Question

what are the benefits of membership in professional oragnizations/ associations? why should student seek these memeberships?

Answer 1

Professional organizations are non-profit groups consisting of different professionals which enables in professional development of the members and connects people from different professions.

It is important for a nursing student to join one or more professional organizations. Some of the nursing organizations include American Nursing Association, American Red Cross, State Nursing Associations, National Student Nurses Association, etc.

Some of the benefits of membership in professional organizations/ associations are:

• It helps a nurse to move forward in her career by providing higher education opportunities and scholarships.
• It provides compatible opportunities to complete continuing education credits at discounted rates.
• It provides networking opportunities where in she can connect with her peers as well as other professionals of the healthcare industry.
• Through such associations, a nurse is able to know about job openings, salary details, and information regarding voluntary, medical, and retirement benefits.
• It helps a nurse to focus on her specific interest. For example, nurses who are keen on research can join those specific organizations.
• These associations also conduct educational programs and helps in enhancement of skills which are required for the profession.
• Organizations like American Red Cross give the students opportunities to do volunteer work which are hands on practical experiences that are certainly an important element in one’s résumé.
• Such associations help nurses access to programs that enables them to work better in their specific jobs.
• Many associations also provide free access to online libraries, journals, magazines, newsletters, and certification review materials.
• Through such associations, a nurse is able to obtain certificates in the organization’s practice area.

Professional organizations help a student nurse to seek for employment, offer scholarships, helps to build several skills, and more insight to choose the right career path. Hence, it is highly important for them to seek memberships in such associations.