Hey y’all, welcome back!
I have a confession to make: I wasn’t always a big believer in joining a professional nursing organization. As a nurse practitioner, I was definitely one of those who clocked in, did my job, and went home—without giving much thought to engaging in any professional nursing organization.
Sure, I’d pay my dues, snag a couple of CE credits, maybe buy some swag—but actually attending meetings? Engaging with leadership? Meh. The leadership often felt out of touch—older, less diverse, and sometimes, let’s keep it real, uninterested in what the younger generation of nurses had to say.
But then, 2020 happened…
The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everything changed. Nurses were struggling—badly. And the data on how COVID-19 disproportionately affected Black communities? It was staggering. Hypertension, diabetes, asthma—conditions we already knew were impacting our communities—were now fueling higher mortality rates. It wasn’t just a healthcare crisis; it was a racial and structural crisis.
That’s when I knew I had to do more. I needed community, advocacy, and action. So, I joined my local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)—and let me tell you, it was one of the best career moves I ever made.
And that’s why I’m here to tell you: Every nurse should be part of a professional nursing organization and there are 100’s to choose from. (Cue Jay-Z’s Encore: “What the h*ll are you waiting for?” IYKYK.)
5 Reasons Why You Need to Join a Professional Nursing Organization
1. Advocacy: Be a Voice for Change
Professional nursing organizations fight for better policies, improved working conditions, and fair compensation. Whether it’s pushing for full practice authority for NPs, increasing diversity in leadership, or advocating for better nurse-to-patient ratios—these organizations have real influence. Professional nursing organizations can be specific to your work setting specific, a condition, age group, ethnicity, and more (Matthews, 2012).
For me, I chose the National Black Nurses Association because it aligns with my identity as a Black nurse (I have joined many more professional nursing organizations since then). Whether you join the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Association (ANA), or a specialty organization, your membership contributes to collective action and I am certain there’s a right one fore you.
2. Networking: Your Network = Your Net worth
Well, you ever heard the saying, your network is your net worth? It’s true! Through professional nursing organizations, you’ll meet mentors, collaborators, and potential employers. You never know, that one connection could land you your dream job, a speaking gig, or even a business partnership.
So, I wish I had joined and gotten involved sooner—it would’ve saved me a lot of time trying to “figure things out” on my own.
3. Career Growth: Stay on top of your game
Want to level up? These organizations offer conferences, leadership opportunities, and career development programs. Many even provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships that could help fund your education or research.
I received a scholarship for my PhD studies just for being a member of a professional nursing organization. If I had joined earlier, maybe I would’ve had a loan paid off already! 😩
4. Continuing Education & Certifications
Let’s be real—CE credits are mandatory, and nursing organizations make them easier to access. Many also offer specialized certifications to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
If you have any NP certification (FNP, AGNP, PNP, etc.), you’ll need CE credits for recertification. Don’t wait until the last minute to get them all done either (we’ve all been there)! 😂
5. A Sense of Community & Support
Listen, nursing is rewarding but exhausting. Having a network of peers who understand your struggles and celebrate your wins is invaluable. Whether it’s a national organization like the AANP or ANA or a local chapter of NBNA, these groups offer mentorship, networking, and camaraderie.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Waiting For?
Finally, if you’ve been hesitant about joining a professional nursing organization, take this as your sign to go for it. No organization is perfect—but your voice can help shape the change you want to see.
So tell me, are you part of a professional nursing organization? If so, which one? If not, what’s holding you back? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Char ✨
Matthews, J. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. Online J Issues Nurs, 17(1).
