Professional Nursing Organizations to Know for Professionalism and Research in Nursing

Professional nursing organizations play a vital role in shaping nursing practice and education. They advocate for nurses, set standards, and provide resources for professional growth, ensuring that the nursing profession continues to evolve and meet the needs of patients and communities.

  1. American Nurses Association (ANA)

    • Advocates for the interests of registered nurses and the nursing profession.
    • Establishes standards for nursing practice and ethics.
    • Provides resources for professional development and continuing education.
  2. National League for Nursing (NLN)

    • Focuses on promoting excellence in nursing education.
    • Offers accreditation for nursing programs and schools.
    • Provides resources for faculty development and nursing education research.
  3. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

    • Represents baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs.
    • Advocates for policies that support nursing education and research.
    • Provides a platform for collaboration among nursing schools to improve education standards.
  4. National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)

    • Supports nursing students in their educational and professional development.
    • Provides opportunities for leadership and networking among nursing students.
    • Advocates for student interests in nursing education and practice.
  5. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

    • Recognizes and honors academic excellence in nursing.
    • Promotes leadership and scholarship in nursing practice and education.
    • Provides funding for research and professional development opportunities.
  6. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

    • Focuses on advancing the practice of critical care nursing.
    • Provides resources for education, certification, and professional development.
    • Advocates for policies that improve patient care in critical care settings.
  7. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

    • Dedicated to advancing the specialty of emergency nursing.
    • Provides education, resources, and advocacy for emergency nurses.
    • Promotes best practices and standards in emergency care.
  8. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

    • Focuses on improving patient safety and quality of care in the perioperative environment.
    • Provides education, guidelines, and resources for perioperative nursing practice.
    • Advocates for the interests of perioperative nurses and their patients.
  9. Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

    • Dedicated to promoting excellence in oncology nursing practice and education.
    • Provides resources for professional development, research, and patient care.
    • Advocates for policies that support cancer care and nursing practice.
  10. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)

  • Focuses on improving the health of children through advanced nursing practice.
  • Provides education, advocacy, and resources for pediatric nurse practitioners.
  • Promotes best practices in pediatric healthcare and nursing education.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.