MEMBERSHIP in a professional nursing association has many benefits, including valuable career development information, toolkits and training opportunities, and even work-related discounts. Below are just a few of the many outstanding nursing organizations devoted to advancing the profession. Explore the websites below to learn how to get involved.
American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org
The American Nurses Association (ANA) aims to improve practice standards and promote safe work environments. ANA members have access to discounts, such as professional liability insurance offers. Downloadable factsheets, tip cards, and toolkits designed to help nurses work with patients and colleagues are available online to all visitors, including nonmembers. Information is available online for clinical nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurse managers, research nurses, students, and educators.
American Academy of Nursing
http://www.aannet.org/home
More than 2,400 members, known as Fellows, belong to the American Academy of Nursing. Together, they aim to advance health policy and practice based on strategies determined at the Academy's annual conference. Membership as a Fellow is conferred very selectively based on significant, longstanding and lasting contributions to nursing and healthcare.
American Nurses Credentialing Center
http://www.nursecredentialing.org
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the ANA, promotes excellence in nursing through credentialing programs. ANCC's credentialing programs recognize both individual nurses and entire healthcare organizations. ANCC's Magnet Recognition Program(R) is the most prestigious of the certifications. The ANCC website includes FAQs and information on available awards and grants.
National Institute of Nursing Research
https://www.ninr.nih.gov
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) strives to improve health through clinical and basic research leading to improvements in clinical practice. NINR's website offers news of its researchers' latest findings. NINR training is available for nurses interested in becoming nurse scientists or participating in other career development courses.