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The ANA, through its 54 constituent member associations (CMAs) (state and territorial nurses' associations and the Federal Nurses Association), is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.7 million registered nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting both the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

 

Traditionally, nurses have joined the ANA through their CMAs. The CMAs monitor and lobby for legislation and regulations at the state and local levels; promote nursing issues utilizing the local media; and provide collective bargaining and workplace advocacy for members.

 

An organization can join the ANA as an associate organizational member (AOM) or as an organizational affiliate. Currently, the ANA has two AOMs-United American Nurses (UAN), AFL-CIO and the Center for American Nurses (CAN), formerly the Commission on Workplace Advocacy. The ANA's organizational affiliates include the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Oncology Nursing Society.

 

In addition to joining through their CMAs, individuals may join the ANA directly as individual members if they live or work in states that have voluntary agreements with the ANA. Registered nurses also may join as individual affiliates. For information about the ANA, its benefits, and membership options, contact the ANA at

 

Before Aug. 31, 2004

 

600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 100 W

 

Washington, DC 20024

 

Phone: (800) 274-4ANA

 

Fax: (202) 651-7001

 

[email protected]; http://www.NursingWorld.org

 

After Aug. 31, 2004

 

8515 Georgia Ave.

 

Silver Spring, MD 20910

 

[email protected]; http://www.NursingWorld.org

 

The American Academy of Nursing, established in 1973, is an organization of distinguished leaders recognized for outstanding contributions in nursing education, management, practice, and research. An invitation to fellowship affords members an opportunity to serve the public and nursing profession by advancing health policy and practice.

 

Phone: (202) 651-7238

 

Fax: (202) 554-2641

 

[email protected]; http://www.NursingWorld.org/aan

 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) mission is to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs and related services. To accomplish this, the ANCC certifies health care providers; accredits educational providers, approvers, and programs; and educates the public and collaborates with organizations to advance the understanding of credentialing services.

 

Phone: (800) 284-2378

 

Fax: (202) 488-8190

 

[email protected]; http://www.NursingWorld.org/ancc

 

The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) is a national philanthropic organization that promotes the continued growth and development of nurses and services to advance the work of the nursing profession. As a non-profit organization, the ANF relies on support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies that possess a strong interest in advancing the future of nursing (contributions to the ANF are tax-deductible).

 

Phone: (202) 651-7227

 

Fax: (202) 651-7354

 

[email protected]; http://www.NursingWorld.org/anf

 

The Center for American Nurses establishes a national workplace advocacy program to address personal and professional issues affecting nurses.

 

Phone: (202) 651-7063

 

Fax: (202) 651-7343

 

http://www.centerforamericannurses.org

 

The United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, is the union for nurses, by nurses and represents 100,000 RNs nationwide. It's an affiliate of both the ANA and the AFL-CIO.

 

Phone: (877) 262-6742 or (202) 651-7118

 

Fax: (202) 651-7347

 

[email protected], http://www.UANNurse.org