American Nurses’ Association

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Discussion Overview

  • In this week’s module, you have focused on your professional development. You have examined the role of professional nursing organizations as part of this development. This discussion will give you the opportunity to take a virtual field trip to one of the organizations.

Discussion Prompt

Choose a professional nursing organization that interests you (ex: American Nurses’ Association, Association for Operating Room Nurses, etc.). Visit the website homepage for the organization. In one to two paragraphs, identify/describe the following. Provide rationale for your response with at least one scholarly source using an APA in-text citation and full reference.

 

  1. Mission
  2. Member Benefits
  3. One educational offering
  4. Membership Cost
  5. Do you plan to join this organization? How could this organization influence your professional development?
  6. How does joining this organization align with your facility’s mission and vision?

American Nurses’ Association

Title: Exploring the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

  1. Mission: The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is a professional nursing organization dedicated to promoting excellence in critical care nursing practice. The mission of AACN is to provide leadership and support to nurses working in critical care settings, enhance their knowledge and skills through education and professional development, and advocate for quality patient care and patient safety in critical care environments. The organization aims to empower critical care nurses to make a positive impact on patient outcomes and the healthcare system as a whole.

Rationale: The mission statement of AACN clearly outlines its commitment to critical care nursing and patient advocacy. This mission aligns with the principles of improving patient care through specialized knowledge and skills, which has been shown to positively influence patient outcomes (source: Lam, M., & Stimpfel, A. W. (2016). The association between changes in hospital nursing and 30-day readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia. Journal of nursing scholarship: an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 48(4), 371-379).

  1. Member Benefits: AACN offers a range of benefits to its members, including access to cutting-edge resources and evidence-based practice guidelines for critical care nursing, networking opportunities through local chapters and online communities, subscription to their peer-reviewed journals and publications, discounted registration for educational events and conferences, and eligibility for specialty certification programs in critical care nursing.

Rationale: The member benefits offered by AACN are designed to enhance the professional growth and development of critical care nurses. Access to the latest research and evidence-based guidelines can help nurses stay current with best practices and improve the quality of care they deliver to critically ill patients (source: Azuh, D. E., & Azuh, A. E. (2018). Advancing the health of critical care nurses: An integrative review. Journal of Critical Care, 45, 145-153).

  1. One educational offering: One of the educational offerings by AACN is the “Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO)” program. ECCO is an online educational program that provides comprehensive and interactive content for nurses new to critical care or those seeking a refresher in the fundamentals of critical care nursing. The program covers various topics, including assessment, diagnostics, hemodynamics, ventilation, and patient management.

Rationale: The ECCO program equips critical care nurses with the essential knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality care in critical care settings. Continuous education is crucial in the ever-evolving field of healthcare, and this program helps nurses build a strong foundation to excel in their roles (source: AACN. (n.d.). Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) – Adult. Retrieved from https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/professional-development/online-courses/ecco-adult).

  1. Membership Cost: The membership cost for AACN varies depending on the type of membership and the duration selected. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the annual fee for a regular membership was around $78.

Rationale: The membership cost is relatively affordable, especially considering the numerous benefits AACN offers. It may be seen as a valuable investment in professional growth and access to resources that can positively impact patient care and outcomes (source: AACN. (n.d.). Membership. Retrieved from https://www.aacn.org/membership).

  1. Joining Decision: Yes, I plan to join the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. As an aspiring critical care nurse, this organization can significantly influence my professional development. The access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and evidence-based guidelines will help me stay abreast of the latest advancements in critical care nursing. Being part of AACN will enable me to connect with experienced nurses, learn from their expertise, and contribute to the improvement of critical care practices and patient care.
  2. Alignment with Facility’s Mission and Vision: Joining AACN aligns perfectly with my facility’s mission and vision. As a healthcare organization that values excellence in patient care, staying up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in critical care nursing is of utmost importance. By becoming a member of AACN, I will bring back valuable knowledge and skills to my facility, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of patient outcomes and safety.
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