Description
Please write a
Paragraph answering to this discussion below with your opinion. Please include
citations and references in case of another source.
There are several professional nursing organizations that can
help nurses stay current in the field of study or specialty, network with other
nurses, as well as many other professional and personal benefits.
According to Guerrieri (2010), “Belonging to a professional nursing
organization brings increased professionalism, autonomy, and self-regulation
while offering additional benefits such as social interactions and peer
support” (p.47).
Networking is obviously one of the benefits offered
by nursing organizations to its members, which may include conventions, online
discussions, and forums. These social networks provide opportunities for “rapid
knowledge exchange and dissemination of information among many people” (ANA,
2011, p.3). By connecting with other nurses, members may get a chance to hear
how others are handling the same or similar challenges or issues. Organizations
can also contribute to professional growth through networking at local and
national meetings.
It’s no surprise to see how networking opportunities offered by
many professional nursing organizations add value and can help in many areas
such as education, career development, and even give a sense of belonging and
encouragement through interactions with other nurses (Guerrieri, 2010).
Professional nursing organizations represent
a public image of the nursing profession and its specialties—gains public
trust in the profession and the “organization builds on the trust as it
promotes awareness of public policy and advocates for patient welfare”
(Guerrieri, 2010, p.47).
This also gives members opportunities to become more informed
about healthcare policies and contribute to patient advocacy. By advocating for
the nursing profession, professional organizations, along with their members,
“educate the public, policy makers, healthcare administrators, and
professionals on specific issues (Matthews, 2012, “Unity in advocacy”).
Moreover, organizations lobby on behalf of all nurses at all levels of
government on issues that directly impact its members, such as education and
practice. Nursing organizations also use networking to get more people who
support their views, thereby increasing the chances of success in the
legislative process.
Organizations also play an integral part in shaping
health policy. By their memberships, nurses at every level have opportunities
to get involved in the process that shape nursing practice. As stated by
Matthews (2012), professional organizations were “created by nurses for nurses
to vocalize nursing values, integrity practice, and social policy” (Matthews,
2012, “The profession’s advocacy efforts”).
References
American Nurses Association. (2011). ANA’s principles for social
networking and the nurse.
Guidance for registered nurses. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org
