Professional nursing organizations offer career development resources, networking opportunities and a sense of community. There are many nursing organizations to join, including those at the national and state levels, as well as organizations for different nursing specialties and minority populations. Many organizations offer student membership options.
Professional nursing organizations bring together nursing professionals and grant them access to benefits, such as continuing education and career resources. There are many regional and national nursing organizations to join, and some offer memberships to nursing students.
At Averett University, we encourage our nursing students to become active stewards of the profession, advancing nursing standards and clinical practice. Joining professional organizations is one way to work toward this.
You can join an organization as a nursing student when you enroll in Averett’s Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months and pass the NCLEX-RN to start your nursing career.
Explore the many types of professional nursing organizations and the benefits of joining so you can choose professional nursing associations that best fit your needs and grow your career.
What Are Professional Nursing Organizations?
Each organization has its own particular focus. Generally, professional organizations are formed to advance nursing practice, such as by developing professional standards, promoting professional development and bringing nurses together.
Professional nursing organizations often serve as advocacy groups while supporting clinicians’ careers. They create a unified voice for individual nurses, providing professional visibility and support.
Some organizations are broad in scope; any type of nurse may join. Others have a narrower focus, such as an organization for RNs who specialize in women’s health or critical care. Other organizations represent minority voices in nursing.
Benefits of Joining Professional Nursing Organizations
While you’re still in nursing school, joining an organization can offer opportunities for mentorship and career guidance. You can also start building your professional network.
After obtaining licensure and launching your nursing career, becoming active in professional nursing organizations offers many benefits, including:
- Career development: Many organizations offer continuing education credits and other options for continued learning, such as access to nursing journals.
- Discounts: The members of some organizations may receive discounts on career resources, certifications, nursing supplies and insurance.
- Networking: Attend professional conferences and network with other organization members.
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Top Nursing Organizations to Consider Joining
There are many organizations to choose from. Some nurses decide to join a national nursing organization in addition to a specialty and/or regional organization. One of the largest and most widely recognized national organizations is the American Nurses Association (ANA).
The ANA offers robust resources for professional development. This organization is also known for its legislative advocacy at the federal and state levels. The ANA strives to engage with policymakers to ensure nurses’ voices are heard and their needs prioritized.
Other top national organizations to consider joining include:
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- National League for Nursing (NLN)
- National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma)
You might not want to join a nursing specialty organization until after you’ve graduated, obtained licensure, and gained clinical experience. Not every nursing student knows which specialty is right for them until after they’ve already entered the workforce. When you’re ready, however, consider joining a specialty organization, such as:
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
- National Gerontological Nursing Association
- National Society of Orthopedic Nurses
- Society of Pediatric Nurses
- Society of Trauma Nurses
Additionally, organizations that empower minority voices in nursing include:
- Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc.
- Black Nurses Rock
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses
- National Black Nurses Association
Regional Options: Nursing Organizations in Virginia
Some national organizations offer regional or state chapters. You can also join organizations specific to Virginia. A list of professional nursing organizations in Virginia includes the following:
- Virginia Association of School Nurses
- Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners
- Virginia Nurses Association
- Virginia Nursing Students’ Association
- Virginia Organization for Nurse Leaders
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How to Choose the Right Professional Nursing Association
The right organization for you is the one that offers resources that meet your needs. It should also align with your career stage, whether you’re a nursing student or an active, licensed RN.
Take your time researching the different options. Since nursing students are typically on a budget, it may be best to join one organization while you’re still in school. Consider joining an organization that offers student discounts on membership fees. Later on, you may want to join a national organization, a specialty association, and a state or regional group.
How to Join Nursing Organizations
After identifying a nursing organization you’d like to join, navigate to the membership page on its website. Nursing groups often offer multiple membership options, such as active RN, nursing student, and retired RN memberships. Select the most appropriate membership option.
Different organizations have their own procedures for joining. Generally, you will need to create an account on their website, fill out an application, provide proof of your licensure status and pay the membership fee. After joining, take advantage of member resources, such as networking opportunities, journal subscriptions and continuing education courses.
How ABSN Students Use Nursing Associations to Build Their Careers
There are three main ways to use these organizations as resources while still in nursing school: education, networking and mentorship. Although your nursing school curriculum will teach you everything you need to start in this profession, you can supplement your course material with educational resources available from your professional organization. A successful nursing career requires a deep commitment to education and ongoing professional development.
Nursing students could also seek mentorship opportunities within nursing associations. A mentor can answer your questions about choosing a nursing specialty and entering the nursing profession, and they can provide practical career guidance.
Lastly, these organizations often offer networking opportunities. Look for upcoming conferences, whether digital or in-person, and be active in the discussion forums or other online communities, if available.
Start Your Nursing Journey at Averett
Averett University offers a hybrid learning experience, with online coursework and in-person nursing labs at our Norfolk ABSN learning center, along with clinical rotations starting in the first semester. It’s a flexible way to join the nursing profession, and you’ll receive the full support of our attentive faculty and Academic Success Coaches.
Request information today to get started. There is no waitlist, and we offer three start dates per year.