NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Grand Canyon University NRS 430 Professional Association Membership-Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Grand Canyon University NRS 430 Professional Association Membership assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Grand Canyon University NRS 430 Professional Association Membership depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

The introduction for the Grand Canyon University NRS 430 Professional Association Membership is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NRS 430 Professional Association Membership assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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In a 7501,000 word paper, provide a detailed overview the organization and its advantages for members. Include the following:

Describe the organization and its signifcance to nurses in the specialty area. Include its purpose, mission, and vision. Describe the overall benefts, or “perks,” of being a member.
Explain why it is important for a nurse in this specialty feld to network. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for nurses.
Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that afect the specialty area.
Discuss opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Review the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” Write a 750‐1,000 word paper discussing the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice. Include the following:

Summarize the four messages outlined in the IOM report and explain why these are significant to nursing practice.
Discuss the direct influence the IOM report has on nursing education and nursing leadership. Describe the benefits and opportunities for BSN‐prepared nurses.
Explain why it is important that a nurse’s role and education evolve to meet the needs of an aging and increasingly diverse population.
Discuss the significance of professional development, or lifelong learning, and its relevance in caring for diverse populations across the life span and within the health‐illness continuum.
Discuss how nurses can assist in effectively managing patient care within an evolving health care system.

Sample Answer for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Professional nursing organizations and associations are a critical part in the creation and development of energy, seamless flow of ideas and proactive work aimed at maintaining a healthy profession with the duty to advocate for nurses’ need, clients and attainment of trust. Professional nursing associations help members to get the best resources and career progression opportunities to offer quality patient care (Chiu et al., 2020). Through these associations, nurses get the chance to influence policies that impact the nursing profession at both state and national levels as well as quality care for patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of professional associations in nursing and the benefits that they offer to members with a focus on the American Nurses Association.

American Nurses Association (ANA): Mission, Vision & Benefits to Members

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that represents close to 4 million nurses in the country with different specialties. The association is an umbrella professional entity where there is direct membership, affiliate organizations and partner specialty nursing organizations. Founded in 1896, the ANA is a leader in advocacy efforts to improve the quality of care for all. ANA serves its purpose through its mission of “nurses advancing the profession to enhance health for all people.” The main goals of the association include promotion of ethical as safe work environments, supporting improvement and bolstering high practice standards for nurses, and fostering wellness and welfare of nurses as well as advocacy efforts on healthcare issues that impact both the public and nurses.

Nurses joining ANA enjoy many perks and benefits that comprise of the opportunity for one to advance their career, being informed about the up-to-date aspects of the profession, saving money, and networking with others as well as connections to other professional nurses (Schmidt & McArthur, 2018). Through ANA, nurses make their voices heard. The association also offers opportunities for members to advance their careers through access to educational materials, attendance of free webinars and attaining certification at a discounted fee and learning more about the profession. The ANA also nurture leadership skills and helps nurses find their dream jobs through its career center (ANA, 2022). Nurses also get a chance to know the current trends in nursing practice using a host of resources that include the association’s monthly journals, and other scholarly journals and CINAHL database. The association also ensures that its membership saves money by enjoying discounts on various insurance packages, financial plans and student loans, and purchasing of books from its library.
Significance of Networking for Nurses

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Networking is a critical part of professional nurses; both registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) as it offers a host of benefits that include an opportunity to gain insight into the transformation in nursing and new trends backed by research studies in the profession. Developing professional networks provides registered nurses with the chance to advance their careers, meet colleagues and share diverse perspectives and experiences in patient care management with the aim of improving care provision. Professional networking offers nurses the chance to find professional advice, resources to help them make informed career decisions and choices (Corless et al., 2018). The implication is that networking is a critical component of effective nursing care for nurses and other healthcare professionals or providers. Networking allows nurses to meet new colleagues who may motivate and inspire them to develop innovative approaches to care provision.

The American Nurses Association is an important organization in the nursing profession and creates networking opportunities in different ways. These include having conferences where nurses connect with both experts and peers with the aim of translating new ideas and evidence into practice solutions. For instance, ANA conducts and yearly quality and innovation conference and its annual conference that gives members the chance to explore new trends and practices in care delivery. Further, through its website and webinars, the association allows nurses to interact and develop new approaches to care delivery for better patient outcomes (ANA, 2022). ANA advocates for policy change and offers an opportunity for nurses to interact with different experts and policymakers where they can network and gain more insight on the policy making and legislation processes.

