Professional nursing organizations provide a unified voice for nurses and nursing students. They engage in legislative advocacy, promote professional standards, offer professional development resources, and connect nurses who are interested in professional networking. There are national, region, and specialty nursing organizations to join.
Professional nursing organizations bring together nursing students and professionals at every career stage. They help nurses connect with colleagues regionally and nationally while accessing member benefits, including professional development opportunities. There are many nursing organizations to join. Some serve all nurses, while others focus on a particular region or nursing specialty.
At Felician University, our Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program builds a strong foundation for a nursing career. We encourage students to begin developing their professional networks and consider joining nursing associations while still in school.
As you prepare to enroll in nursing school, explore the benefits of nursing organizations and learn which ones you can join.
Why Professional Nursing Organizations Matter
A professional nursing organization typically works to advance nursing practice through legislative advocacy, the development of professional standards, professional development opportunities, and other initiatives.
Although their activities vary, these organizations connect nurses. By joining, nurses can contribute to a collective voice, access professional support, and build relationships with other nursing professionals.
How Nursing Organizations Help Nurses Succeed
As a working nurse, you can benefit from the support of a professional association. A nursing organization can foster community and help you build meaningful relationships with other nurses. Organizations also provide networking opportunities through in-person and virtual events and resources.
Professional organizations can support career growth through professional development. Offerings may include continuing education credits needed to maintain licensure and other ongoing learning opportunities. Your organization may also provide discounts on insurance, nursing supplies, professional certifications, and career resources.
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How Nursing Students Can Benefit from Professional Nursing Organizations
You can benefit from joining one or more organizations before becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN). Student memberships may also be available at a discount.
As a student member, you can begin building your professional network through a nursing association. Attend virtual or in-person networking events and add your membership to your LinkedIn profile. Some organizations also provide career resources and mentorship opportunities.
National Professional Nursing Organizations to Explore
Many nursing organizations operate nationally, allowing nurses from across the U.S. to join. International organizations, such as Global Nurses United (GNU), can also connect U.S. nurses with peers worldwide and expose them to a broad range of perspectives and experiences.
As a nursing student and, later, a professional nurse, consider joining one of these national organizations:
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- 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)
If you join only one organization, consider the ANA, one of the largest and best-known professional associations for nurses across specialties. Nurses who move into leadership roles may consider the AONL. The NLN serves nursing education professionals, while the NSNA supports nursing students. Sigma membership is available to eligible nursing students and professionals.
Nursing Organizations to Join Based on Your Career Goals
Some professional nursing organizations focus on a specific specialty or role, such as public health, emergency, or pediatric nursing. These organizations may operate regionally or nationally.
Examples of national nursing organizations to join based on specialty include:
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
- International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses
- National Gerontological Nursing Association
- National Society of Orthopedic Nurses
- Society of Pediatric Nurses
- Society of Trauma Nurses
Nursing Organizations in New Jersey
After graduating from Felician University’s ABSN program, you may choose to remain in the Garden State and launch your nursing career. You could also join a nursing organization that serves nurses in New Jersey.
Options include:
- Mid State Black Nurses Association of New Jersey (MSBNA)
- New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators (NJAPHNA)
- New Jersey Emergency Nurses Association (NJENA)
- New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN)
- New Jersey Nursing Students (NJNS)
- New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)
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Nursing Organizations in New York
Felician University offers ABSN program locations in Rutherford and Parsippany, New Jersey, but graduates may pursue nursing careers in other states, including neighboring New York. To seek initial licensure in New York, apply through the New York State Education Department and register for the NCLEX-RN according to its requirements.
Examples of nursing organizations to join for nurses in New York include:
- American Nurses Association: New York (ANA-NY)
- Greater NYC Black Nurses Association Chapter (GNYC-BNA)
- New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)
- Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNA NY)
- The Nurse Practitioner Association: New York State (NPA NYS)
What to Look for When Comparing Nursing Associations
Consider several factors when choosing a professional nursing organization. First, determine whether its focus aligns with your specialty and geographic area. Then, review membership eligibility, fees, and benefits, including professional development opportunities, networking events, and advocacy initiatives.
You may benefit from joining multiple organizations. While in school, for example, you might hold a student membership in the ANA and join a student-focused organization such as the NSNA. After becoming a nurse, you could update your ANA membership and join regional or specialty-specific organizations.
How an ABSN Program Helps Prepare Future Nurse Leaders
Felician University’s ABSN program emphasizes practice readiness and the development of future nurse leaders. Our well-rounded curriculum explores nursing fundamentals, as well as global health issues, legal and ethical considerations, nursing innovation and research, and health literacy. Students graduate prepared to apply theory in practice and serve as positive role models in the field.
Start Building Your Professional Nursing Network Today
At Felician University, individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits can transition to nursing sooner by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months.
Students can choose from our two ABSN locations in New Jersey: the Hybrid ABSN program in Parsippany, New Jersey, which combines online learning with in-person labs and clinicals, or the entirely in-person On-Ground program in Rutherford, New Jersey.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll receive a comprehensive, values-based curriculum, focused on practice readiness. Our ABSN program provides immersive learning with Atlantic Health System and other leading healthcare providers, comprehensive NCLEX-RN preparation, and an emphasis on nursing leadership and patient advocacy.
Request info today and connect with an admissions counselor to learn more.