The American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association, or ANA, is the professional organization representing the more than 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States, even non-members. It is not mandatory to join the ANA, but it provides many extra benefits for its 180,000 members.
The ANA has a physical office, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. There are 54 constituent member associations across the United States. When you join through a constituent member association, you are a full member of the ANA with all its benefits. In certain states, you can join ANA directly, in which case you do not have benefits on the state level. An individual can also join directly on the ANA website, which then gives them access to just the website. This costs only $45 a year and still gives significant benefits.
The ANA online site offers help and information. It has material directed at people who are considering a career as a registered nurse, who need information about training at all different stages, and who have questions about everything from certifying as a nurse to occupational health hazards. It has the latest news, like the swine flu in April of 2009, and dates for many different educational opportunities in the future.
The history of the ANA goes back to 1896 before there were any laws regulating nursing. It took its current name in 1911. Now, almost one hundred years later, the ANA is proud of its accomplishments. The ANA has been able to accumulate a large collection of materials about nursing. It has expanded its membership as well as offered more services to those members. It was actively involved in establishing the credentialing process for nurses. The ANA is proud to help advance the nursing profession in all its aspects. It wants to be able to be of use to every nurse and to the profession as a whole.
Anyone who is interested in becoming an RN should visit the site. A visitor can begin with the "Especially For You" links on the left. They can start by reading "Considering Nursing?" which includes information about what nursing is, the various paths to becoming a registered nurse, and the licensing process. There are articles about the common thread in nursing – the process by which a nurse evaluates and helps individuals. There is information about the types of careers for registered nurses, including advanced practice nursing, and there is information about ways to pay for nursing colleges.
If you already are a nursing student, use of the site and all its benefits are free while you are in training. Nursing students are encouraged to take advantage of all the information.
There is much important information and actionable content for those who are already nurses. The ANA has a code of ethics, principles, and lists of rights and ways to remain safe on the job. There are separate sections for nurse educators, as well as advanced practice RNs. There are resources, including help finding a job, and ways to earn continuing education hours. There is advice on safe staffing levels, and help in finding liability insurance to cover you while you are working.
You can read the ANA's position statements on matters of healthcare policy, disaster preparedness, and occupational and environmental safety. You can buy nursing books and journals, and gifts for National Nurses Week, which is the week beginning May 6th every year. Members get non-nursing benefits such as automobile rental discounts, Disney Resorts discounts, credit cards, banking centers, and opportunities to buy life, health and even pet insurance. There is also an online social networking area.
The ANA site offers contacts for media representatives. Healthcare reform is a prominent concern at this time and the ANA makes position statements on various healthcare-related bills and initiatives. It has a policy statement about health system reform, which declares that health care is a basic human right.
The American Nurses Association provides so much information and help that its website is a must-visit for anyone interested in a career as a registered nurse.
Published: 2009-09-15
