Exploring Professional Nursing Associations and Organizations

Locate the websites of nursing professional organizations, e.g., American Nurses Association, American Association of College of Nurses, Black Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, International Council of Nurses, American Assembly for Men in Nursing, National League for Nurses; if you select a different nursing professional organization, send your selection to Faculty for prior approval.

  1. Select one organization site for further analysis
  2. Examine the mission statement and goals of the organization.
  3. Summarize one issue currently addressed by the organization.
  4. Assess the significance of the issue to the health needs of a culturally diverse society; the ethical/legal concerns in the delivery of health care associated with the issue; the specific nursing roles and educational preparation of nurses related to the issue, and the future impact of the issue on professional nursing practice
  5. Determine one [1] strategy that has the potential to resolve the issue.

Full Answer Section

Significance of the Issue

The nursing shortage has a significant impact on the health needs of a culturally diverse society. Without enough nurses, patients may not receive the care they need, and waiting times for care may increase. This can lead to worse health outcomes for patients, especially those from minority groups who may already face barriers to accessing care.

There are also ethical and legal concerns associated with the nursing shortage. Nurses who are overworked and understaffed may make mistakes, which can put patients at risk. Additionally, nurses who are forced to work long hours may experience burnout and compassion fatigue, which can further compromise the quality of care.

Nursing Roles and Educational Preparation

Nurses play a critical role in addressing the nursing shortage. Nurses can help to recruit and retain new nurses by mentoring and supporting them. They can also help to improve the working conditions for nurses, which can make the profession more attractive to potential recruits.

Nursing education also plays a role in addressing the nursing shortage. Nursing schools need to increase the number of students they admit and graduate each year. They also need to make sure that their curricula are preparing students for the challenges of working in a diverse and complex healthcare system.

Future Impact

The nursing shortage is likely to have a significant impact on professional nursing practice in the future. Nurses will need to be more versatile and adaptable in their roles, and they will need to be able to work effectively with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, nurses will need to be prepared to provide care to patients from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Strategy to Resolve the Issue

One strategy that has the potential to resolve the nursing shortage is to increase the number of nurses who are prepared to work in primary care. Primary care nurses provide preventive care and manage chronic conditions, which can help to keep patients out of the hospital and reduce the overall demand for healthcare services.

The ANA is working to increase the number of nurses who are prepared to work in primary care through a number of initiatives, including:

  • Providing scholarships and grants to nursing students interested in primary care
  • Developing continuing education programs for primary care nurses
  • Advocating for policies that support primary care

By increasing the number of nurses who are prepared to work in primary care, the ANA hopes to improve access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and ultimately improve the health of the population.

Sample Answer

here is an analysis of the American Nurses Association (ANA):

Mission Statement and Goals

The ANA's mission is to "advance the nursing profession to improve health." Its goals are to:

  • Elevate the profession of nursing globally
  • Engage all nurses to ensure professional success
  • Evolving the practice of nursing to transform health and health care

Current Issue

One of the current issues being addressed by the ANA is the nursing shortage. The United States is facing a critical shortage of nurses, which is expected to worsen in the coming years. This shortage is due to a number of factors, including an aging nursing workforce, an increase in demand for nursing care, and a decline in the number of students entering nursing programs.