The American Nurses Association: Advancing the Nursing Profession

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the heart and soul of America’s registered nurses. It was founded in 1896, and this association is on the frontlines of improving healthcare quality for everyone.

Additionally, ANA supports the nursing profession. It does this by promoting an ethical work environment, advocating on important health care issues, and promotes high standards of the nursing practice.

If you are a registered nurse, the ANA is here to help and support you.

Through career advancement and even lobbying Congress, they are here for nurses every step of the way.

Let’s take a look at why the ANA is so important and the benefits of being a member.

Advocacy: The Voice of Nursing

Improving healthcare for nurses and patients is what the ANA stands for. One voice to speak on important policy issues.

This association helps nurses thrive through training and education.

As a nurse, you advocate on your patient’s behalf daily.

The ANA provides nurses with a vehicle, so their voices are heard when it comes to policymaking.

Healthcare workers are often at the frontlines of pandemics, leaving nurses vulnerable. Through advocacy, policies can be put in place to protect both patients and the nurses that treat them.

Empowerment: Protecting Nurse Wellbeing

Being a nurse means ensuring positive patient outcomes. In order to provide the highest level of care, nurses need to live healthy and balanced lives. 

The American Nurses Association aims to safeguard and promote wellbeing.

Working conditions can be stressful, and the ANA believes nurses deserve to have the best environment to practice. In turn, patient outcomes will be improved.

ANCC: Advance Your Nursing Career

First off, over a quarter million nurses are ANCC certified. Opting for these certifications shows your specialized skills and demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care.

Secondly, from your first certification to renewing, and exploring other certifications, the American Nurses Credentialing Center provides nurses with the highest opportunity for career advancement.

Variety

The best thing about ANCC certifications is variety. Nurse practitioners, specialty, interprofessional, and clinical nurse specialist certifications are available. That means, there’s something for nurses at every stage of their career.

The most common nurse practitioner certification is the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC), and once you pass the exam the credential is valid for 5 years. 

Discounted rates

If you are a member of the American Nurses Association, you will receive a discount on the cost of the certification you choose. Most certifications are $295 for ANA members and start at $395 for non-members.

Up to Date Information

Setting up your RSS and being active on social media might be the average way to stay up to date on the latest developments in healthcare. But, ANA and its organizations offer the best updates in one place.

Instead of scouring multiple sources, use one that’s trusted most. The ANA, ANCC, ANA Enterprise and the Foundation offer insights into breakthroughs and latest developments like the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

The ANA monitors all major healthcare-related issues. For instance, they are focused on monitoring the spread of COVID-19.

Family of Excellence: Organizational Affiliates

The ANA Enterprise is the cumulation of three organizations that share the same mission, values, and vision. In other words, tt is a family of organizations that include the American Nurses Association, the ANCC, and the foundation.

Advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care through supporting organizations and individuals is how ANA Enterprise plans to shape the future of nursing. 

In summary, every nurse deserves the best opportunity for a successful and rewarding career. ANA Enterprise, the combined assets of these organizations, is there to ensure every nurse has that chase.

Final Thoughts

ANA exists to advance the nursing profession. Additionally, they promote safety and ethics in the workplace, foster high stands of nursing practice, and most importantly advocating on issues that affect both nurses and the general public.

Furthermore, If you are a nurse and not a member of the ANA, you may want to get your membership. Joining is a great way to elevate your career, and enhance the nursing industry as a whole.

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