Joining a professional nursing organization is a smart move for CNAs who aim to upgrade their skills, progress in their career and make a difference in the healthcare sector. These organizations provide many perks that enable CNAs to grow in their career, including career development avenues, access to resources for continuing education, improved resume visibility, and assistance through advocacy and support services. Below we discuss each of these benefits, and provide a curated list of professional nursing organizations for you to research and explore more.
The top professional nursing organizations in the country are as follows:
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- National League for Nursing (NLN)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
- National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
- Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Career Advancement Opportunities for Nurses
Becoming a member of a professional nursing organization can be a smart move for CNAs looking to advance their careers and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. By joining such an organization, CNAs gain access to a vast network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can offer guidance and support as they navigate their career paths. Many professional organizations also provide job boards and other resources to help members identify new opportunities and advance their careers within the healthcare industry.
Furthermore, professional nursing organizations offer a variety of educational resources, including continuing education courses and certification programs. By taking advantage of these resources, CNAs can enhance their skills and broaden their knowledge base. In addition, membership in a professional organization can bolster a CNA’s resume, demonstrating their dedication to their profession and their commitment to staying current with the latest practices and technologies.
Research has shown that joining a professional nursing organization can have significant benefits for CNAs. Members of these organizations tend to have higher job satisfaction, more career opportunities, and higher salaries compared to non-members. Additionally, professional organizations often offer advocacy and support services that allow CNAs to make a positive impact on the healthcare industry as a whole.
By joining a professional nursing organization, CNAs can take advantage of the many resources and benefits available to them, enhancing their skills, advancing their careers, and making a positive impact on the healthcare industry.
Continuing Education Resources
Many professional nursing organizations offer educational resources and training programs designed to help CNAs stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. This can include webinars, conferences, online CNA courses, and other forms of professional development.
By participating in these activities, CNAs can enhance their knowledge and skills, and stay informed about new developments in the healthcare industry. CNA continuing education can help nurses to provide better care for their patients and position themselves for career advancement opportunities.
Resume Enhancement
Membership in a professional nursing organization can be a valuable addition to a CNA’s resume. It can demonstrate their commitment to their profession and dedication to continuing education and professional development, and can differentiate them from other job candidates.
Employers often value candidates who are active in their professional community and are committed to ongoing learning and development. By highlighting their membership in a professional organization for nurses, CNAs can position themselves as candidates who are dedicated to their profession and committed to staying informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.
Advocacy and Support Services
Professional organizations in the nursing and medical sector often advocate for their members on issues related to healthcare policy and workforce development. By joining an organization, CNAs can add their voice to these efforts and help to shape the future of their profession.
In addition, many organizations offer support services and resources to help members navigate challenges and succeed in their careers. This can include access to legal and financial advice, career coaching, and other forms of support that can help CNAs to achieve their professional goals.
Research shows that nurses who are members of professional organizations have higher levels of job satisfaction, professional commitment, and career mobility compared to those who are not members. In addition, a survey of healthcare professionals conducted by the Healthcare Intelligence Network found that 86% of respondents believe that professional nursing association membership enhances their careers, and 78% reported that it has helped them to stay informed about trends and developments in their field.
Overall, joining a nursing professional organization can be a valuable investment in a CNA’s career development and success. By taking advantage of the educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts offered by these organizations, CNAs can enhance their skills, advance their careers, and make a positive impact on the healthcare industry.
ThinkCNAOnline.com has compiled a list over the years of professional organizations that would be a valuable resource for CNAs. Also included in this list are specific and detailed information on the membership benefits, how how to join, and any requirements or prerequisites for joining these professional nursing organizations.
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
Membership Benefits:
- Access to NAHCA’s Career Pathways Program, which provides a clear pathway for CNAs to advance their careers
- Discounts on NAHCA conferences and events
- Access to online training and resources, including the NAHCA Learning Center and the NAHCA Resource Library
- Opportunities to participate in NAHCA committees and advocacy efforts
- Access to the NAHCA job board
How to Join:
- Complete the membership application form on the NAHCA website
- Pay the annual membership fee of $59
- There are no prerequisites or requirements for joining NAHCA
Website: https://www.nahcacna.org/
National Association of Geriatric Nursing Assistants (NAGNA)
- Access to the NAGNA quarterly newsletter and other publications
- Discounts on NAGNA conferences and events
- Opportunities to participate in NAGNA committees and advocacy efforts
- Access to the NAGNA job board
- Free webinars on various topics related to geriatric nursing
How to Join:
- Complete the membership application form on the NAGNA website
- Pay the annual membership fee of $60
- There are no prerequisites or requirements for joining NAGNA
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Membership Benefits:
- Access to ANA’s online library of resources, including articles, research studies, and clinical practice guidelines
- Discounts on ANA conferences and events
- Opportunities to participate in ANA committees and advocacy efforts
- Access to the ANA job board
- Access to ANA’s online community, where members can connect with other nurses and healthcare professionals
How to Join:
- Complete the membership application form on the ANA website
- Pay the annual membership fee, which ranges from $174 to $298 depending on the state and membership category
- CNAs can join ANA as a “Nursing Student” or “Associate” member, depending on their level of education and experience
Website: https://www.nursingworld.org/
National Association of Certified Caregivers (NACC)
- Access to the NACC online learning platform, which offers courses and certifications for CNAs and other healthcare professionals
- Discounts on NACC conferences and events
- Access to the NACC job board
- Opportunities to participate in NACC committees and advocacy efforts
How to Join:
- Complete the membership application form on the NACC website
- Pay the annual membership fee, which ranges from $25 to $99 depending on the type of membership
- There are no prerequisites or requirements for joining NACC