Professional Association Membership Paper
Professional Association Membership Paper
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.
American Nurses Association (ANA) is the umbrella body that has represented the interests of all registered nurses operating in the USA for more than 100 years. Founded in 1896, the association’s current roster has approximately 4 million members spread across 50 states and territories. ANA’s purpose is to improve nurse care provision at both the individual and organization level through credentialing and legislative activities that influence policies while offering nurses the opportunities for success. ANA’s vision is to unify all registered nurses into a powerful force that can engage stakeholders while transforming health care. Its mission is to advance the nurse profession to improve health care. In joining ANA, a member would enjoy six primary benefits. Firstly, there are opportunities for career advancement through training programs, certification and career advice. Secondly, a member can stay current through being informed about what is going on. The information is provided through periodicals, journals, websites, databases, and other publications. Thirdly, there are opportunities for saving money through association discounts for members, such as student loan solutions, financial planning, and insurance discounts. Fourthly, members are offered a networking platform that makes use of conferences, meetings and communication technologies such as social media to link peers. Finally, it offers members an opportunity for their voices to be hear at the local, state and federal levels (American Nurses Association, 2019). Professional Association Membership Paper
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Explain why it is important for a nurse in this specialty field to network. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for nurses.
Professional networking are deliberate communication opportunities intended to target relationships for building, reinforcement and maintenance. At this point the objective is to engender trust in the relationship even as professional and personal goals are advanced. Networking activities serves seven functions for nurses. Firstly, it allows them to engage in self-promotion where each individual establishes himself as a professional. Secondly, it ensures that other professionals can identify the individual in terms of professional activities and achievements. Thirdly, unwinding from professional stress within a comfortable environment. Fourthly, increasing trust (Catalano, 2015). Fifthly, establishing and strengthening professional relationships. Sixthly, create the perception of being an expert in the nursing field. Finally, gaining access to tacit knowledge and information. Through engaging in networking activities, nurses anticipate five outcomes. Firstly, improved social status and access to social events. Secondly, insight into how the organization operates. Thirdly, access to professionals who offer professional advice at subsidized costs when brought in as speakers. Fourthly, access to talent for recruitment. Finally, access to job offers (Hunt, 2015). ANA creates networking opportunities through annual mentorship programs, meetings (at the local and national levels), committees, and online communities. Also, meetings and conferences can be organized to include quality and innovation conference lobby days at the state and national levels (American Nurses Association, 2019).
Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area.
ANA keeps its members informed about current affairs affecting their professional activities. The information is disseminated through five strategies. Firstly, through ‘American Nurse Today’, a monthly journal that features peer-reviewed personal, career, practice-oriented, practical, and clinical editorials. Secondly, through ‘The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing’ that is published quarterly in a designated website to include peer-reviewed materials relevant to nursing care. Thirdly, professional tools that include Global Disease Alert Map, Drug Name Error Finder Tool, and CINAHL®. Fourthly, through essential documents that Scopes and Standards of Practice for nurses as well as code of ethics and interpretive standards. Fifthly, through an annual mentorship program that allows nurses to acquire practical skills with a focus on changes in skills. Sixthly, through ANA online community that allows nurses to communicate with each other. Seventhly, through committees, conferences, meetings and social media platforms for members. Finally, through mainstream media such as radio, newspapers and television (American Nurses Association, 2019).Professional Association Membership Paper
Discuss opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
There are five opportunities for continuing education and professional development available to nurses. The first opportunity is online services such as RN.com that offers recognized and acknowledged training opportunities using online options that allow for learner flexibility (in terms of time and location) when attending classes. Secondly, attending nursing program classes at an education institution to include siting in a classroom in the physical presence of an educator. Thirdly, attending a nursing conference where an expert presents and expounds on education material. Fourthly, taking part in mentorship programs that offer practical knowledge and experience through observation and practice. Finally, taking unit courses offered by a unit educator or education department. It is important to note that all education opportunities should be offered by educators and institutions accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (Finkelman, 2016).
References
American Nurses Association (2019). About ANA. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/about-ana/
Catalano, J. (2015). Nursing now! today’s issues, tomorrow’s trends. (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis Company.
Finkelman, A. (2016). Leadership and management for nurses: core competencies for quality care (3rd ed.). London: Pearson Education.
Hunt, D. (2015). The nurse professional: leveraging your education for transition into practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishi
Professional Association Membership Paper
