If you\u2019re a nurse and haven\u2019t yet joined a professional association, you\u2019re likely missing out on important career-building opportunities. Three nursing leaders weigh in on the value and necessity of nursing association membership.<\/p>\n
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All the experts agree the benefits of belonging to an association are nearly innumerable. \u201cThings change at such a fast pace, whether it\u2019s technology or techniques or nursing practice, that belonging to an association is more of an imperative than an option,\u201d says Jim D\u2019Alfonso MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy, and a member of Capella University\u2019s School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board.<\/p>\n
Here are the most important factors of membership:<\/p>\n
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\u201cAssociations are where you encounter the movers and shakers, open career opportunities, and meet professional and scholarly collaborators,\u201d says F. Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of Capella\u2019s School of Nursing & Health Sciences.<\/p>\n
Beth Houlahan, DNP, RN, CENP, \u00a0Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, and a Capella University advisory board member, feels this is the biggest advantage. \u201cYou connect the work you\u2019re doing with others across the country,\u201d she says. \u201cYou can attend conferences and meetings, learn about evidence-based practices, and join an e-community where you can get answers to your questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Building that national\u2014or even international\u2014network can help you solve problems in your local health care setting, discover new best practices, and even connect to job opportunities you may not otherwise have known about. Also, \u201cIt\u2019s where you develop lifelong, close friendships based on shared purpose,\u201d says Robinson.<\/p>\n
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Through professional associations, you\u2019ll have access to continuing education, specialty journals, and conferences. These are critical to continuing competency, which in turn can lead to better patient, systems, and personal career outcomes.<\/p>\n
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Associations are where you can find experts who can help advance your knowledge and skills. \u201cI found mentors who helped launch my research program and people who opened doors for me in all stages of my career,\u201d says Robinson.<\/p>\n
Most associations have comprehensive advocacy efforts, especially organizations like the American Nurses Association<\/a> (ANA). \u201cThere\u2019s a collective power in the members of an association,\u201d explains Robinson. \u201cBelonging is a benefit to the profession, as membership helps influence policy at the \u00a0state and federal levels.\u201d<\/p>\n Associations are the source of professional standards and often are associated with certifying bodies. \u201cThe standards of practice are defined by associations nationally and locally,\u201d says D\u2019Alfonso. \u201cPractices and standards change, and something you\u2019ve done for 20 years is suddenly no longer the best practice. The associations are the ones who will inform you of those changes first.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anytime you can connect with people in your field, you have the opportunity to advance your career. Becoming actively involved with your association not only opens up educational and networking opportunities, but it can also help you hone valuable leadership skills.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may also be eligible for tuition discounts and\/or educational scholarships offered by the association as a value to their members.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAssociations raise funds for nursing scholarships,\u201d says D\u2019Alfonso. \u201cThese groups understand how important life-long learning is and the importance of attracting new nurses into the field and ensuring they remain current and properly educated.\u201d<\/p>\n There are numerous types of professional associations, each with different benefits.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n How can a nurse or nursing student decide which association(s) would be most valuable to them? \u201cEvery nurse should start by joining the ANA. Its broad scope provides a comprehensive way to stay on top of changes and trends impacting practice,\u201d says Robinson. \u201cIf all nurses contributed their voice to ANA through membership,\u201d Robinson adds, \u201cthe collective power to promote patient safety and quality care along with the safety of our practice environments and the quality of our work life would be enormous.\u201d<\/p>\n But you may also find that becoming a member of more than one association can be beneficial too. D\u2019Alfonso recommends taking a look at the websites of associations you think might be worthwhile, and specifically the information found on membership benefits pages. There you can find out what the focus of that particular group is\u2014is it education? Professional development? Advocacy? Networking? You can decide which of those is most important to you, and choose the organization that best fits your needs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Capella University has extended its <\/em>partnership with the American Nurses Association<\/em><\/a> through 2018. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n View a comprehensive <\/em>list of nursing associations<\/em><\/a>, and <\/em>learn more about Capella\u2019s <\/em>online nursing programs<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n5. Define and promote excellence in practice.<\/h4>\n
6. Career and leadership development.<\/h4>\n
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\n7. Creating the next generation of nurses.<\/h4>\n
Types of Professional Associations and Benefits of Each<\/h4>\n
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Which Association to Join First<\/h4>\n