Professional nursing groups include professional organizations and professional associations. The terms are often used interchangeably but often vary in scope. An organization tends to have formally well-defined authority, roles responsibilities, and functions, whereas an association is more likely to be a group of individuals with like interests (Abushaikha et al., 2021). Professional nursing organizations and associations have a long history of promoting leadership development of their members and exist at international and national levels. Most were established for and continue to work toward a variety of purposes including: advocating for the profession of nursing and nurses, developing health care policies and standards that ensure the highest level of patient care quality, assuring the highest level of education, providing professional development and continuing education, and providing research, networking, and career advancement opportunities for a collective body of nurse members (Catallo et al., 2014; Roux & Halstead, 2018).
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2020), in the United States there are currently 177 professional nursing associations at the national level and 266 at the state level. The first U.S.-based professional nursing association was the American Society of Superintendents of Training Schools for Nursing that was established in 1893. It later became the National League for Nursing Education and now the National League for Nursing. According to the Institute of Pediatric Nursing (IPN, 2022), there are 10 nationally based pediatric nursing specialty organizations and associations and several other larger pediatric professional bodies that include pediatric nurses and physicians as members, such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). Other professional bodies may include subsets of pediatric populations (newborns) as well, such as the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN). The purpose of this article is to present findings of a scoping review on contributions of U.S.-based pediatric nursing professional organizations and associations to leadership development in pediatric nursing practice.
Methods
Using the six-step approach to conducting a scoping review as per Levac et al. (2010), the research question was first identified: What are the contributions of U.S.-based pediatric nursing specialty professional bodies to leadership development in pediatric practice? This was followed by identification of appropriate studies; identification of inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies; charting of the data; collating, summarizing, and reporting of the data; and consultation. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus for articles written in English between 1988 and 2021 using the keywords pediatric professional associations, pediatric professional organizations, professional development, and leadership development. When no articles were found on pediatric nursing professional bodies, the search was broadened to include professional associations, professional organizations, member benefits, professional development, and leadership development. Websites of the 10 pediatric nursing specialty associations identified by the IPN (2022) were reviewed in depth.
From the database search, 968 articles were retrieved and screened. After excluding duplicates and articles that did not refer to professional nursing organizations or associations, 18 articles (empirical studies, essays or articles, reviews, book chapters) and the 10 websites were identified for inclusion in this scoping review. See Figure 1 for a flowchart of the process for selecting literature for the review. Each article was then reviewed for descriptors that included: type of article, population of interest, and key findings (Table 1). Each website was reviewed for descriptors that included foci for initiatives and examples of research, practice guidelines, and advocacy (Table 2).
Results
Literature Review
Most of the 18 articles included in the scoping review were essays describing initiatives or programs of professional nursing organizations or associations that develop nurse leaders. Three were written in state nurses' association newsletters and eight by representatives of professional nursing organizations or associations. One article was an historical review of AWHONN, one a qualitative study of professional association members, and the remainder on a variety of related topics to the review. None of the articles screened included a focus on pediatric nursing specialty organizations or associations.
Themes and Subthemes
In general, the overarching theme from the analysis of the literature is: Professional nursing organizations and associations empower and support nurses to become leaders. Subthemes include: 1) Impact of leadership on the professional organization or association level improves health outcomes and health care systems; 2) Specialty practice can be enhanced by the power of the organization; 3) Many benefits to professional organization or association membership; 4) Leadership can be learned; and 5) Outcomes of participation in a professional organization or association leadership development program are extensive.
Impact of Leadership on the Professional Organization or Association Level Improves Health Outcomes and Health Care Systems
Abushaikha et al. (2021) described how AWHONN's rich history has advanced the health and well-being of women, mothers, babies, and families by empowering and supporting nurses through advocacy, continuing education, guidelines and standards, research, and career development. Ferguson et al. (2016) described how the ICN Leadership for Change program improved health outcomes and health systems through practice, education, research, evidence-based health, and social and policy change.
