In the vast world of health and medicine, there are roles that often work behind the scenes yet are essential to ensuring healthcare systems operate with quality, compassion, and efficiency. Today, we want to honor one of these key roles: the nurse practitioner. As we celebrate Nurse Practitioner Day, observed every November 12, we recognize their unmatched impact on the lives of thousands and their vital presence in fields like assisted reproduction. What is a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners (NPs) are highly trained professionals who combine nursing expertise with advanced clinical studies. They are authorized to perform many of the same functions as physicians, such as: Beyond their technical skills, what sets nurse practitioners apart is their holistic and patient-centered approach. This allows them to form deep human connections, offer emotional support, and identify well-being issues that often go unnoticed. An indispensable role in reproductive health In the field of assisted reproduction, nurse practitioners are pillars of support and trust for those facing infertility diagnoses or exploring alternative ways to have a baby. From the very first consultation, their presence is essential to: At institutes like Ingenes, their role goes far beyond the clinical: they are often the first to hear someone’s fears, doubts, or hopes when dreaming of becoming a parent. And that closeness creates an emotional impact that goes beyond medicine. A professional profile with a human vision Nurse practitioners are healthcare professionals with graduate-level education, usually master’s degrees in nursing, and in many countries, they hold specific licenses that allow them to practice independently. But beyond credentials, there is something no classroom can teach: their ability to be present not just technically, but humanly. This trait is especially valuable in areas with a strong emotional component, like fertility. Those who have spent years trying to conceive, gone through multiple treatments, or experienced pregnancy loss, often find in these professionals a bridge of trust between science and hope. Nurse Practitioners in the U.S.: stats and reality In the United States, nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): These figures reflect what patients already know: NPs are a transformative force in the healthcare system, especially in rural or high-demand areas. Why do they have their own day? Nurse Practitioner Day is more than a symbolic date. It’s a call to recognize, value, and uplift the work of these professionals—work that often goes unseen. It is celebrated on November 12 in honor of Loretta Ford, pioneer of the modern nurse practitioner role and co-founder of the first NP program in 1965. Her legacy has enabled millions to access healthcare that is approachable, accessible, personalized, and deeply human. What are we celebrating at Ingenes? At Ingenes, we proudly celebrate the impact every nurse practitioner has had on our more than 75,000 baby stories. We know that every embryo transfer, every accurate diagnosis, and every successful treatment has been supported by the silent, constant, and compassionate work of these professionals. Thanks to them: Cases where their role is essential Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen hundreds of examples where NPs played a decisive role: In all these cases, their presence makes the difference. Promote their continued education Academic programs, scholarships, and training opportunities ensure they stay current on the latest medical advances. Include them in clinical decision-making Not as assistants, but as key figures in designing and evaluating protocols—especially in complex fields like assisted reproduction. Raise awareness about their work Many people don’t fully understand all that an NP can offer. Making their role more visible also empowers patients to seek and recognize more humanized care. A heartfelt call to celebrate If you’ve ever received care from a nurse practitioner, you know how special their support can be. The way they look, listen, hold a hand, or explain a procedure can profoundly change the medical experience. In a world where medicine advances at lightning speed, and machines and algorithms take up more space, the compassionate and empathetic care they provide reminds us that healthcare is also an act of love. Conclusion On Nurse Practitioner Day, we at Ingenes want to thank all the nurse practitioners who have been part of our stories. In every case we care for, in every baby born into the world, there is a network of people who made it possible. And among them, they are there: with a calm smile, an attentive gaze, and an unshakable commitment to life.