American Nurses Association

Overview

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that represents the interests of the nation's four million registered nurses. Through its network of state nurses associations, ANA provides a platform for nurses to assert their influence on healthcare policy, practice standards, and to shape the future of the nursing profession.

History

The American Nurses Association was established in 1896 as the Nurses Associated Alumnae and was renamed the American Nurses Association in 1911. The organization's mission was to improve the health standards and availability of healthcare to all people, and to improve the professional development of nurses.

Historical photograph of a group of nurses from the early 20th century, representing the early years of the American Nurses Association.

Mission and Vision

The ANA's mission is to "advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on healthcare issues affecting nurses and the public." Its vision is for all registered nurses to be represented by the organization, to collectively and individually advance the nursing profession.

Membership

Membership in the American Nurses Association is open to all registered nurses in the United States. It provides members with access to a wealth of resources such as continuing education opportunities, professional development resources, and advocacy tools.

Advocacy

The ANA is involved in advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels. These efforts are focused on issues that impact the nursing profession, including healthcare reform, patient safety, staffing, and workplace violence. The ANA also advocates for policies that promote the health and wellbeing of nurses, such as safe patient handling and mobility, and prevention of workplace violence.

Publications

The ANA publishes a variety of materials to inform nurses about current issues and trends in nursing. These include the American Nurse Today, The American Nurse, and the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN). These publications offer in-depth analysis of current issues in nursing, clinical updates, and evidence-based practice information.

Code of Ethics

The ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses provides a framework for ethical practice in nursing. It outlines the ethical obligations and duties of every individual who enters the nursing profession, the profession's nonnegotiable ethical standards, and an expression of nursing's own understanding of its commitment to society.