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Nurses can use group power strategies such as networking, connecting, and collaborating to achieve professional goals and contribute to the welfare of patients as well as to the health of the population (Huber, 2014). Personal affiliations and networking are essential for multiple reasons, as it allows for the idea and strategy sharing. I think of networking as a way of managing own life. I frequently ask the co-workers for advice on what has worked for them in their units and how they have found success; this networking has been so helpful in the career. Another big part of personal affiliations and networking is own involvement in professional organizations. This current information and idea sharing can have a significant impact on and manager. I joined the ENA (Emergency Nurse Association) when I was still a bedside nurse and have continued my membership into my career as a director; I find that it is an excellent resource for idea sharing. There is so much evidence-based practice that is available through the ENA, and found that extremely helpful and saw it continue to benefit in the career in the future. 
Another professional organization that I became a member is Association of California nursing Leaders, ACNL. Through them, went to the conference of nursing students, where issues essential to nursing students such as LGBT and gender rights and allocation of help to drug users. Living in Los Angeles area for a while, I gave speeches there for the national nursing community on the importance of the issues. Even after many speeches and voting, the audience showed divisions on the issue. 
Leadership networks provide information, networking, and professional development for nursing school faculty and staff. The Networks bring peer professionals together to share best practices and success stories, sharpen leadership skills, and take full advantage of multiple resources (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). Professionals who are engaged in a variety of functions within the nursing are in tune with networks across nursing. There has been a massive push in the workplace organization for nurses to get involved and enrich themselves as professionals.

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Personal affiliations and networking are important for nursing leaders because you never know who you will meet that you might share a benefiting relationship from. When I was new to my organization, I would go to benefits to not only network but give back to the community. I met people higher in the company who have liked my affect. Because of my good report with people in higher positions, I was able to grow in the organization’s community. Another situation where we have networked for the community’s benefit happens every year, the unit as a whole raises money in order to benefit the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. We do a bake sale by the cafeteria in our hospital, we do a beef and beer at a local bar, and we raise money in other ways as well. It is always very beneficial to give back to the community and it also makes connections with others that you wouldn’t expect.