Assignment Question
Examine the importance of professional associations in nursing. Choose a professional nursing organization that relates to a specialty area of interest. In a 750‐1,000-word paper, provide a detailed overview of the organization and its advantages for members. Include the following: Describe the organization and its significance to nurses in the specialty area. Include its purpose, mission, and vision. Describe the overall benefits, or “perks,” of being a member. Explain why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for members. Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area. Discuss opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development. You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be appropriate for the assignment and relevant to nursing practice. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. Rubric Criteria Collapse All Rubric CriteriaCollapse All Nursing Organization and Its Benefits to Nurses 39.9 points Criteria Description Nursing Organization and Its Benefits to Nurses 5. Target 39.9 points The professional organization associated with a specialty area is comprehensively and thoughtfully described in detail, including its purpose, mission, vision, and overall benefits of being a member. 4. Acceptable 35.51 points The professional organization associated with a specialty area is clearly described including its purpose, mission, vision, and overall benefits of being a member. 3. Approaching 31.52 points The professional organization associated with a specialty area is described in a basic manner, including its purpose, mission, vision, and overall benefits. 2. Insufficient 29.92 points The professional organization associated with a specialty area is not clearly described and its purpose, mission, vision, and overall benefits of being a member are incomplete or inaccurate. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points The professional organization associated with a specialty area is not included. Importance of Networking and Networking Opportunities for Members 35.7 points Criteria Description Importance of Networking and Networking Opportunities for Members 5. Target 35.7 points A comprehensive explanation of why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field is included. Discussion of how this organization creates networking opportunities for members is comprehensive and detailed. 4. Acceptable 31.77 points A clear explanation of why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field is included. Discussion of how this organization creates networking opportunities for members is thoughtful. 3. Approaching 28.2 points A general explanation of why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field is included. Discussion of how this organization creates networking opportunities for members is basic. 2. Insufficient 26.78 points An explanation of why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field is unclear. Discussion of how this organization creates networking opportunities for members is unclear or incomplete. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points An explanation of why networking is important for a nurse in this specialty field is not included. Health Care Changes and Changes to Practice 35.7 points Criteria Description Health Care Changes and Changes to Practice 5. Target 35.7 points A comprehensive and detailed description of how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area is included. 4. Acceptable 31.77 points A clear description of how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area is included. 3. Approaching 28.2 points A basic description of how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area is included. 2. Insufficient 26.78 points A discussion of how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area is unclear or incomplete. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points Discussion of how the organization keeps its members informed of health care changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area is not included. Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development 35.7 points Criteria Description Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development 5. Target 35.7 points A comprehensive, relevant, and thoughtful discussion of the opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development is included. 4. Acceptable 31.77 points A clear discussion of the opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development is included. 3. Approaching 28.2 points A basic discussion of opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development is included. 2. Insufficient 26.78 points A discussion of opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development is unclear or incomplete. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points A discussion of opportunities the organization provides for continuing education and professional development is not included. Thesis, Position, or Purpose 14.7 points Criteria Description Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience. 5. Target 14.7 points The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific audience. 4. Acceptable 13.08 points The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately presented. An awareness of the appropriate audience is demonstrated. 3. Approaching 11.61 points The thesis, position, or purpose is discernable in most aspects but is occasionally weak or unclear. There is limited awareness of the appropriate audience. 2. Insufficient 11.02 points The thesis, position, or purpose is unfocused or confused. There is very little awareness of the intended audience. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points The thesis, position, or purpose is not discernible. No awareness of the appropriate audience is evident. Development, Structure, and Conclusion 14.7 points Criteria Description Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development. 5. Target 14.7 points The thesis, position, or purpose is logically advanced throughout. The progression of ideas is coherent and unified. A clear and logical conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. 4. Acceptable 13.08 points The thesis, position, or purpose is advanced in most aspects. Ideas clearly build on each other. Conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. 3. Approaching 11.61 points Limited advancement of thesis, position, or purpose is discernable. There are inconsistencies in organization or the relationship of ideas. Conclusion is simplistic and not fully aligned to the development of the purpose. 2. Insufficient 11.02 points Writing lacks logical progression of the thesis, position, or purpose. Some organization is attempted, but ideas are disconnected. Conclusion is unclear and not supported by the overall development of the purpose. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points No advancement of the thesis, position, or purpose is evident. Connections between paragraphs are missing or inappropriate. No conclusion is offered. Evidence 12.6 points Criteria Description Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives. 5. Target 12.6 points Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Relevant perspectives of others are clearly considered. 4. Acceptable 11.21 points Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used. 3. Approaching 9.95 points Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other perspectives is present. 2. Insufficient 9.45 points Evidence is limited or irrelevant. The interpretation of other perspectives is superficial or incorrect. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points Evidence to support the thesis, position, or purpose is absent. The writing relies entirely on the perspective of the writer. Mechanics of Writing 12.6 points Criteria Description Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc. 5. Target 12.6 points No mechanical errors are present. Appropriate language choice and sentence structure are used throughout. 4. Acceptable 11.21 points Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used. 3. Approaching 9.95 points Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted. 2. Insufficient 9.45 points Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout. Format/Documentation 8.4 points Criteria Description Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline. 5. Target 8.4 points No errors in formatting or documentation are present. 4. Acceptable 7.48 points Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors. 3. Approaching 6.64 points Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors. 2. Insufficient 6.3 points Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident. 1. Unsatisfactory 0 points Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided.
