Running head: PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP 1
Professional Memberships
Nicole Cory
Ferris State University
Professional Membership 2
Abstract
Every nurse should seek membership to a professional nursing organization. Belonging to such
organizations presents nurses with the ability to be involved a higher level. Professional
organizations represent nurses politically and tackle issues from a nursing standpoint that one
could not address as an individual. The American Nursing Association is a professional
organization that works to set policies and standards and acts as an advocate for nurses.
Professional Membership 3
Professional Organization Membership
Professional organizations play a vital role for nurses. These organizations represent
nurses on many important issues. Organizations have the power to tackle issues by representing
large numbers of nurses who hold the same position on the issue. These organizations also
provide resources for continuing education, networking, and career development.
The American Nurses Association plays critical a role for nurses throughout the United
States. This organization works to, “develop policies, set standards, advocate in government and
private settings, provide education, maintain the Code of Ethics for Nurses and shape the future
of the profession” (Importance, 2010).
It is crucial for nurses to display as a unified front on important issues. Currently the
Michigan Nurses Association is discussing topics such as nurse to patient ratios, handwashing
practices, and patient safety (MNA, 2010).
The cost of membership to the Michigan Nurses Association is $75.00 and this fee is paid
yearly. The membership comes with a subscription to a weekly e-newsletter called Nurseline
and a monthly magazine titled Michigan Nurse. These publications are aimed at keeping nurses
up-to-date on the latest statewide and national issues and trends that impact you as a registered
nurse (MNA, 2010).
Another benefit of membership is the contacts one can make. Through one of these
organizations a nurses can network with other nurses. New opportunities could arise when
making this type of acquaintance. The MNA also provides opportunities for continuing
education for a nominal fee on their website (MNA, 2010).
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The MNA also provides information regarding political and government regulations.
There is information available on the MNA website regarding several issues such as the
healthcare reform, H1N1 information, and the nursing shortage (MNA, 2010).
Professional organizations play a vital role for nurses. There are many to choose from
and several that are formed with specialties in mind. The ANA and MNA are organizations that
I will be considering joining. Belonging to an organization provides you with opportunities to
grow and learn from other nurses. It is important to be as involved as possible in the nursing
profession so that the right people are making the decisions and impacting healthcare.
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References
The Importance of Belonging to Your Professional Organization. (n.d.). American Nurses
Association. Retrieved April 17, 2010, from http://www.nursingworld.org/ Especi
allyForYou
MNA News (2010). Michigan Nurses Association. Retrieved from http://www.minurses.org/spc/
indexNEW.shtml