Specialty Practice Can Be Enhanced by the Power of the Organization
Redding and Anglin (2002) spoke of the power of an 11-member professional consortium that enhanced networking opportunities among nurses from a variety of diverse health care settings. Reflections of nurse leaders explicitly highlight the power of the organization to improve health care outcomes (Snively & Rieger, 2016) and the importance of strong association governance in the development of nurse leaders (Truant & Chan, 2017).
Many Benefits to Professional Organization or Association Membership
Benefits include participation in advocacy and political activities (Brancato, 2011; Goolsby & DuBois, 2017; Halstead, 2018); continuing education (Brancato, 2011; Cline et al., 2019; Halstead, 2018); certification (Cline et al., 2019); networking (Cline et al., 2019; Goolsby & DuBois, 2017); mentorship (Goolsby & DuBois, 2017); increased knowledge through access to the latest cutting-edge research and to practice standards and guidelines (Cline et al., 2019; Day et al., 2014; Goolsby & DuBois, 2017); professional development and career advancement (Brancato, 2011; Goolsby & DuBois, 2017; Halstead, 2018); and leadership development (Abushaikha et al., 2021; Day et al., 2014; Ferguson et al., 2016).
Leadership Can Be Learned
In 1994, Hart wrote an essay in The Gastroenterological Nursing Newsletter that identified current leadership theories, traits, and styles and concluded that leadership can be learned and should and can be applied in professional association and health care settings. Four articles included in this scoping review described leadership development programs for association members (Igoe, 2000; Shekleton et al., 2010; Sportsman et al., 2010; Stein, 2001). Three similar articles described learning experiences for student nurses (Akans et al., 2013; Carrier & Duncan, 2017; Gardner & Schmidt, 2007). Gardner and Schmidt (2007) described a partnership between a student nurse association and a school of nursing leadership course.
Outcomes of Participation in a Professional Organization or Association Leadership Development Program are Extensive
Outcomes of participating in a leadership development program conducted by a professional nursing body are similar whether student or member focused. Outcomes, similar to benefits of membership, include access to research, practice guidelines, and mentors that increase knowledge and enhance skill development; increased sense of self-confidence and mastery; and opportunities to advance as a leader within the association/organization. For students, Gardner and Schmidt (2007) found that participation in a school nursing association partnered mentor model increased enthusiasm for nursing and involvement in professional association work and for becoming a mentor in the future.
Website Review of Pediatric Nursing Specialty Professional Organizations and Associations
Review of the websites of the 10 pediatric nursing organizations and associations support the themes from the more general review of scoped literature. It is clear from these websites that pediatric specialty organizations and associations support nurses to become leaders through the many benefits of membership including leadership development, professional development and continuing education, mentoring, and networking. Impact on practice is best assessed through the research and advocacy initiatives, the development of standards and guidelines, and recognitions of excellence.
Institute of Pediatric Nursing (IPN)
Institute of Pediatric Nursing was established in 2009 by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and exists as a board committee of PNCB. Membership is free and open to nurses, educators, students, and families. Their mission is to "optimize the health and well-being of children, youth, and their families through the development of a sustainable, highly qualified pediatric nursing workforce" (IPN, 2022, p. 1). Major strategic priorities include: The Campaign for Pediatric Nursing that "promotes awareness of the pediatric specialty to students, educators, and the public" and Choosing Wisely that "promotes informed patient-provider dialogue about appropriate healthcare treatments and tests for families and health care providers" (IPN, 2022).
Society of Pediatric Nursing (SPN)
Society of Pediatric Nursing was established in 1990 under the leadership of Dr. Cecily Betz, Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Pediatric Nursing. "The mission of the SPN is to advance the specialty of pediatric nursing through excellence in education, research, and practice" (SPN, 2022, p. 1). The society's vision is "to be the premier professional organization and resource for all nurses caring for children and their families" (SPN, 2022, p. 1).
