Comparing Professional Or

Comparing Professional Or

Compare the Texas Nurses Association with a specialty organization. Use the provided template to discuss the history, purpose, goals, membership criteria, target audience, and process for joining each organization. Summarize a recent (less than 5 years) peer-reviewed article about being a member of a professional organization. Identify at least three benefits of membership, including benefits specific to you, and any barriers to joining each organization. Include current references in APA format. Write clearly and without grammatical errors.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The landscape of nursing is supported by numerous professional organizations that aim to promote excellence in nursing practice, education, and leadership. Among these, the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) stands out as a prominent statewide organization, while specialty organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) focus on specific areas of nursing practice. Comparing these organizations provides insight into the benefits and opportunities they offer nurse members, as well as the barriers that might hinder membership. This paper explores the history, purpose, goals, membership criteria, and benefits of TNA and AACN, supported by recent scholarly articles to illustrate the significance of professional organization membership in nursing.

Brief history, purpose, and goals of TNA

The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) was founded in 1907 and has since served as a key advocate for registered nurses (RNs) within Texas. Its primary purpose is to promote the professional growth of nurses, advocate for nursing practice, influence healthcare policy, and ensure quality patient care across the state. TNA's goals include advancing nursing practice through education, fostering leadership among nurses, and advocating for health policies that benefit both practitioners and patients. Over more than a century, TNA has evolved from a small state organization into a vital force shaping nursing practice and healthcare policy in Texas (Texas Nurses Association, 2020).

Brief history, purpose, and goals of the specialty organization selected: AACN

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) was established in 1969 to support critical care nurses and advance the specialty through research, education, clinical practice, and advocacy. Its purpose is to promote high standards of critical care nursing and to support nurses working in intensive care units, emergency departments, and other specialized areas requiring advanced skills. AACN’s goals focus on fostering professional development, improving patient outcomes, and influencing healthcare policies related to critical care. With a national scope, AACN provides specialized resources, certification options, and research opportunities tailored to critical care nurses (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 2021).

Criteria for membership, target audience, and process for joining for each organization

TNA membership is open to registered nurses in Texas who hold an active RN license. To join, nurses must complete an application form, pay dues, and meet the organization’s eligibility requirements, which typically include holding an RN license in good standing (Texas Nurses Association, 2020). The target audience includes practicing nurses, nursing students, educators, and nurse leaders within Texas. AACN’s membership is open to registered nurses working in or committed to critical care nursing. Prospective members must submit an application, provide proof of employment or interest in critical care, and pay membership dues. Both organizations promote membership through their websites and professional networks, emphasizing benefits like professional development and advocacy (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 2021).

Summary of a current (less than 5 years) article about being a member of a professional organization

A recent peer-reviewed article by Johnson and Lee (2022) examined the impact of professional nursing organizations on nurses' career development and job satisfaction. The study found that membership provides nurses with access to continuing education, networking opportunities, and leadership development. Participants reported increased confidence in their clinical skills and a greater sense of professional identity. The article emphasized that active involvement in organizations like TNA and AACN correlates with improved patient care outcomes and job retention. The authors concluded that professional organizations are vital in fostering professional growth and promoting nursing excellence in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Application to nursing: List at least 3 benefits of the organization and to you personally. Give specific barriers to joining.

Membership in TNA and AACN offers several benefits that enhance professional and personal development. First, access to continuing education and certification programs ensures nurses stay current with best practices and emerging technologies. Second, these organizations provide networking opportunities that facilitate mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement. Third, they advocate for nursing issues at local, state, and national levels, amplifying nurses' voices in healthcare policy. Personally, membership can help me develop leadership skills, expand my professional network, and gain recognition in my specialty area.

However, barriers to joining include financial constraints, as membership dues can be significant; time constraints, due to busy work schedules limiting participation in organizational activities; and a lack of awareness about available benefits, which may hinder initial motivation to join. Additionally, some nurses might perceive organizational involvement as secondary to clinical responsibilities or lack confidence in their leadership potential.

Discusses less than 2 ways membership in TNA or another organization benefits. Minimally lists barriers.

Without active participation, membership might offer limited benefits like access to resources or advocacy. Barriers such as cost and time can prevent engagement, reducing potential gains from membership, including professional growth, mentorship, and influence in health policy.

References

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2021). About AACN. https://www.aacn.org/about/about-aacn
• Johnson, P., & Lee, S. (2022). The impact of professional nursing organizations on career development. Journal of Nursing Advancement, 34(2), 123-135.
• Texas Nurses Association. (2020). About TNA. https://www.texasnurses.org/page/about-tna