Professional Nursing Organizations: How They Benefit Nurses at Every Stage

Nursing can be an incredible career for the right person, with in-demand roles across the field, a wide range of practice areas and work settings to choose from, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. If you are driven and have the right temperament, this career can help you achieve success while doing good and helping others. Professional nursing organizations are invaluable for career-minded nurses, serving as outlets for networking, continuing education and professional guidance.

What exactly are professional nursing organizations, what are some of the most prominent benefits they offer, and how should you choose and join one as a nurse or nursing student? At Marquette University’s Second Degree Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, we offer a pathway to a master’s degree in five or eight semesters and prepare students through top-quality education and guidance.

Let’s explore the benefits of joining a professional nursing organization and how to choose one that aligns with your goals.

What Are Professional Nursing Organizations?

Like most industries, career-oriented nurses with an interest in advancing the field have formed professional organizations to address industry-specific issues. They also educate on important skills, techniques and concepts. Professional nursing organizations date back to the 19th century, influenced by pioneering figures like Florence Nightingale, who worked to professionalize the field.

The National League for Nursing (NLN) was founded in 1893 as the nation’s first nursing organization and furthers the cause of nursing education. The American Nurses Organization (ANA), another early organization, traces its roots back to 1896. Both have continued to advance nursing goals for more than 125 years.

Professional nursing organizations now exist across a range of practice areas and aim toward networking, advocacy and career advancement. They connect nursing professionals and provide opportunities to help shape the future of the field.

Benefits of Joining a Professional Nursing Organization

Professional nursing organizations can be invaluable for advancing and developing a nursing career. Many require dues, but some are free to join. As a member, you will be able to enjoy benefits like:

• Deals and discounts on insurance and health care-related expenses
• Exclusive seminars
• Professional networking events
• Access to job postings
• Professional training and educational courses

Each of these could make a difference in the career opportunities you want to access. As a Marquette direct entry-MSN student, you will graduate after completing a curriculum that prepares you for full-time nursing practice. Joining a professional nursing organization will help you advance your career and pursue specialties.

Why Are Professional Organizations Important for Nurses?

Nurses are some of the most important health care workers making an impact on patient care. In addition to the many benefits you can access as a member, professional nursing organizations are essential to develop and grow the nursing field.

These organizations communicate the importance of nursing to the wider health care field and advocate for better working conditions. The educational opportunities they provide also advance the quality of patient care. With benefits for nurses and patients alike, the continued strength and relevance of organizations like the ANA is as important as ever.

How to Choose the Right Professional Nursing Association

When choosing between professional nursing associations, you should compare your goals and practice area to what each association can offer. Look at membership dues, their benefits, and the geographic areas where they operate. Some of the most prominent organizations for registered nurses include:

• The American Nurses Association
• The National League for Nursing
• The American Association for Critical Care Nursing
• The Emergency Nurses Association
• The American Board of Nursing Specialties
• State Nursing Associations through the ANA
• Sigma Theta Tau (The International Nurses’ Honor Society)

If you are a Marquette DE-MSN student who has maintained a cumulative program GPA of 3.5 or higher, you will be invited to join Sigma Theta Tau near the end of your time in the program. As a member, you will be able to connect with more than 100,000 fellow future nursing leaders and access professional development resources, advice and mentorship, free journal subscriptions, and more.

After finding the right option for you, you can join and begin enjoying the many member benefits while making connections in the field.

Joining a Professional Nursing Organization as an MSN Student

You don’t have to be a licensed RN to join a nursing organization. As a Marquette DE-MSN student, you can still access several organizations that connect you with fellow students and nursing professionals. You can become an ANA Student Subscriber to access members-only content and join a national nursing student network. The National Student Nurses’ Association is another valuable option for networking and continuing to hone nursing skills.

Pursue Your Nursing Career Goals With Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN Program

With more knowledge of the benefits of professional nursing organizations and how they can help further your career, you’ll be better prepared for a future in the field. Marquette University’s DE-MSN program can help you enter a nursing career path sooner, with locations in Milwaukee and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and five-semester or eight-semester curricula made up of:

• Online-based coursework covering key nursing concepts
• In-person nursing skills and simulation labs in a safe, mock-clinical environment
• In-hospital clinical rotations at top regional health care facilities

Contact us today to begin the conversation with an admissions advisor and take the next step toward a rewarding future in nursing.