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners was established in 1973 as the first professional association for nurse practitioners. It is the only professional association with dual goals to advance the role of nurse practitioners and improving quality of care for children. Its members predominantly are nurse practitioners and pediatric-focused advanced practice nurses. The mission of NAPNAP is "to empower pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses and key partners to optimize child and family health" (NAPNAP, 2022, p. 1).
Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society (PENS)
Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society was established in 1986 by a small group of endocrine research study coordinators with the goal of developing a network of pediatric endocrine nursing professionals. According to the PENS website (2022, p. 1), the society is "committed to the development and advancement of nurses in the art and science of caring for children with endocrine disorders and diabetes." Strategic priorities include: the development of practice standards, advancement of clinical and research expertise, and the promotion of excellence to empower nurses to provide quality care to children with endocrine disorders.
Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Nurses (SPCN)
Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Nurses is an internationally based professional association that was established in 1985 with members from the United States and 11 other countries. Its mission is to "share ideas and resources, discuss the care and complications in the treatment of acquired and congenital heart disease, and collaborate in nursing research which addresses our patients and families with congenital and acquired heart disease from fetal diagnosis into adulthood" (SPCN, 2022, p. 1).
Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Nurses (APGNN)
Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Nurses was established in 1989 with the mission to "promote nursing research and education in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, establish standards of practice and create a network of like-minded professionals to support their professional development" (APGNN, 2022, p. 1). Members include nurses, physician assistants, dietitians, and social workers from the United States and Canada who remain committed leaders in the field.
Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AFPNP)
Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners was established in 1972 at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing by pediatric nurse practitioner faculty who saw a need to develop curriculum guidelines for pediatric nurse practitioner education. The group grew and has been meeting annually at the NAPNAP conference since 1978. Its mission is to "foster quality interdisciplinary education of pediatric nurse practitioners" (AFPNP, 2022, p. 1). Members include nurse educators who teach in pediatric, school, and family nurse practitioner programs.
American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, INC (APSNA)
American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association was established in 1992 with a mission to be the "voice that shapes pediatric surgical nursing through advocacy, collaboration, mentorship and leadership" and a goal to be the leading authority for this specialty (APSNA, 2022, p. 1). Members include clinicians, researchers, mentors, educators, advocates, and administrators in the specialty of pediatric surgical nursing
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
National Association of School Nurses was established in 1968 by the National Education Association as the Department of School Nurses with the goal of improving the quality of school nursing and the establishment of school nurse credentialling standards for all states. In 1974 following President Gerald Ford's proclamation of National School Nurse Day, the NASN was formally renamed. Its mission has remained consistent; "to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of school nursing" (NASN, 2022, p. 1). Core values include child well-being, ethics, innovation, leadership, and diversity/equity (NASN, 2022).
Association of Pediatric-Hematology-Oncology Nurses (APHON)
Association of Pediatric-Hematology-Oncology Nurses was initially established in 1976 as the Association of Oncology Nurses (APON) and in 2006 was renamed to APHON. Members are primarily nurses but also include other allied health practitioners/leaders. Its mission is "to support and advance nurses in optimizing outcomes for children, adolescents, young adults, and their families throughout the continuum of care for their blood disorders and cancers" (APHON, 2022, p. 1).
Limitations
The major limitation of this scoping review is that no literature was found that addressed the contributions of U.S.-based pediatric nursing specialty professional bodies to leadership development in pediatric specialty practice. When the search was broadened to the contributions of professional nursing associations to leadership development, the final number of articles that met the inclusion criteria was 18 and only one of these articles was research-based. Data obtained from the 10 websites may be outdated although currently posted. The relationship between pediatric specialty organizations and associations and leadership development can only be implicitly drawn from the website review. Further research is critical to answer the research question posed in this scoping review.
Implications for the Profession
Although the nursing research literature is silent on this topic, the relationship between membership in professional organizations and associations and leadership development is clear in mission statements and strategic plans. All pediatric nursing specialty organizations and associations included in this scoping review advocate for advancement of nurses and nursing in their specialty fields. Nurse leaders in any specialty are pivotal in achieving the mission and goals of each professional nursing association/organization. Based on the limited literature review, it may be concluded that most professional nursing associations, including those dedicated to pediatric nursing either implicitly or explicitly focus on the critical importance of the role of nurses as leaders to advance their missions and strategic goals.
In the 2010 Future of Nursing Report, the Institute of Medicine (2010, p. 14) specifically recommended that nursing associations along with nurses, and nursing education programs "should prepare the nursing workforce to assume leadership positions across all levels...." This is accomplished through professional development and continuing education, access, and use of evidence-based resources to guide practice and mentoring and encouragement to assume leadership positions. Most professional associations were established with the intent to provide networking and professional development opportunities for nurses with a specific specialty focus and the missions and strategic plans of today remain true to this intent. Although the 2020 to 2030 Future of Nursing Report (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021, p. 4) is less explicit in its focus on leadership and the role of professional associations, it is clear that "nurses have a critical role to play in achieving the goal of health equity, [and that] they need robust education, supportive work environments, and autonomy" to do so.
Membership in a professional nursing organization or association provides nurses with professional development; continuing education including journal subscription and conference attendance; networking; opportunities for specialty certification, career advancement, and leadership development; and research-based practice standards and guidelines that promote best practice (Halstead, 2018; Matthews, 2012). Strategies to encourage individual nurse's membership in professional nursing associations must start during formative education. Nursing faculty need to educate and show the value of membership to their students. Requiring use of evidence-based practice is essential and highlighting evidence the frames standards and guidelines developed by professional associations is critical. Highlighting the work of professional association sponsored guidelines, nurse staffing standards, research, and initiatives during formative and graduate education is an effective approach to assist students in valuing membership for themselves. Practice organizations can be pivotal in encouraging association membership by building leadership development into practice expectations for career advancement. Professional associations that provide journal subscriptions and conference offerings are tangible benefits to leadership development. Often committee membership at the institutional level is a steppingstone to association volunteerism and task force or committee membership. Nurse executives need to showcase their nursing leaders who are key players in professional association work as mentors and role models to more novice nurses. Professional associations must continue to work to expand and diversify their membership by making membership benefits clear and enticing. Nurses have a vast array of opportunities to become involved in professional associations that pique their interest and in turn develop leadership competencies (Halstead, 2018).
In conclusion, the mission and key initiatives of each of the 10 pediatric nursing professional associations reviewed have a focus on professional development that in turn can prepare leaders to advance the mission and goals of each professional nursing association. Leaders in academia and clinical practice as well as the professional organizations and associations have an obligation to demonstrate value of membership in advancing the profession and developing future leaders. Future research must be conducted to study the contributions of all professional nursing organizations including pediatric specialty nursing organizations and associations to the leadership development of their members.
NURSING IMPLICATIONS
* Future research is needed to empirically describe the contributions of pediatric nursing professional bodies to the leadership development of their members.
* Nurse educators need to consistently encourage the benefits of professional association membership.
* Schools of nursing should belong to the Student Nurses Association and support opportunities for student leadership.
* Nurse educators should highlight evidence-based association standards and guideline for practice.
* Employers should expect that individual nurses will develop as leaders and showcase the opportunities for association involvement and leadership competency development.
* Employers should support (through reimbursement and time-off) individual nurse involvement in professional association work.
* Employers should showcase the work of nurse leaders in professional associations.
* Professional associations need to demonstrate value of membership in advancing the profession and developing future leaders.
* Leadership development needs to continue to be a hallmark benefit of association membership.
INSTRUCTIONS Pediatric Specialty Nursing Associations and their Role in Leadership Development
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References