Question

There are a number of "Spheres of Influence" discussed in your initial readings: the community; the workforce & workplace; the government; and associations & interest groups. In this discussion we will focus on Associations & Interest Groups.

Choose a nursing association
Discuss the mission and purpose of the organization
How is the organization governed?
What is its legislative agenda?
In your opinion, is the agenda relevant at this time?
Have you or would you join this organization? Discuss your rationale

Answer 1

I can provide information about a well-known nursing association, the American Nurses Association (ANA), as an example for this discussion.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

Mission and Purpose:

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses. Its mission is to advance the nursing profession to improve health for all. ANA seeks to promote high standards of nursing practice, provide professional development opportunities, advocate for the rights and well-being of nurses, and enhance patient outcomes.

Governance:

ANA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. It operates at the national level, with a structure that includes state and specialty nursing associations as well. ANA's governance includes various committees and task forces that work on issues such as ethics, standards of practice, and policy development.

Legislative Agenda:

ANA's legislative agenda covers a wide range of nursing and healthcare-related issues. Some common legislative priorities include advocating for safe staffing ratios, protecting nurses' scope of practice, promoting healthcare access and affordability, and addressing healthcare disparities. ANA also engages in policy discussions related to public health, workforce development, and healthcare reform.

Relevance of Agenda:

The relevance of ANA's legislative agenda is often viewed as highly pertinent to the nursing profession and healthcare as a whole. Issues such as safe staffing, scope of practice, and healthcare access are consistently important for nurses and their ability to provide high-quality care. ANA's advocacy efforts align with the current challenges and changes in healthcare, making its agenda relevant in advocating for nurses and patients.

Membership:

Whether or not to join ANA depends on an individual nurse's career goals, interests, and priorities. Joining ANA can provide access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development. Nurses who are passionate about advocating for their profession and influencing healthcare policy may find ANA membership appealing. However, membership is a personal choice, and some nurses may opt for other nursing associations or organizations that align more closely with their specific interests.

In summary, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a prominent nursing association with a mission to advance the nursing profession and improve healthcare. Its legislative agenda focuses on various nursing and healthcare-related issues, and many nurses find its advocacy efforts relevant to their practice. Joining ANA or any nursing association depends on individual preferences and career aspirations. Nurses should evaluate the benefits of membership and consider how the association aligns with their professional goals.

Step-by-step explanation: