POCN Names Akunesokwu (Neso) Obiora as Q3 NP/PA Community Advocacy Award Winner

Palliative care nurse practitioner Akunesokwu (Neso) Obiora, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, was selected for her unparalleled patient care and advocacy, inspiring career path, and dedication to the advancement of the nurse practitioner (NP) and physician associate (PA) professions.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – November 2, 2022POCN, the largest nurse practitioner (NP) and physician associate (PA) network in the U.S., has announced Akunesokwu (Neso) Obiora, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, as its Q3 NP/PA Community Advocacy Award winner. The award recognizes and supports NPs and PAs who go above and beyond for their peers and respective communities. Obiora is a community-based palliative care NP at MJHS, one of the largest community-based not-for-profit health systems in the Greater New York Area.

“Neso is one of the premier examples of why NPs and PAs are central to our communities and health profession,” says Richard Zwickel, Founder and CEO of POCN. “She brings an unparalleled perspective to patient care and advocacy, making a real difference in the lives of her patients and their families. We want to extend a sincere congratulations to Neso on this well-deserved recognition.”

Born in Nigeria, Obiora started her career in the U.S. as a home health aide nearly two decades ago. Driven by her passion for caring for patients, she returned to school to become an LPN and RN before earning her NP license.

Building on her inspiring career path, Obiora joined MJHS in 2021 as a community-based NP. Guided by the core values of compassion, dignity and respect, the patient advocate travels to the homes of patients who are living with an advanced or chronic illness across New York City and Long Island, NY and focuses on ways to help improve their quality of life.

“Week after week, New York City patients welcome me into their homes. Once I build patient trust and a bond is formed, it’s easier for me to offer the referring provider an unvarnished and fuller picture of who the patient is and what the person needs in order to be as independent and healthy as possible. This is part of the reason why I love being a community-based NP and why being acknowledged by POCN is so meaningful,” said Obiora.

In recognition of the award and Obiora’s dedication to her community, POCN is making a financial contribution to MJHS Foundation in her honor to further its mission to provide quality care, programs and services to at-risk New Yorkers.

POCN is now accepting nominations for its Q4 2022 NP/PA Community Advocacy Award winner. Nominations can be submitted by emailing ambassadorsupport@pocn.com with information about the nominee, their story and cause.

To learn more about POCN, visit: https://www.pocn.com.

About POCN

POCN, the largest network of NPs and PAs, is a trusted source for over 400,000 NPs/PAs who utilize POCN to connect with their peers, support and shape NP/PA education, stay up to date on the latest healthcare news, find earning opportunities, including their next jobs, and access resources to improve patient outcomes. Traditionally, the physician community has received the majority of funding and resourcing, resulting in an underappreciation of the NP/PA community. POCN recognizes the need to advocate, support, and educate NPs and PAs. The organization does this through data and support services. For more information, visit www.pocn.com.

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