Keeping Members Informed of Changes in Health Care and Nursing Practice

The professional organization values an informed and up-to-date membership. Therefore, the ANA ensures that its members are informed of the changes and issues that may impact care delivery through newsletter and bulletins. The organization also leverage the increased access and availability of online platforms through advanced technologies by using social media channels like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to ensure that its members are well informed (Copeland, 2021). More fundamentally, the association works with other stakeholders at both state and national level on nursing and healthcare research to inform members of new practices and delivery models. The organization publishes research findings on different issues that impact nursing and values use of models like evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions for nurses to improve overall quality of care.

Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development

The American Nurses Association advocates for career progression and professional development for its members, irrespective of their specialty. Therefore, the organization offers opportunities for one to continue with their advanced education and professional development through offering resources like nursing books, research findings in its journals, and collaborating with nursing schools to improve the nursing curriculum (Copeland, 2021). The ANA also publishes books on different nursing topics which underscores the various ethics and practices for effective nursing care (ANA, 2022). The organization also offer nurses scholarships to empower them to thrive in a more professional manner.

Conclusion

Professional nursing organizations are a core component of nursing and quality care delivery for patients and health populations. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional nursing entity that offers increased opportunities for its members to develop professionally and offer quality care to patients. The organization provides many benefits to its members and provides opportunities for career and professional development as well as advocates for the nursing profession.

References

American Nurses Association (ANA) (2022). About Us.

https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/about-fnd/

Chiu, P., Duncan, S., & Whyte, N. (2020). Charting a research agenda for the advancement of

nursing organizations’ influence on health systems and policy. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 52(3), 185-193. DOI: 10.1177/0844562120928794.

Corless, I. B., Nardi, D., Milstead, J. A., Larson, E., Nokes, K. M., Orsega, S., … & Woith, W.

(2018). Expanding nursing’s role in responding to global pandemics. Nursing outlook, 66(4), 412-415. DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2018.06.003

Copeland, D. (2021). A critical analysis of the American Nurses Association Position Statement

on Workplace Violence: ethical implications. Advances in Nursing Science, 44(2), E49-E64. DOI: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000345.

Schmidt, B. J., & McArthur, E. C. (2018, January). Professional nursing values: A concept

analysis. Nursing forum, 53(1): 69-75. DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12211.

Sample Answer 2 for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Professional associations are important in every organization and team of workers. In the healthcare institutions, professional organizations seek to further the interest of individuals that are engaged in both the professional and public interest. Also, professional associations are important in enhancing networking between the healthcare professionals through integrating the operational processes and promoting the roles that each individual are to play. A professional association or the professional body or professional society is important in maintaining the control or oversight of the legitimate nursing practices. Also, the body plays significant roles in safeguarding the public interest. The organizations should therefore maintain their own privileges and powerful positions in controlling the professional associations. In the healthcare practices, professional organizations can be applied in enhancing the interest of the workers or healthcare professionals. The professional nursing organization that relates to my specialty area is American Foot Care Nurses Association.

Description of the Organization

American Foot Care Nurses Association was formed to create the associations for the foot care specialist. The organization also works to facilitate or enhance the activities of the foot care specialists by engaging in the research and the new practices in ensuring effective patient outcomes (American Foot Care Nurses Association, 2019c). Through the organization, nurses and other healthcare providers are able to obtain effective education and training processes required to fill the gap and provide critical care in foot care. The organization was formed in an attempt to provide an elaborate forum for nurses as well as other providers of the routine foot care. American Foot Care Nurses Association promotes corporative learning, allows effective communication, and enhance understanding of the best practice procedures and protocols. The purpose of the American Foot Care Nurses Association is to create a community of foot care specialists to advance the practices of foot care through the networking and collaborative processes of the foot care specialists or providers (Kaya & Karaca, 2018). The vision of the organization is to deliver the best possible care to different clients. The mission is to provide professional, literature based routine foot care to enable clients to live healthy, and active lives. On the other hand, the objective of the organization is to promote exposure and expand the membership. The main benefit of being a member of American Foot Care Nurses Association is the advancement in knowledge through networking on the ways of maintaining foot care for different patients.

Importance of Networking for Nurses with Specialty in Foot Care

Professional networking is critical for nurses with specialty in foot care. This allows for the acquisition of new knowledge and experiences on the advanced practices. Networking is also important for career advancement or transition from one role to the other. Through career advancement, one is able to gain experience and the advanced level in specialization. Foot care nurses should also network to ensure the advancement in future prospects. Finally, through networking, nurse specialists may also get to understand how to provide support system and thereafter enhance the foot care delivery systems (Beuscher et al., 2019). American Foot Care Nurses Association provides networking opportunities for different nurses. It often engages in the expansion of avenues of care allowing nurses to network and acquire advancement in practices. Also, the organization provides the best platform for ensuring that all the nurses in the foot care specialty and connected in undertaking their clinical activities. American Foot Care Nurses Association is one of the ideal nursing organizations that provide appropriate care to all the members through the provision of the best platforms of association and interaction.

