ASSOCIATIONS

IN NURSING
GROUP C
ABIOLA ENIOLA
ADEBAYO MERCY
ADEDIRAN PETRA
ANOCHIE GOODNESS
AWURUMIBE DANIELLA
EFEDJE CHRISTINE
EREBI REBECCA
EZE ELIZABETH
IKENNA MIRACLE
OBASANMI ESTHER
OMOKHOMION JOSHEPHINE

ANCHOR UNIVERSITY, LAGOS.

NSC224: ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE
DR. DADA
APRIL 30, 2024
 ABSTRACT
Nursing associations play a crucial role in advancing the nursing
profession and improving patient outcomes globally. They unite nurses'
voices, advocating for their rights and interests on issues like fair wages,
safe working conditions, and legislative changes. They seek to influence
governments and healthcare institutions to influence policies related to
nursing practice, staffing levels, and resource allocation, ensuring nurses
have a seat at the table when decisions affect their profession.

Continuing education is offered by associations, providing access to

resources, conferences, workshops, and online learning platforms.
Mentor-ship and networking opportunities are also provided by
associations, providing support and guidance for nurses at all stages of
their careers. Research and knowledge sharing are promoted by
associations, promoting evidence-based practice and collaboration.

Standardization and quality assurance are ensured by associations setting

national or international standards for nursing education, practice, and
ethics. They also promote best practices in nursing care through
publications, guidelines, and educational programs, improving patient
care quality and promoting positive patient outcomes.

Public awareness is raised through nursing associations, attracting

qualified individuals to pursue nursing careers. Achievements are
celebrated, fostering pride and professionalism within the nursing
community. In conclusion, nursing associations are a powerful force for
positive change in the healthcare field, advocating for nurses, promoting
professional development, and ensuring quality care.
A Deep Dive into the History of Nursing Associations:
From Humble Beginnings to Powerful Advocacy
The story of nursing associations is interwoven with the fight for
professional recognition and improved healthcare. Let's delve deeper into
the historical context and motivations behind their formation:

Seeds of Discontent (Late 19th Century):

 Fragmented Training: Nursing education lacked standardization.

Apprenticeships under doctors or haphazard hospital-based
programs were the norm. This inconsistency led to uneven skill
levels and a devaluing of the profession.
 Disrespectful Image: Nurses were often seen as unskilled
attendants, not professionals. Doctors held most of the power, and
nurses faced limited autonomy.
 Exploitative Conditions: Long hours, low wages, and unsafe
work environments were commonplace. Nurses had little leverage
to improve their situation.

 Professional Organization and Advocacy: As the nursing

profession grew in the late 19th century, there was a growing
recognition of the need for a unified voice to advocate for the
rights and interests of nurses. This was particularly important given
the challenges nurses faced, such as lack of accreditation,
licensing, and unifying organizations. The American Nurses
Association (ANA), originally known as the Nurses Associated
 Alumnae of the United States and Canada, was formed to address
these issues and provide a platform for nurses to advocate for better
healthcare for all.

 Advancement of Nursing Practice: The formation of professional

associations like the ANA and others was also driven by the desire
to advance the standards and quality of nursing practice. This
included efforts to regulate nursing practice through state nurse
registration acts, which provided a licensing system for nursing
practice. These acts were considered significant legislative
accomplishments at a time when women held little political power,
demonstrating the influence of these associations in shaping
healthcare policy.

 Addressing Social and Racial Segregation: The early 20th

century saw the formation of several major nursing organizations,
including the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses,
which addressed the issue of racial segregation within the nursing
profession. This association was formed by African American
nurses who faced a separate educational system and employment
field, highlighting the need for organizations to address systemic
inequalities within the profession.

 Historical Preservation and Education: The American

Association for the History of Nursing (AAHN) was founded in the
early 1980s to promote the history of nursing and collaborate on
research in the history of nursing. This association plays a crucial
role in educating nurses and the general public about the historical
heritage of the nursing profession, emphasizing the importance of
understanding the past to shape the future of nursing.

