There are many benefits of joining a professional association. Professional associations consist of groups of people within the same profession who get together to network, to promote, and to enhance the standards of the profession. Benefits to a member can include conferences, access to continuing education opportunities and certifications and updates on policies that impact the profession. Often, these professional associations and societies encourage students to join. Below are some of the professional organizations that are available.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization representing the interest of nurses. "ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all." (ANA website) ANA represent the interest of all nurses.
Mission: Nurses advancing our profession to improve health for all.
Member Benefits can include:
North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) is for all Registered Nurses in North Carolina. Founded in 1902 by a group of nurses led by Mary Lewis Wyche, NCNA has been an advocate for nurses in North Carolina. NCNA first object was pursuing the Nursing Practice Act which made North Carolina the first state in the nation to legalize the registration of nurses in 1903. NCNA continues to advocate for quality patient care, nursing reform and recognition of the nursing profession.
Mission: NCNA to serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.
NCNA is open to all registered nurses in North Carolina. Benefits of membership include:
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) was founded in 1922 at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses (now Indiana University School of Nursing) in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1985, STTI became incorporated as a nonprofit organization. STTI offers numerouse professional development products and services that focus on education, leadership, career development, evidence-based nursing research and scholarships.
The Mission of STTI is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.
STTI membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional nursing achievements.
STTI has 3 types of membership:
Our campus chapter is Upsilon Mu Chapter which was formed March 26, 2008.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma): The local Chapter recently amended its charter in April 2018, when Wingate University joined the chapter with Cabarrus College to become the Upsilon Mu at-Large Chapter. The chapter strives to uphold the mission of Sigma, which is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Sigma supports this through its numerous professional development products and services that focus on the core areas of education, leadership, career development, evidence-based nursing, research, and scholarship. These products and services advance the learning and professional development of members and all nurses who strive to improve the health of the world’s people. Membership to the Upsilon Mu at-Large Chapter is by invitation to baccalaureate nursing students who: demonstrate excellence in scholarship (cumulative GPA 3.00 or higher); have completed at least half of the baccalaureate nursing program curriculum; and rank in the upper 35 percent of the BSN graduating class. Nurse leader membership is offered to RNs in the community who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing or other disciplines and demonstrate achievement in nursing.
North Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders (NCONL) provides nurse leaders a professional organization for leadership, professional development and health advocacy. It provides a voice to senior nurse executives and various levels of nurse leaders in hospitals and healthcare organizations. NCONL also works to advance nursing practice and health care policy across North Carolina.
Misson: "The organization serves as a voice for nurse leaders; provides venues for professional development and advocacy; facilitates research and its application to advance nursing practice and health care policy; and serves as a catalyst for transforming patient care."