Assignment Answer
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, professional nursing associations play a vital role in providing guidance, support, and a sense of community to nurses working in specialized areas. This paper delves into the importance of professional associations in nursing and explores one such organization related to a specialty area of interest. The selected organization will be comprehensively described, including its purpose, mission, vision, and the overall benefits it offers to its members. Additionally, this paper will discuss the significance of networking for nurses in the chosen specialty field and how the organization facilitates networking opportunities. Furthermore, it will detail how the organization keeps its members informed of healthcare changes and practice modifications that impact the specialty area. Lastly, the paper will delve into the opportunities provided by the organization for continuing education and professional development.
Nursing Organization and Its Benefits to Nurses
Professional nursing organizations are essential components of the nursing profession. They serve as pillars of support and guidance for nurses, particularly those working in specialized areas. One such organization is the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Established in 1969, AACN has a purpose, mission, and vision that focus on advocating for critical care nurses and promoting high standards of care in critical and acute care settings (AACN, 2022).
AACN’s purpose is to “empower acute and critical care nurses to drive better patient outcomes,” and its mission is to “promote the value of acute and critical care nurses for their patients and their families.” The organization envisions a world where “acutely and critically ill patients and their families will experience the highest quality of care.”
Membership in AACN offers a myriad of advantages for nurses in the specialty area of critical care. One of the most notable perks is access to valuable resources, including clinical practice guidelines, educational materials, and research publications (AACN, 2022). These resources enable nurses to stay updated on the latest advancements in critical care and provide evidence-based care to their patients. Moreover, AACN membership allows nurses to connect with a community of like-minded professionals who share their passion for critical care. This sense of belonging can be immensely rewarding, offering emotional and professional support.
Importance of Networking and Networking Opportunities for Members
Networking is crucial for nurses working in specialized areas, such as critical care. It provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional growth. AACN recognizes the significance of networking for nurses and actively facilitates such opportunities. The organization hosts numerous events, conferences, and webinars where members can connect with colleagues, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field (AACN, 2022). These networking opportunities not only enhance professional development but also create a sense of unity among critical care nurses.
Moreover, AACN’s local chapters and online communities offer a platform for members to engage in discussions, seek advice, and build professional relationships. By networking with peers who face similar challenges and scenarios, nurses can broaden their perspectives and find solutions to complex issues in critical care (AACN, 2022).
Health Care Changes and Changes to Practice
In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, it is vital for nurses to stay informed about healthcare changes and modifications in practice that affect their specialty area. AACN fulfills this role admirably by disseminating up-to-date information to its members. The organization regularly publishes clinical practice guidelines, position statements, and white papers that address the latest developments in critical care (AACN, 2022).
AACN’s Critical Care Newsline, an electronic newsletter, keeps members informed about critical care issues and changes in practice (AACN, 2022). The organization also offers webinars and educational resources focused on emerging trends and best practices in critical care nursing. By providing these resources, AACN equips its members with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development
Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional growth for nurses. AACN recognizes the importance of ongoing learning and provides numerous opportunities for its members to enhance their skills and knowledge (AACN, 2022). The organization offers a wide range of educational programs, including conferences, workshops, and online courses, specifically designed for nurses in critical care.
One of AACN’s most renowned initiatives is the Acute and Critical Care Learning Center. This online platform offers a wealth of educational resources, from self-assessment exams to clinical case studies (AACN, 2022). Moreover, AACN’s certification programs, such as the Certified Nurse in Critical Care (CCRN) and Certified Pediatric CCRN (CCRN-K), empower nurses to validate their expertise in critical care.
In conclusion, professional nursing organizations like AACN play a pivotal role in supporting nurses in specialized areas (AACN, 2022). Their purpose, mission, and vision align with the specific needs and aspirations of their members (AACN, 2022). By promoting networking, keeping nurses informed of healthcare changes, and providing opportunities for continuing education and professional development, these organizations empower nurses to deliver the highest quality of care (AACN, 2022). As the healthcare field continues to evolve, the role of professional associations in nursing remains invaluable, ensuring that nurses are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future (AACN, 2022).
References
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). About AACN.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Vision, Mission, Values.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Membership benefits.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Networking.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Critical Care Newsline.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Education and Events.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Acute and Critical Care Learning Center.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2022). Certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the role of professional nursing associations in specialized nursing care?
Answer: Professional nursing associations provide guidance, support, and resources to nurses in specialized areas, helping them stay updated and connected.
Can you explain the mission and vision of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)?
Answer: AACN’s mission is to promote the value of acute and critical care nurses, while its vision is to ensure the highest quality of care for critically ill patients and their families.
How does networking benefit nurses in specialized fields like critical care, and how does AACN facilitate networking opportunities?
Answer: Networking allows knowledge exchange and professional growth. AACN organizes events, conferences, and online communities for nurses to connect, learn, and share experiences.
How does AACN keep its members informed about healthcare changes and practice modifications in critical care?
Answer: AACN provides resources like clinical practice guidelines, position statements, and newsletters, along with webinars and educational materials.
What opportunities for continuing education and professional development are offered by AACN?
Answer: AACN offers various educational programs, including conferences, workshops, and online courses, along with certification programs like CCRN and CCRN-K for validating expertise in critical care nursing.
