The AACN, an Umbrella Organization

As I have mentioned before, I am getting an advanced education in nursing right now so some of my posts will be directly related to my studies and things I am learning. Most of the nursing posts over the next two years will be written from this perspective. So, here is one about a professional nursing organization that may end up being critical to the development of nursing as a profession. 

To my surprise, there are at least 113 national nursing organizations and 140 state nursing organizations. There are also international nursing organizations such as Nurses of Emergency and International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health. When I had to select one to write about, needless to say I was overwhelmed. A cursory review of these organizations (NP Central, 2003) reveal an absence of my interest spectrum, which emphasizes beneficent outcomes related to treatment modalities central to nutritional intake through gut-brain axis mechanisms. Perhaps another professional organization is in order. Until that happens, I decided to look more closely at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Many of the organizations listed on NP Central’s website hold goals that fall under the umbrella of the AANC's purview. The AACN has a national goal of synthesizing nursing professional structure and development as a whole.

The AACN is special in the sense that its vision for the future, specifically by 2020 is to develop consistently educated and trained professional nurses across the country trained to lead improved healthcare delivery methods. By establishing collaborative relationships and alliances with educational institutions nationally, the AACN hopes to influence member school's processes associated with education, research, and clinical practice (AACN, 2011). In doing so, the AACN can function as a nationally accepted primary source of advanced nursing education through policy, initiatives, and programs designed to propel nursing professionals to the forefront of healthcare and in their profession (AACN, 2011). 

The AACN describes organizational values that are open and responsive the interest of their stakeholders (AACN, 2011). Their priorities and goals may contribute dramatically to the final emergence of nursing as a profession. Their comprehensive grasp of nursing’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential contributions to society should benefit all practicing nurses, especially the upcoming generation of advance-practice nurses. Understanding the goals and aspirations of the AACN, nurses can incorporate a similar philosophy within their practice connecting them literally to the evolution of nursing from an occupation to a profession. I am personally going to incorporate their perspective with my own goals and encourage fellow nurses to help advance their practice through education and learning. Only by continuing our interaction and taking advantage of learning opportunities such as those provided by nursing and non-nursing organizations can the advancement of nursing progress.

References 

AACN, (2011). Mission and Values. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/about-aacn/mission-values

NP Central, (2003). Nursing Organization Links: National Nursing Organizations, State Nursing Organization, International Nursing Organizations. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from http://www.nurse.org/orgs.shtml