, and affordable medication therapies. Focused on patient-centered services, collaboration with healthcare teams, and promotion of optimal medication management, this approach helps improve access to healthcare, enhance medication adherence, and support the management of chronic conditions in the community. The NPA Ambulatory Care Network is targeted at pharmacists who provide pharmaceutical services in clinic settings outside hospitals or community pharmacies. The Network helps ambulatory care pharmacists stay updated with clinical practices through educational programming and connects with others to enhance pharmacy practice in the ambulatory care setting.
Network Chair, Allyson Helms, PharmD, RP, BCPS, BCACP, MS HSPA
Chain Network
Chain pharmacies in Nebraska, as across the country, operate in an environment of rapid change: increasing consolidation, shifting reimbursement models, growing payer and PBM complexity, mounting operational demands, and developing expectations for patient-care services. These pressures make it more important than ever for chain pharmacists to collaborate, share best practices, and speak with a unified voice on issues that affect patient access, professional standards, and sustainable practice.
Our Network goals are:
- Improve reimbursement: advocate for fair, transparent, and sustainable payment models that recognize the clinical and dispensing services chain pharmacists provide.
- Enhance workplace engagement: support programs and resources that improve job satisfaction, staff retention, professional development, and workplace safety.
- Amplify representation: elevate chain pharmacy's presence in public policy, regulatory conversations, and statewide health-care planning so the perspective of chain practitioners is heard and reflected in decision-making.
This group offers opportunities to network, exchange best practices, and share resources with others in the same practice setting.
Network Chair, Sarah Dennis, PharmD, RP
Compounding Network
Compounding is essential to pharmacy practice, and our patients and healthcare providers rely on us as medication experts to put patient safety first. Compounding has made significant advances over the past few decades, but regulation and scrutiny from regulatory bodies and accreditation organizations have also increased. Best practices constantly evolve as new methods, products, and technologies are developed, so staying on top of these changes is vitally important. The NPA Compounding Network aims to help inform and educate pharmacists and technicians on changing rules and regulations and share best compounding practices. This group will also allow you to network with other pharmacists and technicians involved in sterile and non-sterile compounding.
Network Chair, Suanne Slavik, PharmD, RP
Hospital/Health-System Network
The Hospital/Health-System Network supports a wide range of pharmacist, intern, and technician roles in acute care settings with a broad scope of services (inpatient and outpatient) across Nebraska. The network aims to educate and inform members, advocate for regulatory changes, build a platform for best practices, and provide a place to network and collaborate. The Hospital/Health-System Network is also the Nebraska affiliate of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This mutually supportive relationship provides a wealth of resources and connections used to support our network and our individual members.
Network Chair, Theresa Smith, PharmD, RP, BCPS
Independent Network
Independent community pharmacy is a vital component of pharmacy practice. Independents provide healthcare in underserved areas and constantly offer innovative services that allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. In the last several years, independent pharmacies have been attacked from several angles, and new opportunities have arisen. Independents must continue to evolve and defend our vital space in the healthcare arena. Being a member of the Independent Network allows us to band together to improve patient care, fight for adequate reimbursement, and defend against harmful legislation. The Network provides a method to connect to discuss best practices, get practice updates, and consult with other practitioners fighting the same battles.
Network Chair, Ashley Dendinger, PharmD, RP
Industry Network
The Industry Network section of NPA strives to build a bridge between Industry and Pharmacy Practice. Our aim is to foster a forum for educational partnerships in medical information and scientific exchange, interface for policy and advocacy discussions centered on patient impact and health equity, and collaboration with pharmacists and pharmacies across the state to advance the safe, effective, and equitable use of medicines. We are looking for members who want to identify, create, and execute strategies that heighten engagement in the Industry Network section with the rest of the NPA membership.
Network Chair, Estella Davis, PharmD, RP
Long-Term Care Network
The rules and regulations of long-term care present their unique challenges for this field of pharmacy practice. The NPA Long-Term Care Network aims to connect pharmacists and technicians across the state to provide education, network with peers, and advocate for new and improved legislation. Our facility partners depend on us to serve as the medication experts of the interdisciplinary care team. The network's educational programs and other resources will give you the tools you need to succeed.
Network Chair, Caitlynn McManaman, PharmD, RP
New Practitioner Network
One of the most difficult and exciting times in our careers is transitioning from student to practitioner. This network is for anyone who has graduated in the past ten years and wants to connect with fellow pharmacists. We are here for you to ask any questions that may come up or to help you in any way as you establish yourself in the profession. Our events bring mature and new practitioners together and involve finances.
Network Chair, Jessica Cumber, PharmD, RP
To join a Network, log in to your NPA member account.
