Nursing - RN to BSN

There are many benefits of joining a professional association. Professional associations consist of groups of people within the same profession who get together to network, to promote, and to enhance the standards of the profession. Benefits to a member can include conferences, access to continuing education opportunities and certifications and updates on policies that impact the profession. Often, these professional associations and societies encourage students to join.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization representing the interest of nurses. "ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all." (ANA website)  ANA represent the interest of all nurses.

Mission:  Nurses advancing our profession to improve health for all. 

Member Benefits can include:

• Free Webinars
• CE (online independent study modules which include articles, audio, multimedia, slides and video)
• ANA Career Center
• American Nurse Today - monthly journal (10 print / 2 electronic)
• Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) - Peer-reviewed, posted online three times a year
• Savings on ANA books through Nursebooks.org
• Networking Opportunities

North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) is for all Registered Nurses in North Carolina. Founded in 1902 by a group of nurses led by Mary Lewis Wyche, NCNA has been an advocate for nurses in North Carolina. NCNA first object was pursuing the Nursing Practice Act which made North Carolina the first state in the nation to legalize the registration of nurses in 1903. NCNA continues to advocate for quality patient care, nursing reform and recognition of the nursing profession.

Mission: NCNA to serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.

NCNA is open to all registered nurses in North Carolina. Benefits of membership include: 

• Tar Heel Nurse - NCNA newsletter (both paper and electronic access).
• Continuing education courses - These course are often offered at low or no cost to you.  Many issues of Tar Hell Nurse include an opportunity to earn 1 contact hour when you read and respond to the feature article.
• Networking Opportunities
• Nursing Careers - devoted to help you find employment.
• Document Library - access to resource library, CAPN articles and directory, CNE credit, and much more.

North Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders (NCONL) provides nurse leaders a professional organization for leadership, professional development and health advocacy. It provides a voice to senior nurse executives and various levels of nurse leaders in hospitals and healthcare organizations. NCONL also works to advance nursing practice and health care policy across North Carolina.

Misson: "The organization serves as a voice for nurse leaders; provides venues for professional development and advocacy; facilitates research and its application to advance nursing practice and health care policy; and serves as a catalyst for transforming patient care."