Professional Association in Nursing

Professional Association in Nursing

Professional Association

Nursing associations play a vital role in the professional and personal development of individual members in pursuit of growth. In the wake of technological revolution and advancement of science, joining a professional association will impact nurses with core skills necessary for career development (Gaines, 2019). The American Nurses Association states that “professional development is a vital phase of lifelong learning in which nurses engage to develop and maintain competence, enhance professional nursing practice, and support the achievement of career goals.” (ANA). The benefits that members derive from these associations are numerous and many of them are shared on professional experience to enhance their career. An example of a professional association is the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

The significance of the organization to nurses in the specialty area

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nursing (AMSN) is arguably the only professional nursing organization tasked with the duty of medical-surgical nursing. AMSN is a community made of more than 10,000 professionals who are dedicated to patient care and personal as well as professional development. Besides, members of this body reach out to many people for them to specialize in medical-surgical nursing and connect with many others who are passionate and compassionate about surgical nursing (Academy of medical-surgical nurses). Primarily, AMSN strategic goals highly focus on evidence-based practices, work-place advocacy, research and knowledge, organizational health, national leadership, and professional development.

AMSN mission, vision, and values

The mission of the association is to promote absolute excellence in the field of medical-surgical nursing. Their vision is to ensure that medical-surgical nurses use their powerful voice and focused commitment to improve patient care repeatedly. As of their values, medical-surgical nursing is a distinct specialty with its unique body of knowledge (AMSN Overview). As such, the association believes that they are subjected to better care when medical-surgical nurses speak with a unified voice, implement evidence-based practice, serve as leaders on healthcare teams, and commit to their professional development.

Benefits of being a member of AMSN
the advantages of joining AMSN are numerous. With a membership tag, surgical nurses are allowed to be educated with the latest and updated resources on surgical nursing. Additionally, members are supported with financial aid while pursuing career growth (Benefits of Membership). Moreover, adequate career guidance, numerous discounts, and recognition as a respected leader and advocate. Besides, members enjoy unlimited networking with industry leaders who share a similar passion and commitment to nursing.

The importance of networking to medical-surgical nurses and how AMSN creates opportunities for networking

Every profession cherishes networking, so is medical-surgical nursing. In every industry, the more people you know, the better. The nursing field is no exception. First, future employment resides in networking (Career Center Staff, 2015). Many nursing positions are advertised through referrals, and many healthcare organizations achieve this milestone through networking. Secondly, networking provides support systems for nurses. In the medical world, nurses experience physical and mental challenges that can strain and lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction (Why networking is important). With a networking opportunity, nurses have a platform to vent their frustrations and share with others who experience the same. Additionally, it creates room to analyze trends and advancements for nurses.

At AMSN, members experience networking through an annual convention. This year’s meeting was to be held in October, however, the corona pandemic remains the biggest obstacle. At the annual conference, members will be engaged in how to improve patient care besides connecting with other nurses who share a similar passion and commitment.

How AMSN keeps members informed on healthcare changes including those which affect their practice area

Effective communication is vital for every organization. AMSN has developed a digital toolkit framework where members can always access information. Whether the matter involves work, family, or personal life, the nurses are not required to sit down and waste time. The association tends to keep members organized and reduce their stress while keeping tabs on the most important things. AMSN has a comprehensive platform of keeping its members informed. For example, Professional Briefcase is a platform where members can save their employment information, including licensure and credentialing (AMSN Overview). This can be easily shared with the employer and other relevant stakeholders. Similarly, there is The Hub, AMSN online community where members keep up with the latest information and technologies. Moreover, they can ask questions regarding policies and procedures besides sharing ideas and networking with other nurses.

Opportunities for continuing education and professional development

Career progression is vital to any profession. Not only does continuing professional development offer benefits to the individual but also the profession and the public (Importance of CPD). Continuing career development ensures that professionals keep up with current standards in the same field. Additionally, it enables members to stay polish their skills and knowledge in the professional service to their clients (Schneider, 2015). For instance, members of AMSN will have their members treat their patients better. Continuous education also ensures that knowledge remains relevant and current besides giving members to make meaningful contributions to their teams.

In conclusion, AMSN is a professional body for surgical nurses and remains the only specialty nursing organization in the country. With more than 10,000 membership, the association provides a litany of benefits for the nurses to improve patient care. Moreover, they give the nurses an opportunity to develop professionally and personally and a networking platform where they can interact with similar nurses.

References

Schneider, A. (2015). Nursing organizations: The Role they play in Professional Development. Retrieved from https://www.rn.com/nursing-organizations-the-role-they-play-in-professional-development/

Gaines, K. (2019). You should join a nursing organization. Here’s why. Nurse. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/benefits-of-nursing-organizations/

Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.ajj.com/clients/list/academy-medical-surgical-nurses-amsn

Career Center Staff (2015). Professional networking for nurses. Nursing world. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/resources/individual/networking/

Why is networking important for nurses? American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Retrieved from https://acrm.org/rehabilitation-research/networking-important-nurses/

The importance of continuing professional development (2020). CPD. Retrieved from https://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/why-is-cpd-important/

AMSN Overview (2020). AMSN. Retrieved from https://www.amsn.org/about/overview

Benefits of membership (2020). AMSN. Retrieved from https://www.amsn.org/membership/membership-overview/benefits-membership