Professional Nursing Organization, Research Paper Example

American Correctional Association: Introduction

The American Correctional Association (ACA) provides the corrections community with the knowledge and resources that are required to support corrections practices and the evolution of new policies to solve current and emerging problems (ACA, 2014). The organization addresses a number of key focus areas that include new perspectives regarding corrections issues and the needs of employees in this unique environment (ACA, 2014). Members of the organization are active and experienced in their roles in the corrections profession who shape the direction of practice and support advanced knowledge and education to improve standards related to corrections facilities (ACA, 2014). The organization strongly supports the development of new ideas and the use of existing theories that impact nurses and other employees in different ways (ACA, 2014). Nursing care quality and improved outcomes for patients in these facilities are critical factors, and these reflect the importance of developing theories and frameworks that support the growth and development of new strategies to fulfill the corrections mission (ACA, 2014).

Analysis

Members of the American Correctional Association are experts in the field across a variety of areas that emphasize knowledge, governance, leadership and other areas (ACA, 2014). The organization is governed by a president and other officers who represent different areas of the organization, including membership, human resources, online training, and publications, among others (ACA, 2014). As part of membership, members often participate in different strategic and policymaking initiatives that coincide with professional expertise (ACA, 2014). Annually, the organization also sponsors conferences and a Congress that are designed to bring members together to address key policy issues to improve operations within corrections facilities (ACA, 2014). It is important for fellows to actively contribute as much as possible in order to share their ideas with other experts and to promote discussion regarding current and future policies that are important to corrections practices (ACA, 2014). The organization also produces a magazine, Corrections Today, and a newsletter, On the Line, which provide information regarding the corrections field and issues that are important to employees (ACA, 2014).

Membership is based on completing an application and gaining acceptance to the organization, along with payment of the required membership fee (ACA, 2014). Members must complete a profile and if desired, may participate in different committees that interest them (ACA, 2014). Benefits to membership include the aforementioned publications, obtaining new information and knowledge regarding the corrections field, and the potential to shape the field and to promote new directions in order to solve problems. The ACA also offers two correctional certifications, 1) Certified Corrections Nurse (CCN) and Certified Corrections Nurse/Manager (CCN/M), both of which require specific requirements for consideration and an exam that addresses a number of key nursing areas (Schoenly, 2012). In the corrections environment, standards of care are critical to the success of these organizations and in providing adequate and ethically responsible healthcare for inmates (Trossman, 2014). For an upcoming meeting, an important topic to consider would address nurse satisfaction within the corrections work environment and how to alleviate some of the stress that is associated with this work climate, including strategies to address these needs on a continuous basis.

Conclusion

The American Correctional Association is an organization with a large membership of corrections employees across many fields who possess significant knowledge and experience in this environment. The organization provides numerous benefits to its members and supports their ongoing growth and the discovery of their true potential in the corrections environment. The organization focuses on the growth and education of corrections employees, including nurses, in the practice setting and in the creation of new ideas to solve problems that impact many people in different ways. It is important to introduce new policies and concepts to facilitate change as part of the larger organizational agenda. The organization offers certifications to nurses to expand their skills and knowledge to become experts in the corrections field and maintains a significant focus on the needs of the corrections population through improved policies and standards.

References

American Correctional Association (2014). Contact us. Retrieved from https://www.aca.org/contactus/

Schoenly, L. (2012). Correctional Nurse Certification options. Retrieved from http://essentialsofcorrectionalnursing.com/2012/07/19/correctional-nurse-certification-options/

Trossman, S. (2014). Ensuring standards are standard behind bars. The American Nurse, retrieved from http://www.theamericannurse.org/index.php/2011/12/05/ensuring-standards-are-standard-behind-bars/