How Professional Nursing Associations Can Improve Career Development
Written by:
Tulsa University
• Sep 5, 2025
Professional nursing associations support their members through political advocacy, continuing education (CE), and professional development resources. Being a part of a professional nursing association can help nurses at all stages of their careers.
Professional Nursing Associations
Professional nursing associations support registered nurses by providing educational and career development resources. These include those below.
Networking
Professional nursing associations bring nurses together, host networking events, and provide access to industry publications.
Representation
Associations lobby Congress and local governments for better pay, better funding, and better working conditions. They also advocate for nurses’ rights, patients’ rights, and health care policies.
Career Development
Professional nursing associations may share job postings and career events; advise nurses at all stages, from students to late-career job seekers; and host and share conferences, webinars, and leadership development meetings.
Education
Professional associations connect nurses to CE resources, such as courses, literature, and test prep. They also help nurses understand CE requirements for licensure and keep nurses current on industry developments.
National and Regional Associations
National and regional associations address nurses’ needs at different levels. National organizations address broad issues and regional organizations focus on local concerns.
National Associations
National associations include those below.
American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has 4 million members across all 50 states. It advocates for health care issues, fosters high standards of practice, and supports the wellness of nurses everywhere. It offers discounts, courses, leadership workshops, and more to all members. Each state has its own ANA-affiliated association.
National Student Nurses’ Association
The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is dedicated to the professional development of students at all stages and levels. It hosts an annual convention with professional speakers, networking, and workshops. It also provides scholarships and donates to educational charities.
Oklahoma
Professional nursing associations in Oklahoma include those below.
Oklahoma Nurses Association
The Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) engages its members in advocacy, education, and professional development. It seeks to connect nurses with the community to address issues that nurses in Oklahoma face daily. It provides access to educational, professional development, and networking resources.
Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners
The Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners (AONP) works to provide a strong network for nurse practitioners and advocates for health care improvements in the community. Nurses have access to CE and career resources.
Texas
Professional nursing associations in Texas include those below.
Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) represents nurses in all areas of practice. Its mission is to empower nurses to change the profession and transform health care. It holds an annual conference and provides CE and career resources.
Austin Advanced Practice Nurses
Austin Advanced Practice Nurses (AAPN) provides CE and fosters awareness of community needs and legislative initiatives.
Missouri
Professional nursing associations in Missouri include those below.
Missouri Nurses Association
The Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) is the largest professional nursing association in Missouri and has been in operation for more than 100 years. It’s committed to keeping its members aware of legislation and being vocal about its advocacy. It works with the Midwest Multistate Division (MWMSD) to provide members with educational resources.
Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners
The Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners (AMNP) hosts events, organizes its members for political action, and offers educational and professional resources. It holds an annual conference to bring together its members for networking and discussion.
Nursing Associations by Specialty
A wide variety of associations focus on specific areas of practice, offering specialized support to nurses in particular fields.
Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) works to provide high-quality patient care through certification, professional development, and advocacy. The association provides educational resources and professional support to its members nationwide.
Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) supports its members through advocacy, education, medical research, and collaboration. It offers extensive educational resources and access to a wide variety of research and development opportunities.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization. It hosts conferences, professional events, and workshops to support its member nurses throughout their careers. It provides certification and educational resources.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is open to nurses at all certification levels and practice settings. It promotes advancements in the evaluation, diagnosis, and recovery of patients with mental health disorders and supports nurses working toward change. The association prioritizes CE and research.
Find Out How Nursing Associations Benefit You
Professional nursing associations offer resources that nurses can use for CE and career development. The associations support their members through webinars, conferences, community meetings, and online educational resources, and can benefit nurses at all stages of their careers.
Sources
Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, Mission, Values and Strategic Plan
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, AACN Career Center
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, About AACN
American Nurses Association, About ANA
American Psychiatric Nurses Association, About APNA
Austin Advanced Practice Nurses, Our Mission
Association for Nursing Professional Development, Continuing Education Center
Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners, AMNP Mission
Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners, About AONP
Emergency Nurses Association, Our Mission & Values
National Student Nurses’ Association, NSNA Mission at a Glance
Oklahoma Nurses Association, About Us
ShiftMed, Discover the Power of Nursing Associations in Professional Development