The Rise of Unity (Late 19th & Early 20th Centuries):

 Visionary Leaders: Pioneering nurses like Florence Nightingale

recognized the need for change. They advocated for better
education, improved working conditions, and professional
recognition.
 Collective Action: Nurses began forming local associations to
share knowledge, advocate for themselves, and improve patient
care. These local groups laid the groundwork for national and
international organizations.
 The Birth of Powerhouses:
 o 1896: The American Nurses Association (ANA) is
established in the US. It focused on establishing educational
standards, promoting ethical practice, and lobbying for
legislative changes.
o 1899: The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is
founded. This global organization aimed to unite nurses
worldwide, promote best practices, and influence
international health policy.

Key Objectives of Early Nursing Associations:

 Standardization of Education: Advocating for formal training

programs, curriculum development, and licensing requirements.
This ensured nurses had the necessary skills and knowledge to
provide safe and effective care.
 Improved Working Conditions: Lobbying for shorter work
hours, better wages, and safer work environments. These efforts
aimed to prevent burnout and attract more qualified individuals to
the profession.
 Professional Development: Fostering continuing education
opportunities for nurses to stay current with advancements in
medicine and healthcare.
 Legislative Advocacy: Pushing for laws that protected the public
by ensuring only qualified nurses could practice and by regulating
working conditions. Additionally, advocating for policies that
improved healthcare access and quality.
 Elevating the Profession: Public education campaigns and
conferences aimed to improve the public perception of nurses and
highlight their vital role in patient care.

The Evolving Landscape:

Nursing associations continue to play a crucial role in the 21st century.

They have expanded their focus to include:

 Research: Supporting research initiatives to improve nursing

practice and patient outcomes.
 Diversity and Inclusion: Championing diversity in the nursing
workforce and advocating for inclusive healthcare practices.
 Global Health Initiatives: Collaborating to address global health
challenges and improve nursing care in under served areas.

The Legacy of Unity:

Nursing associations have transformed the profession. Through their
unwavering advocacy, nurses now enjoy standardized education,
improved working conditions, and greater recognition for their expertise.
These organizations remain at the forefront, ensuring a strong and vibrant
nursing profession that continues to provide high-quality care for patients
around the world.

The Rise of Advocacy: How Nursing Associations

Emerged in Nigeria
The Nigerian nursing profession has a rich history of organization and
advocacy, with associations forming to address the needs of nurses and
improve patient care. Here's a concise breakdown of their development:

Early Seeds (1938): The Nigeria Union of Nurses (NUN), the first such
organization, emerged in 1938. It aimed to unify nurses and advocate for
their rights.

Specialization and Growth (1957): As the profession diversified, a

group of university-trained nurses formed the Professional Association of
Trained Nurses of Nigeria (PATNON) in 1957. This later became the
Nigeria Nurses Association (NNA).

A Unifying Force (1977): Recognizing the strength in unity, various

nursing associations merged in 1977 to form the National Association of
Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). This single umbrella body
continues to represent all nurses and midwives in Nigeria.

These associations played a crucial role in promoting professional

development, improving working conditions for nurses, and ultimately,
ensuring better healthcare delivery for Nigerians.

ASSOCIATIONS’ OF NURSING IN NIGERIA

1. National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives
(NANNM): This body is the umbrella for all registered nurses and
midwives in Nigeria. It represents the interests of nurses and
midwives at all levels, advocating for improved working conditions
and professional development opportunities. It also provides
leadership in matters concerning nursing education, research, and
practice.

2. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN): the

Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is a regulatory body
responsible for the registration, regulation, and licensure of nurses
and midwives in Nigeria. It sets standards for nursing education
and practice, conducts examinations for licensing, and ensures
compliance with ethical and professional standards.

