Examine the importance of professional associations in nursing. Choose a professional nursing organization that relates to your specialty area, or a specialty area in which you are interested. In a 750-1,000 word paper, provide a detailed overview the organization and its advantages for members. Include the following:
- Describe the organization and its significance to nurses in the specialty area. Include its purpose, mission, and vision. Describe the overall benefits, or “perks,” of being a member.
- Explain why it is important for a nurse in this specialty field to network. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for nurses.
- Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area.
- Discuss opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
References:
Explore the Advocacy page of the American Nurses Association (ANA) website.
URL:https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/
Read Chapter 5 in Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science of Professional Practice.
this is the chapter 5
By June Helbig
“… nurses provide services that maintain respect for human dignity and embrace the uniqueness of each patient and the nature of his or her health problems, without restriction with regard to social or economic status.” (American Nurses Association, n.d.a, para 1)
Essential Questions
- What significance does joining a professional organization have on nursing practice?
- How can nurses contribute to legislative changes that impact nursing practice and patient outcomes?
- Why is evidence-based practice (EBP) the gold standard in patient care protocol improvements?
Introduction
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) there are currently 3.6 million registered nurses in the United States (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.b, para 12). The ANA is a professional nursing organization, which began when fewer than 20 nurses attended a convention in 1896. Nurses at the time were concerned with nursing practice standards and nurse competency. The ANA has since grown into an organization with interests in improving health care and setting standards for nursing practice. All nurses are represented regardless of status within the organization. The goal of professional organizations is to support nurses and improve the profession (ANA, n.d.c).
This chapter will explore the significance of joining professional organizations and how nursing can contribute to legislative changes that may affect patient outcomes as well as the work environment of the nurse. Professional nursing organizations are responsible for the development and certification of nurses interested in improving health care and providing safe quality nursing care. Through participation in professional organizations, nurses can actively contribute to legislative changes that can affect patient care and the way they conduct their work. Nurses are continually looking for and exploring new ways to provide patients with quality care. Nurses perform studies looking for new and innovative ways to provide care. The use of evidence-based practices (EBP)has become the gold standard for providing safe, quality care to patients.