How the Organization Keeps Members Informed about Healthcare Changes

There are always continuous changes in healthcare system due to continuous research processes on different on different healthcare practices. The organization often publishes different research processes to allow members understand the current trends in the foot care. Also, the organization often engages different professionals in the decision-making processes to ensure that they adhere to the operational stands. Through education and training provided by the American Foot Care Nurses Association, members often get informed on various issues and changes in the healthcare services for the foot care (American Foot Care Nurses Association, 2019d). Also, the education and training provides advancement in knowledge and understanding of various healthcare processes required to enhance safety standards. Finally, the organization provides forums that allows nurses to network and share information regarding the foot care practices. American Foot Care Nurses Association often provide the best practices to ensure that members have the skills and capabilities of in the foot care treatments.

Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development

American Foot Care Nurses Association often provides opportunities for continuing education and professional development. The organization has education and training programs that enable nurses to be informed on various research processes and foot care practices that can enhance the quality treatment outcomes. The training provided by the organization often involves development of advanced skills and practices necessary in ensuring effective care. Also, with the availability of professionals in foot care, members are able to acquire new skills and enhance their proficiency in healthcare services. With the above services, the organization has been able to provide experienced and skillful members to enhance foot care in various healthcare institutions.

Conclusion

References

American Foot Care Nurses Association. (2019c). Resources for Foot Care Nurses. https://www.afcna.org/page-1274553

American Foot Care Nurses Association. (2019d). Become a Member. https://www.afcna.org/JoinUs

Beuscher, T. L., Moe, H. L., Stolder, M. E., Peloquin, L., & Nesbitt, B. (2019). Expanding a foot care education program for nurses: A quality improvement survey. Journal of Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing, 46(5), 441-445. DOI: 10.1097/won.0000000000000579

Kaya, Z., & Karaca, A. (2018). Evaluation of nurses’ knowledge levels of diabetic foot care management. Nursing research and practice, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8549567

Sample Answer 3 for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Nursing associations are established entities that are dedicated to fostering the professional and personal growth of their members, as well as promoting the overall progression of the nursing profession(Bourgault, 2022). The act of becoming a member of a professional nursing association is of utmost importance in light of the dynamic nature of the nursing profession. Nursing organizations provide nurses with the means to remain informed about contemporary practices, access the insights of prominent figures in the field, and gain insight into the innovative approaches and advancements in patient care being implemented by hospitals nationwide. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) is the professional nursing organization that I would want to join. The purpose of this paper is to describe the AACN and highlight its benefits for participants.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the biggest specialty nursing organization in the world and has a remarkable network of nurses who specialize in acute and critical care, providing steadfast professional and social support to provide the best care for patients (Key Statements, Beliefs, and Philosophies of the AACN, 2020). The AACN played a pioneering role in acknowledging the significance and attributes of a conducive work environment. The primary mission of the AACN is to advance its mission of equipping critical care nurses with the necessary technical expertise and authority to fulfill their commitments to patients and their loved ones during times of utmost vulnerability.

The primary objective of the AACN is to cultivate a healthcare framework that optimizes the provision of specialized acute and critical care nursing services to effectively address the requirements of patients as well as their families(Ulrich et al., 2019). The principles of accountability, governance, creativity, and cooperation serve as the governing framework for AACN as it endeavors to advance its goal and vision. The aforementioned values are deeply rooted in the historical, traditional, and cultural aspects of the Association.

Benefits of AACN Membership

Members of the AACN have the opportunity to access a range of insurance benefits at reduced rates, which encompass professional liability insurance, long-term care insurance, and pet insurance (Hickey, 2019). AACN members are entitled to various additional benefits, such as unlimited access to free continuing education opportunities. Furthermore, members receive complimentary subscriptions to AACN’s esteemed peer-reviewed journals. The AACN also offers discounts on a wide range of products and events, such as the annual NTI Conference, certification examinations and study resources, pocket cards, and items available in the online store(Ulrich et al., 2019). The membership offered by the AACN also includes access to a personalized online library called “Collections,” which contains a selection of AACN resources and information tailored to individual preferences. Additionally, members can engage in a Peer Support Community to connect with others in the field.

