These 10 Reasons to Join Professional Nursing Associations reflect the wide variety of resources available to their members. Professional nursing associations often provide resources vital to nurses at critical periods in their professional growth.
Likely, only one of these 10 Reasons to Join Professional Nursing Associations may not be enough to join. However, when taken together, there is little doubt that association membership can help you advance your career in nursing.
1 – Networking
Professional associations enable individuals to connect with colleagues who share professional concerns and interests. These connections often bloom into collaborative efforts to resolve issues of common concern. These collective efforts may extend locally, state-wide, nationally, or internationally.
2 – Leadership Development
Professional associations offer the opportunity to become a leader in the organization through elected office or committee chair. Experienced members often mentor members with less experience or facing unique challenges. Leadership skills developed here will help you in the workplace.
3 – Educational Opportunities
After completing graduate degrees or post-graduate certificates, professional nursing associations offer their members the primary means of continuing education. The renewal of specific certifications may require earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by attending officially approved conference sessions.
Most professional associations also publish journals that contain scholarly, peer-reviewed articles and case studies. These publications discuss the latest advances in nursing and healthcare science, enabling members to enhance their professional practice.
Other association publications keep members informed through monthly or quarterly newsletters or periodicals. These publications cover practice, technology, developments within their specializations, and pertinent legislative issues.
Some associations provide scholarship opportunities for their members.
4 – Conferences
Conferences enable nursing association members to meet each other face-to-face and share ideas. These gatherings, especially at the national level, are opportunities to hear from leaders in their field, participate in panel discussions, visit vendors, and forge professional relationships with others from across the country.
Members usually return from conferences with a renewed sense of purpose, a fresh perspective of their mission and goals, and a reduced sense of isolation in their issues and concerns. Conference attendees share their insights with their co-workers and leadership team. These ideas enhance the performance of their association and improve patient care.
5 – Certification
Certification enables nurse professionals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in nursing and their dedication to practice. Many professional associations offer certification in their area of specialization through their own offices or a closely affiliated certification board.
Professional associations develop and maintain certification examinations and study materials to reflect the latest developments in scientific research and Evidence-Based Practice . Most certifications require members to apply for re-examinations or report an annual accumulation of CEUs. Earning CEUs ensures that members remain updated with the latest best practices in their area of specialization.
Additionally, licensing for practice in advanced nursing roles requires certification. These roles include:
6 – Career Assistance
Professional associations provide vital resources for professional development. Most nursing professional organizations maintain a list of jobs specific to their specialty on a “members only” job board. Some associations also provide services ranging from resume and interview preparation to more general advice about career advancement. Many associations have senior members who can conduct mock interviews.
Finally, membership in professional organizations demonstrates to current and future employers an individual’s commitment to professional development.
7 – Resources
In addition to the many excellent resources already mentioned, many nursing professional associations publish materials such as practice manuals and tools, training programs, and booklets. Associations also maintain organized and curated libraries of administration, education, research, and nursing practice materials.
Many associations provide “members only” communication networks, such as a blog, chat room, or listserv. These networks enable members to communicate with each other, asking and answering questions about shared concerns and issues.
8 – Recognition
Professional nursing associations recognize the achievements of their members through awards and honors. The principal criteria for recognition are a member’s outstanding performance and contributions to the profession.
9 – Advocacy for the Profession
Nursing professional associations enable their members to speak in a unified voice on issues that affect their practice. Working committees address professional issues such as clinical, leadership, and ethical practices. These working committees often coordinate with agencies and other professional associations to advocate for their members and quality healthcare delivery.
Some associations host professional recognition observances that bring attention to their members’ delivery of quality healthcare.
10 – Legislative Advocacy
Many national professional associations convene legislative committees that formulate legislative proposals at the national and state levels. These legislative proposals may affect patient care, licensing and regulatory issues, reimbursement eligibility, and the Scope of Practice for organization members.