Top 11 Nurses Organizations for Career Growth and Networking Opportunities
Nurses provide care, support, and expertise to patients every day. But being a nurse goes beyond compassion and clinical skills. If you want to advance your career, expand your knowledge, and grow your professional network, joining a nursing organization can make a huge difference. Learn about the top nursing organizations to join to grow your career.
Why Join a Nursing Organization?
Joining a nursing organization offers many benefits that can impact your career trajectory, such as:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and mentors who can guide your career path.
- Career Resources: Access to job boards, scholarships, and career advice tailored for nurses.
- Professional Development: Stay updated on best practices through workshops, conferences, and webinars.
- Advocacy and Representation: Many organizations advocate for nursing and healthcare policy changes, ensuring your voice is heard.
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
Who Should Join: Nurses of all specialties, backgrounds, and career levels.
Key Benefits:
- Continuing education opportunities through online courses and webinars
- Access to a robust nursing job board
- Advocacy efforts to influence healthcare policy
The ANA supports over 4 million nurses nationwide, making it one of the largest nursing organizations in the U.S. Its mission is to promote professional growth and improve nursing standards.
Learn More: ANA Official Website
2. National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
Who Should Join: Student nurses preparing to enter the workforce.
Key Benefits:
- Networking events to connect with future employers
- Leadership opportunities through organizational roles
- Access to resources for passing the NCLEX
The NSNA is a great starting point for student nurses to build a strong professional foundation.
Learn More: NSNA Official Website
3. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Who Should Join: Nurses specializing in emergency and trauma care.
Key Benefits:
- Specialized certifications in emergency nursing (CEN, CPEN)
- High-quality educational programs and conferences
- Advocacy for emergency department safety and staffing
ENA members can influence emergency care practices while advancing their own expertise.
Learn More: ENA Official Website
4. American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
Who Should Join: Critical care and acute care nurses.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive certification programs like CCRN
- Access to critical care literature and webinars
- Networking through regional chapters and events
If your work focuses on caring for critically ill patients, the AACN ensures you stay at the cutting edge of critical care nursing.
Learn More: AACN Official Website
5. National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Who Should Join: Black nurses seeking professional growth and community.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships and mentorship programs
- Advocacy for diversity in healthcare policies
- Annual conferences featuring thought leaders in nursing
The NBNA is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities while supporting Black nurses' career advancement.
Learn More: NBNA Official Website
6. Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Who Should Join: Perioperative and surgical nurses.
Key Benefits:
- Guidance for achieving CNOR and CSSM certification
- Perioperative toolkits and guidelines
- Annual Global Surgical Conference & Expo
AORN members benefit from resources that enhance surgical care and promote patient safety.
Learn More: AORN Official Website
7. American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
Who Should Join: Nurses specializing in psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Key Benefits:
- Training courses focused on mental health care
- Leadership opportunities within the psychiatric nursing field
- Networking with mental health professionals
APNA provides members with the resources needed to excel in psychiatric nursing and address the growing mental health crisis.
Learn More: APNA Official Website
8. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
Who Should Join: Pediatric nurse practitioners and nurses specializing in pediatric care.
Key Benefits:
- Pediatric-specific continuing education credits
- Advocacy for child health policies
- Publications and resources tailored to pediatric care
NAPNAP empowers its members to improve child health outcomes and remain at the forefront of pediatric nursing.
Learn More: NAPNAP Official Website
9. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
Who Should Join: Nurses working in hospice and palliative care.
Key Benefits:
- Certification programs like CHPN and ACHPN
- Resources for managing end-of-life care
- Access to the Journal of Palliative Medicine
The HPNA supports nurses in delivering compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care.
Learn More: HPNA Official Website
10. Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Who Should Join: Nurses focusing on women's health, obstetrics, and neonatal care.
Key Benefits:
- Education focused on maternal and newborn care
- Annual meetings and conferences
- Advocacy for policies improving women's health outcomes
AWHONN members are leaders in advancing healthcare for women and infants.
Learn More: AWHONN Official Website
11. Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
Who Should Join: Nurses specializing in oncology care.
Key Benefits:
- Oncology-specific certification programs (OCN, AOCNS)
- Access to research on cancer care and therapies
- Events and workshops focused on oncology nursing
ONS equips nurses with the resources they need to provide exceptional cancer care and support.
Learn More: ONS Official Website
How to Get Started
Joining a nursing organization is one of the best investments you can make in your career. These organizations provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and certifications that can dramatically enhance your professional growth.
Start by identifying the organization that best aligns with your specialty or career goals. Visit their website, review membership benefits, and take the leap. Your future in nursing begins with the connections and knowledge you'll gain.
Looking to further your career? Explore professional nursing resources and career advice on our website.
