Nursing associations play a critical role in advancing the nursing profession. They provide education, advocacy, networking opportunities, career support, and more for nurses across all specialties. With over 4 million registered nurses in the United States, nursing associations help unite and empower this large workforce. But with so many associations out there, which one is the most popular and influential? Here is an overview of some of the largest and most prominent nursing associations operating today.
American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the largest and best-known nursing association in the country. Founded in 1911, the ANA represents the interests of America’s 4 million registered nurses. With state nurses associations in all 50 states and a constituency of 175,000 direct individual members, the ANA is a powerful voice and advocate for the nursing profession. Some key facts about the ANA:
- Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland
- Has 53 organizational affiliates representing specialty nursing practice areas
- Publishes the prestigious American Journal of Nursing
- Holds an annual conference attracting thousands of nurse attendees
- Lobbies Congress and federal agencies on healthcare issues impacting nurses and patients
- Sets standards for nursing education, practice and ethics
- Promotes the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace
With its large membership base, established reputation and political influence, the ANA is undoubtedly one of the most prominent nursing associations in America.
National League for Nursing
After the ANA, the National League for Nursing (NLN) is another leading nursing organization. Comprising more than 40,000 individual and institutional members, the NLN is dedicated to advancing nursing education and nurse faculty development. The NLN has a key role in shaping curriculum, teaching methods and educational standards for the nursing field. Key facts about the NLN:
- Founded in 1893, headquartered in Washington D.C.
- Offers professional development, networking, and resources for nurse educators
- Accredits nursing schools and programs
- Publishes two medically-focused journals
- Provides grants and scholarships for nursing students and faculty
- Conducts nursing education research
- Hosts an annual education summit conference
Through its long history and nursing education focus, the NLN has contributed enormously to strengthening the foundations of nursing practice in America.
Emergency Nurses Association
With over 50,000 members globally, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier nursing association for emergency healthcare professionals. Founded in 1970, the ENA provides nurses who work in emergency, urgent and critical care settings with education, research, resources, and advocacy. Key facts about the ENA:
- Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois
- Publishes the Journal of Emergency Nursing
- Offers training, certification reviews and continuing education for emergency nurses
- Holds an annual conference highlighting the latest emergency medicine research and practices
- Provides disaster preparedness training and response assistance
- Advocates for patient safety and high-quality emergency nursing care
- Gives out awards and scholarships to exceptional emergency nurses
With emergency department visits totaling over 140 million per year in the U.S., the ENA provides critical support and development for nurses in this challenging frontline specialty.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Representing the interests of acute and critical care nurses is the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization. With over 100,000 members, AACN provides nurses who work in intensive care units, emergency departments, progressive care units, and other critical care settings with knowledge, standards, and advocacy to enhance care for critically ill patients. Key details on AACN:
- Publishes the American Journal of Critical Care
- Provides continuing education, evidence-based protocols and clinical resources
- Advances high-quality and safe patient care in critical care settings
- Develops specialty certification exams for acute and critical care nurse credentialing
- Conducts annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition conference
- Promotes leadership opportunities and professional development for critical care nurses
AACN is the leading authority and resource for nurses caring for the most clinically complex and vulnerable patient populations.
Oncology Nursing Society
Representing the interests of oncology nurses is the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the largest professional oncology association in the world. Founded in 1975 and headquartered near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ONS provides nurses who care for cancer patients in hospitals, clinics, home health, and hospice settings with education, research, and advocacy. With over 35,000 members, ONS is a leading authority on cancer care nursing. Key details on ONS:
- Publishes official journals Cancer Nursing, Oncology Nursing Forum, and the Oncology Nursing Society Navigator
- Hosts annual congress for oncology nurses
- Develops evidence-based cancer information for patient education
- Provides multimedia training and continuing education for nursing CE credits
- Advocates for high-quality cancer policy and care practices
- Awards over $350,000 annually in research grants and scholarships
ONS has had an enormous impact shaping high standards of care for cancer patients and empowering oncology nurses with knowledge and support.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Mental health nursing is represented by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, APNA is the largest professional membership organization committed to mental health and psychiatric nursing. APNA advances mental health nursing through education, advocacy, research and innovation. Key facts on APNA:
- Has over 9,500 members
- Publishes the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Provides continuing education and certification programs
- Hosts an annual conference for psychiatric nurses
- Developed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing scope and standards of practice
- Advocates for mental health policies and reduced stigma
APNA gives psychiatric nurses the tools and support to deliver compassionate, ethical and evidence-based mental healthcare.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
With over 355,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) licensed in the U.S., the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides critical leadership for these advanced practice registered nurses. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, AANP offers advocacy, practice resources, networking opportunities, and more for NPs. Key information on AANP:
- Has over 95,000 individual members
- Provides billion-dollar liability insurance policies to NPs
- Offers certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Hosts an annual national conference for NPs
- Advocates for the NP role in healthcare teams and policy
- Provides tools and resources to help NPs start and grow their careers
AANP ensures NPs can practice to the full extent of their education and licensure by removing barriers and supporting the needs of this vital nursing role.
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
Meeting the needs of the fastest growing patient population, the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) supports nurses who care for older adults. Founded in 1981, GAPNA provides education, resources, and advocacy for nurses specializing in gerontological care. Key details on GAPNA:
- Has over 5,000 members
- Publishes the Journal of Gerontological Nursing
- Hosts an annual conference on gerontological nursing
- Provides certification opportunities for gerontological nurses
- Develops clinical practice resources on caring for older adults
- Advocates for public policy that improves care and wellbeing for the aging population
GAPNA empowers nurses to provide the highest quality care for the rapidly expanding population of older adults.
National Association of School Nurses
Supporting the specialty practice of school nursing is the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Founded in 1968 and located in Silver Spring, Maryland, NASN advocates for the role of school nurses in the healthcare and education of children and adolescents. Key details on NASN:
- Has 15,000 members
- Provides school nurse certification and continuing education
- Hosts an annual national conference for school nurses
- Publishes the Journal of School Nursing
- Develops evidence-based clinical guidelines and position statements for school nursing practice
- Advocates for student health policies and wellness programs in schools
NASN ensures school nurses have the tools and authority to support the comprehensive health of students and school communities.
Conclusion
With over 4 million nurses in the U.S., strong nursing associations are essential to provide the profession with education, development, empowerment and unity. The ANA, by size and influence, is the most prominent national nursing association. However, specialty groups like GAPNA, NASN, ONS, ENA, AACN and others play critical roles in advancing specific fields of nursing practice and the interests of their nursing constituents.
Nursing associations effectively support nurses by:
- Offering professional development through conferences, continuing education, publications and tools
- Supporting high standards of care through evidence-based resources and scope of practice materials
- Providing networking for knowledge exchange, idea sharing and connection
- Advocating for nurses’ role, recognition and needs in healthcare environments and public policy
- Empowering leadership, career advancement and specialty expertise
- Funding research and scholarships to generate nursing science
Strong national associations and active membership give nurses a collective voice to express their clinical wisdom and elevate their vital role and contributions in all healthcare settings. Although many prominent groups exist on the national level, even more associations operate on state and local levels to serve regional needs and issues impacting nurses. Overall, nursing associations aim to support nursing excellence, expertise and empowerment for delivering the highest quality patient care.