Choose a professional nursing organization that interests you (ex: American Nurses’ Association, Association for Operating Room Nurses, etc.). Visit the website homepage for the organization. Provide rationale for your response with at least one scholarly source using an APA in-text citation and full reference.
Mission
Member Benefits
One educational offering
Membership Cost
Do you plan to join this organization? How could this organization influence your professional development?
How does joining this organization align with your facility’s mission and vision?
Full Answer Section
Website Exploration:
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Mission: "To advance critical care nursing and optimize patient outcomes through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration." (AACN website, https://www.aacn.org/)
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Member Benefits:
- Access to online resources and professional development tools.
- Networking opportunities with other critical care nurses.
- Discounted rates on conferences and educational programs.
- Advocacy representation on national healthcare issues.
- Subscription to the AACN's peer-reviewed journal, Critical Care Nurse.
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Educational Offerings: The AACN offers a variety of educational programs, including webinars, online courses, and conferences. One specific example is the AACN Certification Corporation (AACN CC), which offers certifications in various critical care specialties.
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Membership Cost: Membership fees vary depending on experience level and other factors. You can find the latest fee structure on the AACN website.
Joining the AACN:
Yes, I plan to join the AACN in the future. This organization can significantly influence my professional development by:
- Enhancing my knowledge and skills: Through access to educational resources and certification programs, I can stay updated on the latest advancements in critical care nursing.
- Building a professional network: Connecting with other critical care nurses can provide valuable mentorship opportunities and help me stay informed about industry trends.
- Advocating for the profession: The AACN's advocacy efforts ensure that the voices of critical care nurses are heard on important healthcare issues.
Alignment with Facility's Mission and Vision:
Many healthcare facilities have a mission and vision that emphasize providing high-quality patient care. Joining the AACN demonstrates my commitment to professional development and aligns with the facility's goals of delivering excellent critical care services. Furthermore, the AACN's resources and educational offerings can benefit the entire critical care team at the facility.
Sample Answer
The professional nursing organization that interests me is the American Society of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Critical care nursing is a field that demands a high level of knowledge, skill, and critical thinking. The AACN offers a wealth of resources and support for critical care nurses, making it a valuable organization for professional development.
Rationale:
A study by Aiken et al. (2014) found that a higher nurse-to-patient ratio in intensive care units (ICUs) is associated with increased patient mortality. Critical care nurses play a vital role in ensuring positive patient outcomes in these high-acuity settings. Professional organizations like the AACN provide ongoing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that contribute to improved patient care and nurse well-being.