In this article, we provide a List of Nursing Organizations worldwide. Nursing organizations play a critical role in supporting nurses worldwide, providing resources, professional development, advocacy, and representation.
By joining such organizations, nurses benefit from the collective voice advocating for better working conditions, continued education, and the elevation of the nursing profession.
Below is an extensive list of nursing organizations that span various specialties, locations, and focus areas, aimed at meeting the needs of nurses across different career stages and interests.
Major National and International Nursing Organizations
These organizations hold significant influence and cater to large groups of nurses, often on a global or national scale. They provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for nurses in all specializations.
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
- Founded: 1896
- Headquarters: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Overview: The ANA is one of the oldest and most comprehensive nursing organizations in the United States, representing the interests of nearly 4 million registered nurses. ANA provides advocacy, policy reform efforts, and professional development resources.
- Key Services: Continuing education, ethical standards, and legislative advocacy.
2. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
- Founded: 1899
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Overview: ICN represents millions of nurses across 130 national nursing associations. It aims to improve global health standards, promote high-quality nursing practices, and provide a platform for international collaboration.
- Key Services: Global health policy, advocacy, and resources for international practice.
3. National League for Nursing (NLN)
- Founded: 1893
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Overview: Focused on nurse education, NLN promotes high-quality educational standards for nursing schools and educators.
- Key Services: Accreditation for nursing programs, professional development, and research resources.
4. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma)
- Founded: 1922
- Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Overview: This organization celebrates nursing excellence, scholarship, and leadership. It supports nurses in research and evidence-based practice to improve healthcare worldwide.
- Key Services: Grants, publications, research support, and global networking.
Specialized Nursing Organizations List
These organizations serve specific fields within nursing, offering resources tailored to their unique challenges and advancements in practice. Specialized organizations offer conferences, certifications, and resources focused on enhancing practice within specific areas.
1. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Founded: 1969
- Headquarters: Aliso Viejo, California, USA
- Overview: AACN serves nurses working in critical and intensive care units, offering certifications and resources designed to promote the best possible patient care in high-stakes environments.
- Key Services: Certification programs, clinical resources, and an annual conference.
2. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
- Founded: 1970
- Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
- Overview: ENA provides support, training, and advocacy for nurses in emergency departments, focusing on rapid response techniques, safety protocols, and best practices.
- Key Services: Certification, networking events, safety protocols, and public policy initiatives.
3. Association of Peri Operative Registered Nurses (AORN)
- Founded: 1949
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Overview: AORN represents nurses in surgical settings, focusing on improving patient care in perioperative environments and establishing guidelines for safety and efficiency.
- Key Services: Perioperative guidelines, certifications, and conferences.
4. Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Overview: ONS supports oncology nurses by offering specialized knowledge, education, and certification for the care of cancer patients.
- Key Services: Certification, clinical practice guidelines, and a national conference.
List of Nursing Organizations for Minority Groups
Several organizations are dedicated to supporting nurses from minority backgrounds, fostering diversity, inclusion, and culturally competent care within the nursing profession.
1. National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
- Founded: 1971
- Headquarters: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Overview: NBNA supports African-American nurses, promoting culturally sensitive care and addressing health disparities affecting Black communities.
- Key Services: Scholarship opportunities, networking, and advocacy initiatives.
2. National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Overview: NAHN represents Hispanic nurses in the U.S., focusing on eliminating health disparities and improving care for Hispanic communities.
- Key Services: Scholarships, advocacy, and professional development.
3. Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA)
- Founded: 1979
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Overview: PNAA supports Filipino nurses in the U.S., providing resources for professional growth, cultural understanding, and mentorship.
- Key Services: Networking, mentorship programs, and leadership development.
List of Nursing Organizations by Specialty
Each specialty within nursing has its own organization dedicated to advancing practice, offering certifications, and sharing research updates that drive improvements in patient care.
1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- Founded: 1985
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
- Overview: AANP represents nurse practitioners, offering resources to help nurse practitioners stay current with clinical advancements and advocacy for the full scope of practice.
- Key Services: Continuing education, advocacy, and clinical resources.
2. American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
- Founded: 1986
- Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, USA
- Overview: APNA supports psychiatric-mental health nurses, providing tools and resources to help these nurses provide effective mental health care.
- Key Services: Training, certifications, and advocacy for mental health awareness.
3. Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
- Founded: 1969
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Overview: AWHONN is dedicated to nurses working in women’s health, obstetrics, and neonatal care, promoting evidence-based practices in these fields.
- Key Services: Clinical practice resources, advocacy, and certifications.
Table /List of Nursing Organizations and Key Information
| Organization | Founded | Headquarters | Specialty/Focus | Key Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Nurses Association (ANA) | 1896 | Silver Spring, MD, USA | General | Continuing education, advocacy |
| International Council of Nurses (ICN) | 1899 | Geneva, Switzerland | Global | Global health policy, advocacy |
| National League for Nursing (NLN) | 1893 | Washington, D.C., USA | Education | Accreditation, development |
| Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) | 1922 | Indianapolis, IN, USA | Scholarship/Leadership | Grants, research support |
| American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) | 1969 | Aliso Viejo, CA, USA | Critical Care | Certification, conferences |
| Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) | 1970 | Schaumburg, IL, USA | Emergency Care | Certification, advocacy |
| Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) | 1975 | Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Oncology | Certification, clinical guidelines |
| National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) | 1971 | Silver Spring, MD, USA | Minority Representation | Scholarships, advocacy |
| American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) | 1985 | Austin, TX, USA | Nurse Practitioners | Education, resources |
| American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) | 1986 | Falls Church, VA, USA | Psychiatric Care | Training, advocacy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nursing organizations are instrumental in supporting nurses’ growth, connecting professionals, and shaping the future of healthcare. With various organizations
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