November 8–14, 2026 | National Nurse Practitioner Week
A little Botox, a little hormone talk, a whole lot of coffee, and a career that I genuinely love.
If you've been to Youthful You Aesthetics + Wellness, you probably know that I love talking about all things skin, hormones, wellness, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves.
But in honor of National Nurse Practitioner Week, I wanted to share something a little different.
A little about the profession I'm so proud to be part of, how nurse practitioners came to be, and why becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner has meant so much to me.
And believe it or not, the history of nurse practitioners is pretty interesting!
First, What Exactly Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner, or NP, is an advanced practice registered nurse who completes graduate-level clinical education and specialized training to evaluate, diagnose, and manage a variety of health conditions.
Depending on their specialty and state practice laws, nurse practitioners can perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.
But one of the things I love most about the NP profession is its foundation in nursing.
We're trained to consider more than just a diagnosis.
We look at the whole person.
Their symptoms, lifestyle, concerns, goals, and the things that matter most to them.
And that philosophy is a huge part of how I approach patient care at Youthful You.
A Little History: How Did Nurse Practitioners Get Started?
Here's something you might not know.
The Nurse Practitioner profession began in 1965!
At the University of Colorado, a nurse educator named Dr. Loretta Ford partnered with pediatrician Dr. Henry Silver to create the first Nurse Practitioner program.
At the time, many communities, particularly rural and underserved areas, struggled with access to primary healthcare.
Dr. Ford recognized that nurses had the knowledge, experience, and patient-centered perspective to take on expanded clinical responsibilities with additional education.
The first program focused on pediatric care, helping prepare nurses to provide preventive services and manage common childhood health concerns.
What began as an innovative idea eventually helped transform healthcare in the United States.
And I think that's pretty incredible.
From One Program to Hundreds of Thousands of NPs
The profession didn't stop growing.
By 1973, there were more than 65 Nurse Practitioner programs across the United States.
In 1985, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners was established, helping create a national voice for the profession. Today, that organization is known as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
And in 2026?
There are now more than 461,000 licensed Nurse Practitioners nationwide, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
NPs work in family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, mental health, and many other specialties.
It's amazing to think how far the profession has come in just over 60 years.
And I'm incredibly grateful for the people who helped pave the way.
My Journey: From Healthcare to Youthful You
Now, a little about me!
I'm Lisa Cheney, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, the founder and owner of Youthful You Aesthetics + Wellness in Peoria, Arizona.
I've been working in the medical field since 2009, and healthcare has been a huge part of my life for many years.
Over time, my passion for aesthetics grew into something much bigger.
I loved helping patients feel more confident in their appearance, but I also became increasingly interested in what was happening beneath the surface.
Hormones.
Energy.
Metabolism.
Sleep.
Overall wellness.
Because sometimes the person sitting in front of you isn't just concerned about a wrinkle or a change in their skin.
They're exhausted.
They're frustrated with changes in their body.
They don't feel like themselves anymore.
And they want someone to actually listen.
That desire to provide more comprehensive care was a major part of what made becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner such a meaningful next step in my career.
Becoming an NP While Building a Business and Raising a Family
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that growth doesn't always happen at the most convenient time.
Along with building and running Youthful You, I'm also a wife and a mom of three.
Life is busy!
And pursuing my Nurse Practitioner education while balancing family, business ownership, and patient care was certainly an adventure.
There were long days, busy schedules, and plenty of moments when I had to remind myself why I started.
But I knew where I wanted to take Youthful You.
I wanted to create a practice where aesthetics and wellness could come together.
A place where patients could receive thoughtful, individualized care focused on both how they look and how they feel.
Earning my Family Nurse Practitioner certification helped make that vision possible.
And I'm so grateful I kept going.
Why My Approach to Patient Care Is a Little Different
One of the things I value most about being a Nurse Practitioner is having the opportunity to connect with patients.
I don't want you to feel like you're just another appointment on the schedule.
I want to understand what's bringing you in.
What you're concerned about.
What you've tried.
And what you're hoping to achieve.
Whether we're discussing Botox, dermal fillers, hormone symptoms, or laboratory results, my philosophy remains the same.
Listen first. Educate always. Create a plan that makes sense for the individual.
In aesthetics, I've always believed that less is more.
The goal isn't to make everyone look the same.
It's to enhance your natural features while maintaining balance.
And when it comes to wellness, I believe it's important to consider your symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings together rather than focusing on a single lab result.
Not every symptom is caused by hormones, and not every patient needs the same treatment.
Personalized care means recognizing those differences.
Where Aesthetics Meets Wellness
One of the most exciting parts of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner has been expanding the vision of Youthful You.
Aesthetics will always have a special place in my heart.
I love the artistry, precision, and confidence that thoughtful aesthetic treatments can provide.
But I also love helping patients better understand their health.
Today, Youthful You brings together medical aesthetics and wellness services, including individualized hormone evaluations and treatment planning when appropriate.
Because feeling confident isn't always about what you see in the mirror.
Sometimes it's about having the energy to enjoy your family.
Sleeping better.
Understanding why your body feels different.
Or simply feeling heard after struggling to find answers.
That's the kind of care I want Youthful You to represent.
Celebrating the NPs Who Came Before Us
As we celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week, I want to recognize the incredible nurses and nurse practitioners who helped build this profession.
From Dr. Loretta Ford and the first NP program in 1965 to the hundreds of thousands of NPs caring for patients today, the profession has continued to evolve.
And I feel fortunate to be part of it.
To my fellow nurse practitioners, thank you for the work you do, the patients you advocate for, and the dedication you bring to healthcare.
And to the nurses who are currently working toward becoming NPs, keep going.
The long nights, studying, clinical hours, and sacrifices are worth it.
And Finally, Thank You to My Patients
I couldn't end this post without saying thank you.
To every patient who has trusted me with their aesthetic goals, hormone concerns, or wellness journey, I appreciate you more than you know.
To everyone who has supported Youthful You as we've grown, thank you for allowing me to continue doing what I love.
And to my team and family, thank you for being part of this journey.
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner wasn't just about earning another title.
It was about continuing to grow, expanding how I could care for patients, and building something meaningful.
And I truly believe the best chapters are still ahead.
Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week! 🤍
With gratitude,
Lisa Cheney, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Founder & Owner
Youthful You Aesthetics + Wellness
Peoria, Arizona