Bob Smithing
Bob Smithing, MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, FAANP, graduated from nursing school in 1979 and completed his master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner in 1981. At the time he began his nurse practitioner career, the profession was only 15 years old.
In the decades since then, Smithing has been at the forefront of the profession.
He helped demonstrate the viability and value of NP-led primary care through his work with multiple organizations. In 1985, he co-founded and led Health Connections, a comprehensive health and medical practice using family nurse practitioners. And in 2005, Smithing and partner Maddy Wiley, also a nurse practitioner, founded FamilyCare of Kent, a multi-NP practice that Smithing would lead for 17 years.
Smithing has been an exemplary leader for his peers, students, and advanced practice nursing as a profession. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including President of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (now the American Association of Nurse Practitioners), and has served as the Executive Director of ARNPs United of Washington for 20 years.
Smithing’s deep commitment also shows in his work to build the profession. He has mentored advanced practice students for decades as a preceptor and classroom educator, including as graduate faculty at Pacific Lutheran University and affiliate faculty at the University of Washington, as well as education roles at Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Highline College, City University, LaSalle University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
His contributions go far beyond those he has directly cared for, taught, or mentored. By founding and editing ARNP Care and leading NP Central—one of the earliest and most influential NP-focused online platforms—Smithing created enduring mechanisms for NPs to share clinical knowledge, policy updates, and practice innovations. His decades of contributions to multiple NP journals have helped shape how nurse practitioners think about practice development, quality, and the profession as a whole.
Smithing has been recognized many times, including receiving the AANP Washington State Award for Excellence, Washington Health Alliance patient experience honors, WSNA “Best Practice” award, and multiple “Seattle Met Top Nurse Practitioner” awards.