Perspectives #5

Are professional nursing organizations important to join?

Professional organizations in nursing are important for generating the energy, flow of

ideas, and proactive work needed to maintain a healthy profession that advocates for the needs of

its clients and nurses and the trust of society.

There are several reasons why nurses should join professional organizations. One of these

was for professional growth and development. A professional organization membership allows

the individual who joins to improve personally. Volunteering and serving on a board can be

gratifying and provide additional networking possibilities. Participating actively can help you

develop your leadership abilities, give you a chance to try new things, and help you learn new

skills as a nurse.

Another reason why nursing organizations are essential to join is for educational

opportunities. Science and technology in nursing and healthcare are rapidly evolving. To practice

safely, nurses must be lifelong learners. Joining a professional group makes it simpler to stay

current in your practice and informed about new opportunities and challenges. Some published

journals and other organizations give members discounted pricing on continuing education (CE)

courses. There may be networking and educational possibilities during conferences. Several

companies provide credentials in your profession, showing your dedication to practice

excellence.

In addition, professional organizations help nurses advance the nursing profession. For

the past 19 years, Americans have regarded nursing as the most honorable profession, but what

about the rest of the world? Professional groups support nurses' workplace well-being, safety,
and health. (Five Reasons to Join a Professional Nursing Organization, 2021) At all levels of

government, many lobby on behalf of nurses and healthcare. They advocate for changes in policy

about significant health issues that affect nurses and the general public. Enhancing healthcare

and promoting excellent nurse practice standards are shared objectives.

There are many reasons why joining a professional organization in nursing is essential;

these reasons help nurses' growth and development. These nursing organizations are a benefit for

the nursing career.

References:
Five Reasons to Join A Professional Nursing Organization. (2021, October 18). University at

Buffalo. https://nursing.buffalo.edu/news-events/nurses-report.host.html/content/shared/

nursing/articles/nurses-report/posts/professional-nurse-organization-

benefits.detail.html#:~:text=Professional%20organizations%20promote%20safety%2C

%20health,affect%20nurses%20and%20the%20public.

Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the Nursing Profession | OJIN: The Online

Journal of Issues in Nursing. (n.d.-b).

https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/

OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-17-2012/No1-Jan-2012/Professional-Organizations-and-

Advocating.html