5 Professional Groups for Master’s Prepared Nurses
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- National Association Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care
- American Academy of Nursing
- National Association of School Nurses
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Master’s prepared nurses are encouraged to join professional organizations to allow them to network with colleagues. These organizations often offer low-cost or free continuing education credits that could help meet state licensing requirements. Joining a professional organization for nurses also helps nurses stay up-to-date on best practices, policies and research. Consider joining one or more of these professional organizations for nurses.
1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is a nursing professional organization that offers professional development opportunities, support and networking for nurse practitioners. A nurse practitioner has a master’s degree and certification to practice nursing as a healthcare provider who works alongside physicians. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners advocates on behalf of nurse practitioners.
2. National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care
The National Association Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care is a professional association for nurses who have a master’s degree and work as administrators. The organization hosts an annual conference with topics around nurse administration and long term care nursing. Topics covered in webinars include diabetes management and stroke care. Advocacy and continuing education are two of the key services provided by the National Association Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care.
3. American Academy of Nursing
This policy organization offers support to nurses who are concerned about evidence-based care, politics of healthcare and best practices. The American Academy of Nursing has several initiatives for its members. Those include leadership, models of care and evidence-based recommendations. The organization also conducts its own research, awards fellowships and publishes studies about best practices in nursing. Each year, the American Academy of Nursing honors some of the top nurses in the United States.
4. National Association of School Nurses
School nurses work in a unique setting providing healthcare, evaluation and treatment to children in school. Because of this environment, they may not get to interact with other nurses frequently. The National Association of School Nurses offers networking, policy, advocacy, education and helpful articles for its members. According to Forbes, membership in an organization like this is an ideal way to invest in oneself and advocate for the work that is done the school system. Many schools have decreased or entirely cut nurse funding, and this organization provides support and information for nurses to share with administrators.
5. American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Working as a nurse in mental health services can be emotionally and physically challenging. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association offers a community where these masters-educated nurses can go for support and information. Advocacy and education are two of the organization’s key priorities. The organization offers resources on treating mental health disorders, identifying mental health problems and prevention of mental illnesses. Members of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association can also get free continuing education credits for their licensure requirements.
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Each of these nursing professional organizations allows nurses to hone their professional skills. From connecting with experienced professionals in nursing to learning about new techniques, these organizations offer helpful information. Joining one or more of these nursing professional organizations is an ideal way to invest in oneself and their career.