Part I: Professional Nursing Associations

Professional development is a vital phase of lifelong learning in which nurses engage to develop and maintain competence, enhance professional nursing practice and support achievement of career goals.

Firstly, the vital component of lifelong learning. Through professional associations, you will have access to continuing education, specialty journals, and conferences. These are critical to maintaining competency, which in turn can lead to better patient, systems, and personal career outcomes.

However, through a professional association, one can build a network both national and international, the system can help one solve problems in local health centers, discover new best practices and even connect to job opportunities, it is a place where one develops lifelong close friendships based on shared purpose.

Furthermore, it enhances career and leadership development; anytime one can connect with people in the field of study, one can advance their career, becoming actively involved with an association not only opens up educational and networking opportunities, but can also help hone valuable leadership skills.

They are creating the next generation of nurses. Associations raise funds for nursing scholarships, and these groups understand how important life-long learning is and the importance of attracting new nurses into the field and ensuring they remain current and adequately educated.

Define and promote excellence in practice. Associations are the source of professional standards and often are associated with certifying bodies. Associations define the rules of practice nationally, and locally Practices and standards change, and something you have done for 20 years is suddenly no longer the best practice. The associations are the ones who will inform you of those changes first.

Finally, yet importantly, Influence health policy. Most associations have comprehensive advocacy efforts, especially organizations like the Progressive Care Unit (PCU). There is collective power in the members of an associationBelonging is a benefit to the profession, as membership helps to influence policy at the state and federal levels.

Staying up to date with news and changes in the nursing profession and developing a broader perspective.Access to continuing education, often at discounted rates. Some nursing organizations also have an official journal that includes peer-reviewed clinical articles and research — networking opportunities. Online forums, local meetings, and networking events, and an annual convention are often available— career assistance. Organizations often have a career center that posts job openings, offers advice about the job search process, and provides information such as typical salaries and benefits.Discounts on products and resources such as newsletters and certification review materials. Some nursing organizations feature member discounts on auto, life, and professional liability insurance and unique credit card offers.

Beyond paying dues and receiving the benefits, you can get the most out of your membership by becoming involved. Attending local meetings and events is a good start. You might also consider joining a committee, such as the education, finance, political action or newsletter committee. Sometimes organizations have special programs or events that need volunteers. You could even run for office. Not only does your involvement support your profession and give you the opportunity to meet other nurses, but your activities could also look impressive on your resume.

To earn professional credits, organizations such as PCU offer classes and lectures also hold national conferences; some offer insurance benefits and student discounts; and plenty of these organization offer career help and networking opportunities.To use the association resources, this helps to meet people and grow your professional network, also helps identify the other nurses who you can share your professional difficulties and triumphs, members of an association often offer help and support.To get more out of the association membership. By getting involved in various committees, conferences, participate in lectures and events, attend and mingle at networking events and contribute to the newsletter.

Political influence. Large national organizations often have committees to track federal and state legislative developments that could have an impact on their specific business or industry. Such organizations have a significant political presence that far exceeds that of individual members. Joining this type of professional organization enables you to tap into the group’s political influence and resources.

Nurses should strive to be involved in a formal organization that matches their interest and aspirations. Professional nursing organization involvement can range from merely paying dues to becoming the Chairperson, making policy recommendations, improving patient outcomes, and being an advocate for the practice of nursing. Nursing organizations can accomplish incredible feats through networking, connecting, and actively engaging nurses who strive to make improvements in the profession of nursing.

Part II: Professional Nursing Certification.

A license is a state’s grant of legal authority to practice a profession within designated scope of practice.it is required to practice or to call oneself a licensed professional whereas certification is typically a voluntary process.  Although certification can be mandatory or required to practice in individual states, it is often provided by a private organization for giving the public protection on those individuals who have successfully met all requirements for the credential and demonstrated their ability to perform their profession competently.

Importance of obtaining certification in your specialty area.

Many employers seek employees who have earned a specialty certification because it indicates a deep appreciation and dedication to their profession and community and allows nurses to provide the most relevant and cutting-edge service to patients and their families. Nurses also might benefit financially: Those who have obtained their certification often are viewed as having the capacity to take on more responsibility, leading to career advancement and opportunities. Some nursing specialties require completion of specific certifications to ensure continued progress.

When nurses obtain certification, they expand their knowledge base, grow within their field and evolve as professionals. They also raise the standard of practice throughout the profession and, in the end, improve patient safety.Healthcare organizations recognize that assembling a staff comprised mostly of certified nurses helps ensure a highly trained, progressive nursing team and elevates the perception of the medical facility. For hospitals, in particular, earning or maintaining Magnet status requires greater percentages of certified staff nurses.Also important is emerging research that indicates an accredited nursing staff can affect patient safety and outcomes. The healthcare industry is investing resources into researching how to accomplish the goals of reducing errors and improving outcomes for patients. Certification likely will play an active role in these studies.

Enables you to evaluate the talents and skills of others better. With the discipline to master the material for the certification, you are in a better position to assess the skills of others. You have had the opportunity to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in the process of earning the certification, and have a broader understanding of the skills and toolsets that can be effective— a differentiator against the competition. When employers are interviewing, the game is often stiff. If you have the certification, and the other person does not, you are at a definite advantage.

Establishes you as a continuous learner. Employers are always looking for people who never want to stop learning. Learning is a value unto itself, and those around you will respect and admire you for it, and sometimes even be a little jealous. A certification “rounds you out.” Often, the experience is strong in some areas, but not in others. Like education, experience rounds you out, giving exposure to ideas and approaches outside your comfort zone. Also, being able to think outside your experience is an ingredient of leadership.

As a nursing community, specialty certification is an essential element for bettering our profession, and ourselves and improving the lives of our patients. We can meet these expectations by making certification a priority and by motivating ourselves and our nursing colleagues to pursue certification opportunities regardless of our specialties, obligations.

Plugs you into two new communities: one that is earning the certification, and one that has the certification. For example, if you are going for your PMP certification, you will immediately have something in common with other hopefuls, and this can provide networking opportunities through classes, the web, and meetings. The same holds when you have earned the certification; you are a member of the “club.” While these are benefits of PMP certification, the same would hold of most certifications.

Plans for obtaining certification in your specialty area

To make money, certified nurse’s base salaries alone are higher than those of nurses who are not certified are. Also, many organizations pay for certification preparation exams and test fees, and they reward nurses with hourly certification differential pay.To gain respect and recognition. Just having those letters signifying nurse certification credentials behind your name indicates a high level of knowledge, competence, and performance to colleagues, patients, managers, and administrators.To have validated capability in my specialty areas. Because not all nurses who sit for a certification examination pass, succeeding at the qualifying exam separates your expertise from that of the pack, something not lost on managers who can hire you. When it comes to your professional specialty, you are truly special.To have a stand among my professional peers. You come to the interprofessional table with board certification like your physician colleagues who are boarded in their specialties as well. Unfortunately, nursing’s 40% does sorely lag behind medicine’s 80% board certification.

To increase my confidence. An American Board of Nursing Specialties study showed almost 100% of a certified nurse’s felt personal satisfaction from the achievement and that 90% felt more confident performing their clinical duties.

References.

Murdaugh, C. L., Parsons, M. A., & Pender, N. J. (2018). Health promotion in nursing practice. Pearson Education Canada.

Holloway, I., & Galvin, K. (2016). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. John Wiley & Sons.

Parahoo, K. (2014). Nursing research: principles, process, and issues. Macmillan International Higher Education.

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