Importance of Networking and Networking Opportunities for Members

Through networking, nurses may participate and become engaged. More than 865 nursing programs at public and private colleges around the country are represented by AACN today(Bourgault & Goforth, 2021). A variety of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs are offered by these institutions. The organization provides comprehensive support to all stakeholders within the academic realm, encompassing professors, administrative staff, and students. However, it is worth noting that the dean or the highest-ranking nursing administrator assumes the role of the organization’s spokesperson. AACN maintains eight Leadership Networks to support nursing school professors and staff involved in various areas such as research, faculty practice, leadership in organizational business operations, graduate-level recruiting, and communications/development (Gabbard et al., 2021). An annual gathering of participants is held at each network.

Health Care Changes and Changes to Practice

The AACN makes sure that its members are informed on the most recent developments in healthcare as well as changes to practices that affect their sector by offering online resources, and publications, as well as holding conferences and seminars(AACN Scope and Standards for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing Practice, 2019). For instance, the group helps professionals and recent graduates locate new jobs and identify their careers. To guarantee that specialists can work in unfavorable circumstances and contribute to the advancement of treatment, it collaborates with many hospitals around the nation and keeps up with current developments. The group organizes frequent online meetings, seminars, and debates to keep its members up to date on current developments in practice(Ulrich et al., 2019). To make the best choice, the professionals might debate various situations, exchange expertise, and discuss their experiences. The website of the group provides members with current meeting possibilities so they may stay updated.

Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development

In addition to the aforementioned points, it is worth noting that AACN provides avenues for educational pursuits and certification. By utilizing all available resources, specialists can pursue further training in their chosen field, enhancing their expertise and achieving greater success in their professional endeavors(Ulrich et al., 2019). As a result, the Continuing Professional Development program offered by the AACN Scholarships is specifically crafted to foster a commitment to continuous education, introspective contemplation, and advancement in one’s chosen field(Blake et al., 2022). Scholarships offer financial assistance to individuals, enabling them to engage in internships, certificate programs, conferences, and seminars. In addition, there is a possibility that they will provide financial support for tuition fees for select academic courses, contingent upon the course’s alignment with the applicant’s personal development plan.

Conclusion

Professional nursing organizations offer a multitude of opportunities. Participating in a nursing association provides nurses with the opportunity to enhance their professional trajectories and attain increased remuneration using career advancement, employment prospects, networking engagements, and advocacy initiatives. The AACN endeavors to equip critical care nurses with specialized knowledge and the ability to exert influence, enabling them to effectively deliver on their commitment to patients and their families during periods of utmost vulnerability.

References

AACN Scope and Standards for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing Practice. (2019). Critical Care Nurse, 39(4), 69–69. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2019865

Blake, N., Sandoval, R., Sangalang, R., Reyes, J., Anderson, K., & Hunt, D. (2022). A Hospital’s Roadmap for Improving Nursing Excellence Using AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 33(2), 208–211. https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2022632

Bourgault, A. M. (2022). Critical Care Nurse Needs You! Behind the Scenes of Peer Review. Critical Care Nurse, 42(6), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2022310

Bourgault, A. M., & Goforth, C. (2021). Embrace Teamwork to Create and Maintain a Positive Workplace Culture. Critical Care Nurse, 41(3), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2021662

Gabbard, E. R., Klein, D., Vollman, K., Chamblee, T. B., Soltis, L. M., & Zellinger, M. (2021). Clinical Nurse Specialist: A Critical Member of the ICU Team. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 32(4), 413–420. https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2021511

Hickey, P. A. (2019). A Vision for Excellence by Design. American Journal of Critical Care, 28(4), 247–254. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2019651

Key Statements, Beliefs, and Philosophies of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2020). Aacn.org. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/aacn-standards/mission-and-values

Ulrich, B., Barden, C., Cassidy, L., & Varn-Davis, N. (2019). Critical Care Nurse Work Environments 2018: Findings and Implications. Critical Care Nurse, 39(2), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2019605

Sample Answer 4 for NRS 430 Professional Association Membership

Professional nursing organizations have a critical role in establishing and building energy, ideas, and have a proactive approach to issues that impact healthcare in general and nursing in particular. These associations provide a platform for nurses to advocate for their needs and welfare as well as those of their clients. Subscribing to these professional nursing organizations offers one a platform to enhance their education, get certification opportunities and enhance role-associated competences (Villeneuve & Betker, 2020). The essence of this paper is to discuss the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a professional organization related to my area of specialty.

Description of the AANP

The American Nurses Association (ANA) posits that nurses need professional development as part of the lifelong learning where they engage in enhancing and maintaining their competence, professional nursing practice and getting support to attain their personal career goals. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a professional nursing organization for nurses who specialize as practitioners in different areas of scope in nursing care. With a membership of over 119,000 nurses across the nation, AANP comprise of all NPs and NP students and individuals or entities that are interested in the NP practice and role (Mlambo et al., 2021). The association works to enhance patient care and advancement of the NP practice.

