Over the past few years, travel nursing has become a very lucrative and standardized profession. Nurses from all over the country are taking on travel assignments across the U.S. so that they can fill important vacancies that medical facilities cannot fill with regular staffers. Because of that, they are very well compensated and can broaden their experiences by working in different environments and facility types.
In order to protect their rights and advance their careers, nurses often form nursing organizations. United, their voices are better heard by medical facilities, lawmakers, and other people. Ventura MedStaff has plenty of experience with nurses in these kinds of organizations, and we love helping them go on adventures. If you are interested in joining a nursing organization, here are a few of the most popular ones.
American Nurse Association (ANA)
One of the biggest and oldest nursing associations, ANA had its start as Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada as early as 1896, changing its name to ANA in 1911. ANA is also one of the largest organizations with members across the U.S.
This organization provides numerous training and certifications including family nurse training, adult gerontology nurse training, and many others. As a member of this organization, nurses also become eligible for mentorship programs that can help advance their careers, and recruiters love to see this on the resume of an applying nurse.
National Association of Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurses (NALPN)
Even though it does not have as catchy a name as the ANA, NALPN is a hugely popular and important nursing organization. This group takes care of the needs of licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and PN/VN students and affiliates.
The organization was founded in 1949 and has chapters in 14 different states. It helps its members through continued education opportunities, scholarships, and certifications, as well as networking events where members can meet others in their field and advance their careers.
Specialized Nursing Organizations
Just like there is not one single type of nurse, but an assortment of different specializations, so too are the organizations that support them. Whereas the previously mentioned nursing organizations tend to be more broadly focused on issues pertaining to all nurses, there are numerous organizations that are specialized in helping a more focused group of nurses.
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is an organization that aims to facilitate and improve emergency medicine and help nurses get the training, education, and certifications they need to become better field medical technicians. Similarly, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, or NAPNAP, focuses more on the training of pediatric nurses and ensures that children and infants get the best care available. There are numerous other organizations focusing on other nursing specializations out there as well.
National League for Nursing (NLN)
Another organization set up in the 19th century, the National League for Nursing is a somewhat different organization than the rest of the ones we discussed today. Instead of being focused on helping working nurses and supporting their needs, NLN is geared towards nurse educators – nurses who have decided to use their knowledge and experience to raise a new generation of nurses.
As you can see, there are plenty of different organizations you can join and contribute to if you are so inclined. There are a lot of benefits you can gain from joining any one of the organizations listed above. No matter if you join an organization or not, if you are looking to start your journey into the world of travel nursing, Ventura MedStaff invites you to reach out to us. Our recruiters are more than willing and capable to get you through the process of becoming a traveling medical professional. You will be on your first assignment in no time.
