Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that demands continuous learning and career development. Professional nursing organizations are pivotal in offering networking opportunities, career advancement, and promoting best practice guidelines. These organizations provide resources and support that may not be available within an individual’s workplace, including mentoring and leadership development. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 11 nursing organizations that can significantly boost your nursing career.
1. National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
The NSNA supports nursing students, particularly those about to take their initial licensure examination. Nursing students can get valuable information here, such as career development, NCLEX review, and a chance to network with others in the same field. NSNA has over 60,000 members, which makes it a strong foundation for intending nurses.
2. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma)
Sigma is a world-renowned association that unites 135000 members and 700 chapters all around the globe. It was established in 1922, and it mainly deals with research, continuing nursing education, and training of leaders in the field. It provides multiple tools for enhancing nurse’s career and is intended to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2022.
3. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA, founded in 1896, is one of the largest and oldest nursing associations in the United States of America. It aims to improve nurses’ qualifications, treat ethical issues, and provide proper care for nurses themselves. The organization supports ANA members through new member support and education, provincial conferences and Mentoring, and consultant support. Additionally, the ANA is supplemented by its affiliates, including the American Academy of Nursing and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
4. National League for Nursing (NLN)
The NLN was established in early 1893 and is recognized as the first nursing organization in the United States of America to focus on nurse faculty and leaders in the nursing discipline. It provides online networking activities, professional improvement, assessment services, and funding for nursing research for its 40,000 individuals and 1100 institutional members.
5. American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS)
ABNS supports specialty nurse certification and has members with certification in nearly 930,000 Certified Registered Nurses worldwide. It aims to provide learning to practice lifelong and professional development to improve patient safety in healthcare organizations.
6. Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN)
AMSN is the largest specialty organization for medical-surgical nurses, with membership exceeding 11,000 members. Established in 1991, it provides clinical practice, employment, product and service information, and special sections for medical-surgical nursing.
7. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
The ENA has over 50,000 members working in emergency departments in their respective countries. It offers access to clinical information, employment, complimentary CE, and worldwide connections, making it the most critical emergency nurses’ association.
8. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
AACN is the largest specialty nursing association in the world, with over 120,000 members. It provides certification exam information and educational materials for critical care certification and other related events based on the SCCC’s principles and values, which include accountability, innovation, leadership, and collaboration.
9. American Academy of Nursing
This organization comprises the best-educated and most accomplished nursing leaders; more than 90% hold doctoral degrees. The Academy’s work to improve health care is based on research and practical work on policy-related projects for 2,800 Fellows of the institution to disseminate expert knowledge in nursing.
10. Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN)
OADN is a community college organization providing an associate-degree nursing education program. Because 51% of RNs start their career with an ADN, OADN serves its members, nurse educators, and student supporters through advocacy, professional development, and knowledge.
Conclusion
Engaging with professional nursing organizations is vital for career development. These organizations offer numerous benefits, from networking to continuing education. By joining these organizations, nurses can stay updated with industry standards, gain access to valuable resources, and advance their professional practice.