3. Nigeria University Nursing Students Association (NUNSA):

This organization represents student nurses in universities across
Nigeria. It provides a platform for student nurses to engage in
academic and professional activities, advocate for their interests,
and participate in community health initiatives.
4. Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association (NNCA); a non-profit
organization that focuses on charitable activities and community
 health outreach programs, mobilizes nurses to provide healthcare
services to underserved populations, promote health education, and
address public health challenges in Nigeria.

ASSOCIATIONS’ OF NURSING IN OTHER

PARTS OF THE WORLD
 National Association of Bariatric Nurses: Dedicated to
promoting excellence in bariatric nursing through education,
research, and advocacy.
 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists: Represents
clinical nurse specialists, advocating for their role and practice.
 National Association of Hispanic Nurses: Focused on advancing
the health of Hispanic populations through nursing.
 National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses: Advocates
for licensed practical nurses, promoting their role and standards of
practice.
 National Association of Neonatal Nurses: Supports neonatal
nurses, providing education, research, and advocacy.
 National Association of Nurse Practitioner Faculties: Focuses
on the education of nurse practitioners, promoting excellence in NP
education.
 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses: Dedicated to
promoting excellence in orthopedic nursing.
 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners:
Advocates for pediatric nurse practitioners, promoting their role
and standards of practice.
 National Association of School Nurses: Supports school nurses,
promoting their role in improving student health outcomes.
 National Black Nurses Association, Inc.: Advocates for black
nurses, promoting their role and addressing health disparities
affecting black communities.
 National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations:
Represents ethnic minority nurses, advocating for diversity and
inclusion in nursing.
 National Council of State Boards of Nursing: Regulates nursing
licensure and practice across the United States.
 National Gerontological Nurses Association: Supports
gerontological nurses, promoting excellence in care for older
adults.
 National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: While not exclusively
a nursing organization, it plays a significant role in advancing
heart, lung, blood, and sleep diseases and conditions.
 National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: Advocates
for hospice and palliative care, supporting nurses in these
specialized areas.
 National League for Nursing: America’s oldest nursing
association, focused on nursing education and research.
 National Nurses in Business Association: Supports nurses in
business roles, providing resources and networking opportunities.
 National Nursing Staff Development Organization: Promotes
staff development in nursing, enhancing patient care.
 National Organization of Practical Nursing Education and
Service: Supports practical nursing education and service.
 National Student Nurses Association: Represents nursing
students, providing leadership opportunities and advocacy.
 National Thoracic Society: Nurses Section: Supports nurses
specializing in thoracic medicine, promoting excellence in patient
care.
 Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing: An
honor society for nursing students and practicing nurses, promoting
excellence in nursing education.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS’ IN
NURSING
 International Council of Nurses (ICN): The ICN is the world's
largest and most representative international nursing organization.
It represents nurses in over 130 countries and is committed to
promoting the highest standards of nursing practice, education, and
research globally.

 European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN): The EFN

represents national nurses associations in Europe, advocating for
the rights and interests of nurses and promoting high-quality
nursing care across the continent.

 European Forum for National Nursing and Midwifery

Associations: This forum facilitates collaboration and exchange of
information among national nursing and midwifery associations in
Europe, contributing to the development of nursing and midwifery
professions in the region.
  European Nursing Council: The European Nursing Council
provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation among European
nursing and midwifery organizations, aiming to enhance the quality
of nursing and midwifery services in Europe.

 European Student Nurses Association (ENSA): ENSA

represents nursing students across Europe, offering opportunities
for networking, learning, and sharing experiences among student
nurses.

 European Specialist Nurses Specialist Nurses Organisation:

This organization focuses on the development and recognition of
specialist nursing roles in Europe, promoting the expertise and
skills of specialist nurses.

Reference
https://www.icn.ch/who-we-are
https://www.icn.ch/
https://www.aahn.org/
https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/nhhc/american-nursing-an-introduction-
to-the-past/