Professional Associations in Nursing Education and Professional Development in Nursing
Joining a professional association in nursing is not just a mere obligation but a gateway to unlimited opportunities and advancement in the healthcare industry. Professional Associations in Nursing represent the interests and concerns of nurses within a particular specialty or practice area (Calzone et al., 2019). These associations provide nurses with opportunities to network, collaborate, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. They may also offer continuing education programs, professional development resources, and advocacy efforts to improve working conditions, patient care, and healthcare policies. Examples of professional associations in nursing include the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) (Mechling et al., 2022). Joining a professional association can be a valuable way for nurses to connect with their peers, enhance their skills, and contribute to the advancement of their profession.
Education and professional development are critical components of the nursing profession. Education refers to the formal training and academic preparation required to become a nurse, including completing a nursing program and obtaining licensure (Leggio et al., 2020). However, the education process for nurses does not end after obtaining a license. Lifelong learning and continuous professional development are essential for nurses to stay current with advancements in healthcare and provide safe and effective patient care. Professional development can include attending conferences, participating in continuing education courses, pursuing advanced degrees, and engaging in mentorship and peer support networks (Creta & Gross, 2020). Integrating education and professional development into the nursing profession is essential for maintaining high standards of care and advancing the nursing profession. This paper will explore the American Nurses Association (ANA), networking in nursing, how the American Nurses Association (ANA) and its members are informed of healthcare changes, and finally, look at opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) Purpose, Mission, and Vision
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of all people, advancing the nursing profession, and advocating for the rights of nurses, with a purpose, mission, and vision guiding its work. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization representing the interests and concerns of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States (Waddell, 2019). Its primary purpose is to advance the nursing profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration with other healthcare organizations. The ANA was founded in 1911 and has since become one of the world’s largest and most influential nursing organizations (Waite & Nardi, 2019). The mission of the ANA is to promote registered nurses’ interests and advance the nursing profession through the development of standards, policies, and guidelines that promote excellence in nursing practice, education, and research (Bloemhof et al., 2021). The organization seeks to improve healthcare delivery by providing leadership, advocacy, and resources to support nursing practice, education, and research. The ANA’s vision is for all patients to access high-quality, evidence-based nursing care provided by a competent and compassionate nursing workforce (Rosa et al., 2020). The organization is committed to advancing the nursing profession by promoting the development of nursing leaders, advocating for policies that support nursing practice, and fostering collaboration among nurses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. The ANA’s commitment to promoting nursing leadership has resulted in the developing of a solid and competent nursing workforce. The organization provides resources and support to help nurses advance their careers and develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care. This has helped to ensure that patients across the United States have access to competent and compassionate nursing care.