AANP’s mission is to empower all NPs to improve quality health care in their practice, through advanced education, advocacy, research, and healthcare leadership.

The leadership in the association comprises nurse practitioners who volunteer their resources to ascertain that NPs, their patients and health populations have a voice when important health care issues arise. Being a member of the AANP offers one immense benefits that include access to research works, training, seminars and conferences about emerging nursing and healthcare trends (AANP, 2020). AANP is a proactive organization that advocates for NPs in different ways. These include the need to remove barriers and ensure that patients can secure full and direct access to NP services. The association has an advocacy center that allows it to champion for members’ issues at the federal level. The center has advocacy resources for members to learn and understand different aspects of advocacy at both state and federal levels.

Importance of Networking

Nurse practitioners are a critical component of effective care delivery. Networking helps nurse practitioners to expand their social and professional network and get colleagues who have similar perspectives and wish to enhance their professional abilities (Collins et al., 2021). Professional networking enables nurses to explore their specialties and the nursing field in general as they establish and develop strong support system within the healthcare community. Networking allows NPs and nursing graduates to get new opportunities and positions, discover new specialties and share their knowledge, research findings and best practices defining the nursing profession, especially the use of innovative models like evidence-based practice (EBP) to enhance patient care quality (Collins et al., 2021). Professional networking allows one to get new jobs and find their niche in the labor market as nurse practitioners.

Nursing organizations create networking opportunities for their members to enhance their professional development and attainment of career goals. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) creates numerous opportunities for its members to network through conferences and seminars. The association holds a national nursing convention each year to allow nurses to interact and attain more knowledge about the professional and the healthcare system (AANP, 2020). AANP is a leading specialty organization with members in different parts of the country and enables them to meet through its partners as it collaborates with corporations and other organizations to ensure that the over 325,000 NPs licensed to practice enhance health outcomes for their patients (AANP, 2020). These collaborations and partnerships are essential networking opportunities for the association’s members to gather information and enhance their professional development.

Keeping Members Informed

Professional organizations and associations play a critical role in informing their members about health care changes and practice changes that impact their specialty areas. AANP is a well-established and organized entity that conducts a host of activities to ensure that its members are informed about the transformation and changes occurring in the health care. The association collaborate with different federal bodies or agencies to ensure that it participates in policy development and implementation focused on improving healthcare outcomes (Price & Reichert, 2017). The association provides resources to its members that include research evidence and findings about best practices in the specialty to inform them about changes in practice. The association also encourages its members to participate in research studies to attain new knowledge and be informed about the most appropriate care interventions to enhance quality of care provided to patients.

Participation in policy making and implementation provides nurse practitioners the chance to understand and advocate changes in healthcare industry. As such, the association is an active advocacy agency and through these efforts, nurse practitioners get the chance to be informed about changing nature of the healthcare provision across care continuum.

Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development

Nursing professional entails lifelong learning and professional development as captured by the Institute of Medicine’s report in 2010. Therefore, nurse practitioners must embrace opportunities to continue their education and embrace professional development as effective ways of enhancing quality of care they offer to patients in different care settings. The association offers its members opportunities for advanced education since it is a specialty organization implying that continual membership requires one to enhance their level of education (AANP, 2020). The association values professional development and encourages NPs to keep high standards of care by improving their practice competence, especially through cultural competency and application of evidence-based practice interventions to attain patient-centered care. The association also offers opportunities for continuous education and professional development through provision of resources like journals and publications to members.

Conclusion

Professional nursing associations like the AANP play a critical role in the development of nurses to attain highest level of competence and expertise aimed at providing quality care. Joining these associations provides members with immense opportunities, especially in professional and career development. The organization also champions issues affecting practice authority for nurses in different states through legislation at state and federal levels.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) (2020). About the American Association of

Nurse Practitioners. https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp

Collins, J. E., Boden, L. I., Gundersen, D. A., Katz, J. N., Wagner, G. R., Sorensen, G., &

Williams, J. A. (2021). Workplace integrated safety and health program uptake in nursing

homes: associations with ownership. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(21), 11313. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111313

Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing

professional development, a metasynthesis of the literature. BMC nursing, 20(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00579-2

Price, S., & Reichert, C. (2017). The importance of continuing professional development to

career satisfaction and patient care: meeting the needs of novice to mid-to late-career nurses throughout their career span. Administrative Sciences, 7(2), 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci7020017

Villeneuve, M., & Betker, C. (2020). Nurses, nursing associations, and health systems evolution

in Canada. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611