Purpose and Effectiveness of Nursing Organizations, Essay Example

Membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) is important because it is the oldest and most generic professional nursing organization. However, there has been a steady decline in recent years. When history of nursing is considered a struggle with efforts toward cohesion and unity can be observed. It would appea4 that nursing itself is fragmented. When ANA and the American Medical Association (AMA) membership process is compared   physician membership levels are low just like AMA.  AMA is more cohesive and powerful organization (American Association of Critical – Care Nurses, 2015).

This organization is more effective because of its structure. One theory suggests due to the educational entry level cohesion if less difficult. For example, there are various levels of nursing practice. Within the advanced nursing practice, there are a number of specialist areas such as critical care; obstetrics, anesthetics and leadership. It would appear that the public at large understands this difference within the organization. In nursing, there is much confusion related to different levels of education (American Association of Critical – Care Nurses, 2015).

With respect to organizational involvement it is always beneficial to become a member of a professional. It enhances professional development. Essentially, nurses receive immediate networking access as well as invaluable advocacy participation.  Nurses join organizations for networking, for access to continuing education, and to receive important updates relative to their practice areas. It’s a good idea to join the general professional nursing organization, the American Nurses Association (ANA), as well as one’s specialty organization. Sadly, only a fraction of registered nurses in this country belong to such an organization

References

American Association of Critical – Care Nurses (2015). Clinical Practice, Certification, Education. Retrieved on December 4^th, 2015 from http://www.aacn.org/

American Association of Critical – Care Nurses (2015). Palliative and End of Life Care. Retrieved on December 4^th, 2015 from http://www.aacn.org/wd/practice/content/palliative-and-end-of-life-care.content?menu=practice