Whether you’re a nursing student or practicing nurse, professional nursing organizations offer a variety of benefits. These organizations provide members with a network of fellow nurses, access to professional development opportunities and resources, and discounts for supplies and insurance.
Students are often members of the National Student Nurses Association, which offers mentorship and a magazine that focuses on careers as nurses. It also provides scholarships to nursing school students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and licensed practical nursing (LPN) / licensed vocational nursing (LVN) certification programs.
Many professional nursing organizations focus on particular specialties, such as critical care or pediatrics. Some support and educate nursing professionals who serve patients from specific cultures or ethnic groups, and others honor nurses who excel in the profession.
Advocacy & leadership
Membership in a professional nursing organization can strengthen advocacy efforts on local, state and national levels by enabling nurses to speak with one voice in response to issues that impact their practice. This includes political advocacy, keeping nurses informed about health and nursing issues, disseminating professional knowledge, promoting professional development, and advocating for change in healthcare systems to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
Personal growth & professional achievement
Nursing is a demanding and fast-paced career that requires lifelong learning. Nursing organizations often have conferences, workshops, and webinars to keep you current in your specialty and enhance your skills.
Conferences are a great way to get up-to-date on nursing topics, network with peers, and gain insight into new technology that can help you deliver better patient care. Additionally, some of these events provide opportunities to learn more about the profession and meet potential employers.