This paper examines the rationale behind professional nursing associations in the United States, arguing that such organizations are essential to the advancement of the nursing profession. Drawing on sources including Matthews (2012), Gregg-McQuilkin (2005), and Porter-O'Grady (2011), the paper outlines how these associations fulfill advocacy, self-regulation, and professional development functions. It also details the key benefits of membership — continuing education, networking, and certification — and explains why the current landscape of over one hundred specialized nursing associations is more effective than a single umbrella organization would be. The paper concludes that every licensed nurse should belong to a professional nursing organization.
The paper models refutation of a counterargument as a structural device. Rather than simply listing reasons why multiple nursing associations are valuable, the author poses the question of whether one organization would be sufficient and then systematically dismantles that position across three sub-points. This technique strengthens the thesis by showing the author has considered alternative views.
The paper follows a five-part structure: a brief framing introduction with a working definition; a core rationale section grounded in advocacy and self-regulation; a benefits section organized around three discrete membership advantages; an extended counterargument-and-rebuttal section divided into three sub-points; and a two-paragraph conclusion that restates the thesis and adds a forward-looking policy note about managing organizational growth.
A professional association refers to "an organization of practitioners who judge one another as professionally competent and who have banded together to perform social functions which they cannot perform in their separate capacities as individuals" (Merton, as cited in Matthews, 2012). Nursing has, over time, developed to professional status and is at present characterized by numerous national professional associations. Whether or not these associations add value to their professions, and whether or not there is a need to have so many of them, have been subjects of debate in recent years. This paper provides an in-depth demonstration of the rationale behind professional nursing associations and illustrates why there is a need to have them in greater numbers.
Nursing is built upon the concept of advocacy; nurses not only advocate for their profession, but for their patients as well (Gregg-McQuilkin, 2005). Professional nursing associations, motivated by ethical and moral principles, spearhead this advocacy role by "arguing within political, economic, and social systems, and also institutions, for an idea or cause that can lead to" resource-allocation decisions that promote the well-being of the nursing fraternity and the greater healthcare field (Matthews, 2012).
Since these professional associations are created by nurses, they serve as an outward articulation of the social policy, integrity, practice, and values of the nursing profession, and in so doing, demonstrate self-regulation in addition to advocacy (Day, 2006).
There is power in numbers, and nurses are better placed to advocate for their causes if they congregate and voice their individual ideas through professional associations (Day, 2006). In the United States, the American Nurses Association (ANA) coordinates and solicits ideas from individual nurses and from the various nursing associations, deliberates on them, and then "develops them based on the Code of Ethics, and the other two framework documents that serve as the basis of the nursing profession" (Matthews, 2012). The two framework documents are the "Social Policy Statement and the Scope and Standards of Practice in nursing" (Matthews, 2012). These, together with the Code of Ethics for Nurses, define the standards, values, and commitments of the nursing practice and, in doing so, instill a sense of accountability within the nursing profession and create a shared common direction (Matthews, 2012).
The rationale for professional nursing associations can also be examined in terms of the advantages that such associations bestow upon their members. Gregg-McQuilkin (2005) outlines three major benefits that members of professional nursing organizations stand to enjoy.
Education: Technology is highly dynamic today and there is a need for nurses to keep abreast of the changes affecting the field of healthcare. Professional nursing associations help members keep up with changes in science and technology by offering continuing education (CE) courses at discounted prices (Gregg-McQuilkin, 2005).
Networking: Professional associations provide opportunities for networking through platforms such as websites and online forums, through which members can connect with healthcare practitioners at local, state, or national conventions, interact with peers, and obtain knowledge on how others handle the same issues they face (Gregg-McQuilkin, 2005).
Certification: Professional associations often grant certification to their members. This certification not only instills a sense of belonging but also serves as an outward sign of one's alignment with the association's Code of Ethics and Social Policy Statement, and most importantly, demonstrates one's "commitment to excellence in" their practice (Gregg-McQuilkin, 2005).
There is power in numbers; when people and associations collaborate in one voice, they put themselves in a better position to advance stronger and more powerful ideas, and can advance their causes more effectively than they would have done in their individual capacities. It is this ideology that forms the basis of professional associations. Nursing has, over the years, evolved from being just a course of study to being a profession characterized by numerous professional associations at both the national and international levels. Such associations are, in their numbers, important not only because of the benefits they bestow upon their members, but also because of the education and knowledge they advance to policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and the public regarding their respective specialties. There is a need, therefore, for every licensed practical nurse to join a professional nursing organization.
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