Nurses join professional organizations to improve their professional skills. It is critical to the nursing profession because they maintain high standards of education and research. Therefore, it is important for every nurse to engage in at least one out of numerous professional organizations to ensure the delivery of quality care and the observance of evidence-based practice. This paper analyzes functions, types, and advantages of such associations and the need to join the Florida Nursing Organization (FNA).

Professional nursing organizations have many functions. Only three of them will be considered. The most important role is to promote high standards of nursing practice (Matthews, 2012). The main aim of nurses is to ensure improved patient outcomes in the workplace. Therefore, organizations monitor that they meet this goal. Secondly, most associations advocate for advanced knowledge for their members and encourage evidence-based practice (Catallo, Haghiri-Vijeh, & Spalding, 2014). Thirdly, they protect the rights of nurses in the workplace, since the latter face various cases of injustice such as a low pay and inadequate staffing. However, different organizations advocate for the needs of nurses who face such challenging issues.

There are many types of nursing organizations, which represent different interests. For example, the International Council of Nurses ensures sound health policies globally. The American Nurses Association (ANA) lobbies for regulatory issues affecting nurses, and American Forensic Nurses (AFN) develops the knowledge of forensic nurses online. Other professional organizations include the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and the American College Health Association (ACHA) among others.

When nurses join a professional nursing organization, they receive various advantages. Such membership usually caters for their professional needs at the workplace, protecting their rights and motivating to improve their educational achievements. As a result, nurses find a reason to engage in evidence-based practice (Mathews, 2012).

Currently, I do not belong to any organization. Given that I am a student, I have not been exposed to associations that I feel represent the interests of student nurses. However, a professional organization that interests me the most is the American Nurses Association (ANA). From my investigation, this unique professional institution represents the entire registered nursing population (American Nurses Association, 2016). Since it ensures that well-educated and high skilled nurses are available, I am confident that the ANA will cater for my interests as a potential professional.

There are issues that I have never known about professional organizations. For instance, I have been unaware that having full knowledge on the nursing organization in my state is beneficial. From my investigation, I have found out the information on various types of nursing associations. However, I have noticed that the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) unites nurses regardless of their specialty (Florida Nurses Association, 2012). I have also discovered that if I become a member of the FNA at a full membership rate, I will automatically qualify as a member of the ANA. Therefore, I have seen the need to join the FNA because it will advocate for my needs and encourage me to progress professionally to deliver quality services as a nurse. Additionally, I will make it an obligation to look for a broad range of information on professional nursing bodies to know which one suits my interests. Furthermore, given that fewer than 10% of nurses belong to the ANA, it is my belief that if they all receive proper knowledge on professional organizations, they will join such. Another way is informing them about the current need for evidence-based practice and the significance of the ANA in promoting the same.

In conclusion, various types of nursing organizations represent different interests of nurses. When the latter engage in these professional organizations, they get a chance to improve their education and develop an interest in evidence-based practice. Additionally, nurses find an opportunity to collaborate with other national and international professional bodies. Therefore, it is important for every nursing professional to take an initiative of belonging to at least one of many available professional organizations to contribute to the dynamic and growing profession of nursing.

References

American Nurses Association. (2016). Statement of purpose. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/ANAsStatementofPurpose.html

Catallo, C., Haghiri-Vijeh, R., & Spalding, K. (2014). Nursing professional organizations: What are they doing to engage nurses in health policy? SAGE Open, 1-9. Retrieved from http://sgo.sagepub.com/content/4/4/2158244014560534

Florida Nurses Association. (2012). A voice for change. Retrieved from https://www.floridanurse.org/

Matthews, J. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. Online Journal of Issues Nursing, 17 (3). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-17-2012/No1-Jan-2012/Professional-Organizations-and-Advocating.html