7 reasons to join a professional nursing association

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As the nursing profession evolves based on new evidence, it is important for nurses to participate in lifelong learning to remain current with the knowledge, skills and attitudes of best practice and scientific guidelines. Membership in professional nursing organizations can help provide a platform for networking with other nursing professionals and disseminating evidence-based practice through education.

What is a professional nursing association?

Professional nursing associations can unite people in the nursing field to help them advocate on behalf of members, create opportunities for network building and offer resources for those looking to strengthen their knowledge.

Marylee Bressie, associate professor, and Nicole Aclin, academic program director, from the Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences share some of the benefits that professional nursing associations can offer.

Why is it important to join a professional nursing association?

Lifelong learning

Professional organizations provide opportunities for continuing education, certifications and professional development, helping nurses stay current with the latest advancements and innovations in healthcare. Depending on the organization, membership may include continuing education or professional development courses or webinars at no additional cost or discounted rates.

Networking and mentoring

Being part of a professional organization allows nurses to connect with peers, mentors and leaders in the field to help advance their knowledge and skills. Some association memberships provide access to online communities and forums where you can ask questions, share ideas and explore new processes and technologies. Also, many organizations have a LinkedIn group where members can engage with each other.

Career and leadership development

Becoming actively involved with your association can help you hone valuable leadership skills. Many professional organizations are dedicated to leadership (for example, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership) or offer leadership education opportunities. Members may have opportunities to serve in leadership positions which further contribute to their professional growth.

Looking for tips as you pursue your professional goals in the field of nursing? Check out our blog: 7 job interview tips for nursing.

Advocacy and policy influence

Professional organizations represent large numbers of nurses who, when speaking with a unified voice, can help influence policy development to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. It’s an opportunity to meet people with similar interests in the field and share your expertise with policymakers. Seeing your impact in your own community can be very rewarding.

Access to resources

Members have access to exclusive resources such as scholarly journals, groundbreaking research and best practice guidelines, which can help enhance the pursuit and sharing of knowledge and practice. Organizations are the source of professional standards and often are connected to certifying bodies.

“They have a responsibility that they take very seriously to promote best practices and educate nurses as to what’s new and changing in the field,” says Bressie.

Scholarships and funding

Professional organizations may offer access to financial support options including scholarships, grants and research funding. Members are encouraged to utilize this support to present at conferences, attend professional development events and pursue additional credentials or certifications. Organizations help foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation in the nursing profession.

Camaraderie and support

Being part of a community of like-minded professionals can provide a sense of belonging, which is especially important in a demanding field like nursing. Members can share experiences, seek advice and receive encouragement from peers.

“As a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, I’ve found it extremely rewarding to work with other members toward achieving a common goal,” Aclin says.

Types of professional associations

Professional nursing associations may offer different resources or opportunities depending on their focus. There may also be fees associated with membership. Take time to research which could be right for you.

General nursing associations

The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers education opportunities, networking tools and advocacy at state and national levels. Capella University is a proud educational alliance partner with the American Nurses Association.

Another organization, the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), seeks to improve the health of communities through the service of nurses on boards and other bodies. Capella is a founding strategic partner of the NOBC.

Clinical specialty associations

There are many associations where you’ll find the most up-to-date evidence as well as best practices in your specialization. For example, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses supports, educates and advocates for nurses in the field of progressive and critical care. The Emergency Nurses Association advocates for safe practice and care for nurses in emergency care. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners works to empower and education nurse practitioners of all specialties.

Capella University is not affiliated with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Emergency Nurses Association or American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Affinity groups for specific cultures or ethnicities

These provide support, education and development for nurses while promoting better healthcare for patients of those groups. For example, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and National Black Nurses Association support, educate and advocate for the health-related needs of specific populations.

Capella University is not affiliated with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses or National Black Nurses Association.

Honorific or invitational

These are organizations that bestow honors or announce fellowships, such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, which invites nursing students and existing nursing leaders to become members. They provide education and networking opportunities as well as recognition of nursing excellence. Capella University is home to the Omega Gamma chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Which association should you join?

As a nurse or nursing student, you may be thinking, which association should you join? “Nurses should consider joining the ANA. Its broad scope of practice, membership and professional tools and resources help nurses maintain current evidence-based practice,” says Bressie.

But you may also find that becoming a member of more than one association can be beneficial, too.

Review a list of nursing associations and research the websites of those you think might be worthwhile, specifically the information found on membership benefits pages, where you can explore the particular group’s focus – education, professional development, advocacy, networking or another area of interest.

You can decide which is the most important to you and choose the organization that fits your needs.

Learn more about online nursing programs from Capella University.