PING

1. noun: a short high-pitched sound, as in a tap on a crystal glass

2. verb1: the process by which a computer network tool sends a request to test whether a particular host is reachable across an IP network

3. verb2: to network or meet, as in a business or social gathering; to contact a person briefly, especially electronically

4. acronym: PING, the practitioner's interactive networking group

       PING, The Practitioner's Interactive Networking Group, based in New York, was developed by a nurse practitioner who felt strongly that most, if not all health care clinicians should strengthen their professional and intellectual development in areas such as education, public speaking, entrepreneurialism, research and publication.  Thus, maintaining or improving the clinical skill-set is simply not enough.  Self-motivated feats of this nature are well-known for their complexity in initiating and maintaining without adequate peer support and guidance. 

The reasoning behind this model was to assist health care clinicians in remaining professionally competitive in all realms.   However, it became plausible that this endeavor could ultimately parallel, and optimistically, surpass future standards in the requirements of health care providers, on a whole.  The shaping of well-versed and well-read health care providers may very well lend itself to the highest standards in patient care. 

Additionally, the constituents of the PING believe that interdisciplinary and intra-disciplinary collaboration are key in helping to overcome the likely apprehension that a clinician may face when choosing to veer off the "beaten path".   It is felt that peer support may well be a strong indicator for both individual and group success, alike. 

Thus, the PING, provides an avenue for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, physician assistants and other health care clinicians an opportunity to PING; to network, and to improve peer-to-peer relations while providing collegial support aimed at an individual’s professional aspirations.   

The primary objectives of the PING are to assist in creating a well informed, well rounded and well connected society of health care providers through interactive networking and corroboration.  Detailed objectives are listed and may be viewed on the Goals page.