Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession?
QUESTION
Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession?
Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession?
ANSWER
Professional development is a vital phase of lifelong learning in which nurses engage to develop and maintain competence, enhance professional nursing practice, and support achievement of career goals, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2010).
The American Nurses Association is one of more than 100 national nursing organizations (Matthews, 2012). Nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) have a broad focus, encompassing the entire nursing profession. Whereas organizations such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the Society of Pediatric Nurses, and the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses are focused on disease processes (diabetes, renal, cardiac), healthcare settings (hospital, clinic, surgical), age (pediatrics, geriatrics), or advanced practice (Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Executives, and Nurse Educators) (Matthews, 2012).
You may be wondering, “What’s in it for me?” What role do Nursing Organizations play in my professional development? The answer is straightforward: Nursing organizations may be the backbone of professional development.
Membership in a nursing organization brings you together with your peers. When nurses band together, we have a much stronger political voice at the local, state, and national levels. Consider the recent events in which the hosts of a daytime talk show sparked outrage by dismissing nursing as a valuable profession. Nurses banded together, took a stand, and spoke with one voice, prompting the show to issue an official apology. The ANA issued a statement in which it validated the nursing community’s response and accepted the apology (2015).
A professional nursing organization membership provides nurses with opportunities for continuing education, certification, role-related competencies, and educational conferences. Changes in healthcare occur almost on a daily basis. Joining a nursing organization that supports your specialty or population of practice puts nurses on the cutting edge of practice changes. Nursing organizations promote and encourage their members to use evidence-based practice. Nurses who are certified in their specialty will find that their nursing professional organization provides relevant continuing education. Annual nursing conferences are held by many nursing organizations. These conferences bring nurses from all over the country, and sometimes the world, together to share knowledge and best practices. They also provide an opportunity to network with nursing colleagues from all over the world.
Professional development does not end with nursing school graduation; rather, it begins with passing the NCLEX. Professional development is a lifelong process that necessitates active participation. Joining a nursing organization is just one option to consider as you work toward becoming a professional nurse.
Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession?