AMERICAN NURSING ASSOCIATION

1. Describe the organization and its significance to nurses in the specialty area. Include its purpose, mission, and vision. Describe the overall benefits, or “perks,” of being a member.

The American Nursing Associations is the largest Nurses association in the United State. It can be said to be defending the rights of all the Nurses in the United States single in the most pronounced way. The purpose of these associations is to ensure that the rights of the nurses, their working conditions are catered for and their remuneration is well planned. The influence of the association is valued as it has 54 constituent associations across the states. The membership stands at about three million nurses. The associations also ensure that the nursing practice is conducted with utmost proficiency. The association also ensures that the nurses are treated with respect like other professions. The association can be said to be the body that protects the image and definition of nursing in the United States. The benefits of being members are that they get to have their rights and welfare looked after because the associations can get to the government easily. The mission of the American Nurses Association is to formulate the standards of nursing, promote the rights of nurses in their workplace, advancing economic and general welfare of the nurses (ANA Enterprise, ANA enterprise). Ultimately being a member of this association means that whenever any rights and privileges are won by the association, the nurses get to enjoy. In the instance where nurses are experiencing any challenges in their workplace, they can get their issues addressed by the government or employer through the intervention of the nurses. 

2. Explain why it is important for a nurse in this specialty field to network. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for nurses.

A nurse needs networking so that they can improve their mode and quality of services. The American Nursing Association is able to bring nurses together during conferences and plan interaction seminars. This is enough platform for the nurses to connect and network. The networking opportunities present the nurses with opportunities to get better job offers, learn about how they can elevate their educational levels and get to share their experiences. It is important for a nurse to be in contact with nurses working in other places to exchange notes and learn how to cope with their working environments. Ultimately, the nurses will find ways to cope with problems like burnouts and exhaustion by sharing their regimens (American Nurses Association, 2006). Most of it will be practical because it is from people who understand what it means to have burnouts and back pains after standing for long periods of time. Networking also helps the nurses identify ways in which they could advance their careers. Some nurses with proprietary roles can get ideas on how to create something for the benefit of nurses. For instance, a nurse can help in designing affordable work shoes for nurses. It will be a practical venture because the designer understands what the nurse needs and their capability in terms of making purchases. 

3. Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affects the specialty area.

The organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affects nursing. The fact that the association establishes the nursing practices means that whenever there is change to be made, the nurses will be made aware through their respective associations. The care changes in nursing will always change when a problem has been identified. For instance, in case there is a change in the hand hygiene practices, the nurses will be directly informed through the American Nursing Association. The associations plan for a regular meeting where the purpose is evaluated. Belonging to an association for a nurse is a wise decision for the growth of their careers. Better education and experience help nurses advance their careers positively.

4.  Discuss opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Nurses, through the associations, are educated on ways of improving their educational capabilities. It is increasingly important that a nurse in practice is able to enhance their knowledge so that they serve their clients well. Through education, nurses devise better intervention methods for handling patients, they are able to point out any shortcomings they have encountered during practice and find solutions for them. Being a nurse in the United States is a revolutionary career because things are always changing (ANA Enterprise, ANA enterprise). The needs of social change and nurse have to adapt accordingly. Therefore, opportunities for further education are important. The association helps the nurses to identify how to fit into the educational program that suits them. The most important role that the association plays in the case of nurses is where it gives the nurses viable options to explore when looking to advance their education. It saves them the time and stress that comes with looking for a suitable university or institution to go for further studies.

References

American Nurses Association. (2006). American Nurses Association. American Journal of Nursing, 15.

ANA Enterprise. (ANA enterprise). Nurses advancing our profession to improve health for all. Retrieved from ANA Enterprise: https://www.nursingworld.org/