Editorial: contributions of professional nursing organizations

1 CONTRIBUTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING ORGANIZATIONS

The past year dealing with and caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 has been challenging for nurses. Indeed, not only have nurses died consequent to contracting the virus but they also are experiencing psychological trauma at increased rates (International Council of Nurses, 2021). The presence of healthcare inequities and systemic racism has compounded this trauma. The International Council of Nurses recently reported preliminary data from a survey of 130-plus National Nurses Associations (NNAs) indicating that, in some countries, nurse mental health distress has increased from 60%–80% (International Council of Nurses, 2021). Moreover, nurses are experiencing increased rates of anxiety, burnout and exhaustion caused by pressure of work arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. In some parts of the world, this exhaustion is compounded by cancellation of booked leave, meaning nurses have been working for many months in very trying conditions with no respite. Such information begs the questions of what and who are available to provide support to nurses around the globe who are working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequently, deal with these issues on a daily basis.

One answer lies in the realm of professional nursing organizations (PNOs). PNOs, whether their focus is general or specialized, ‘play a critical role in maximizing the influence of our nursing profession on health systems and policy, through support of patient safety, the socioeconomic welfare of nurses, and professional practice’ (Crumley, 2020, p.547). These PNOs, now, more than ever, play a critical role in assisting nurses with the long-term effects of the pandemic.

2 HOW DO THEY DO THIS?

Professional nursing organizations play a critical role in developing resources to assist nurses with personal and professional development (Cline et al., 2019), especially in times of increased stress and distress. One has only to visit a PNO website to see the many COVID −19-related resources available for members. PNOs set professional standards of practice to which nurses can refer. They provide opportunities to engage with other nurse colleagues through a variety of mechanisms. Importantly, PNOs influence policy at the local and national levels (Chiu et al., 2020), including advocating for nurse values and patient welfare (Goolsby & DuBois, 2017).

3 DEVELOPING TARGETED RESOURCES

Professional nursing organizations play a significant role in developing resources to help nurses provide safe quality care. Considerable time and resources are devoted to addressing educational needs of members. Continuing professional development products are produced to help nurses remain current in their clinical practice. PNOs often publish a peer-reviewed journal covering topics of interest to their membership. PNOs may hold educational conferences and develop organizational publications (Think of publications such as textbooks, educational pamphlets for nurses and the public). PNOs often provide support for certification (Cline et al., 2019).

4 SETTING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

An important contribution a PNO makes is establishing professional standards of conduct (think code of ethics, nurse-patient ratios, practitioner competencies). Specialty nursing organizations often expand on general professional standards to provide more specific guidance. Organizations such as the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario have made an important contribution to the development of best practice guidelines (https://rnao.ca/bpg). Evidenced-based nursing practice guidelines are created by members of PNOs to help guide practice.

5 PROVIDING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Being a member of a PNO provides engagement and mentorship opportunities (Goolsby & DuBois, 2017) by which to interact with members at different levels and contexts. Members participate on committees addressing a myriad of topics, ranging from those concerned with facilitating member engagement to those addressing how best to structure an organization. Leadership opportunities abound and provide members with the opportunity to develop or expand their abilities. For example, several PNOs have developed formal leadership development programmes to facilitate and enhance member leadership abilities. Embracing these opportunities opens the door to other opportunities such as providing testimony or working with an international group to develop global standards.

6 INFLUENCING POLICY

The importance of nurses participating in policy development at the local, national and international levels was highlighted during the World Health Organization's designation of 2020 (extending into 2021) as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife (Chiu et al., 2020). Moreover, the fifth recommendation in the State of the World's Nursing 2020 Report stresses the role of nurses contributing to national health policy decisions. PNOs play a critical role influencing policy by having their representatives provide testimony on health-related issues to national government leaders. For example, in the United States, nurse experts representing professional nursing organizations have presented testimony on such topics as the benefits of human milk, workplace violence and human trafficking. PNOs partner with other healthcare organizations to assess issues influencing nurses and their practice. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) recently partnered with Johnson & Johnson to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession (2020). Given Covid-19’s negative impact on nurse well-being, it is imperative that nurses take an active part in obtaining accurate data upon which to develop appropriate strategies and resources. Collaborations between PNOs and other organizations enhance the impact of individual organization efforts.

Several Evidence-based Nursing blogs reflect the advocacy role of a professional nursing organization. One example is the 24 January 2021 blog written by Dame Donna Kinnair, the Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) highlighted the deleterious effects of systemic racism and referenced efforts the RCN is making on behalf of 450,000 members (2021). Advocacy efforts include interacting with system and government leaders to address critical issues affecting their members.

7 MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Goolsby and DuBois (2017) argue being a member of a PNO is ‘is an ethical expectation, important to establishing and maintaining nursing values, integrity and social justice’ (p. 434). Thus, nurses build on their ethical practice when they are members of a PNO. Depending upon country, membership maybe voluntary or compulsory. In some countries, nursing students participate in nursing student organizations that partner with PNOs. In addition to benefits mentioned previously, PNOs often provide education scholarships, funding for research efforts, as well as recognition for member performance. Ultimately, personal and professional benefits are commensurate with member engagement: The more involved a member is, the greater the personal and professional benefits.

On a personal note, joining and participating in professional nursing organizations has provided this author with opportunities to influence policy at the international level, to participate in leadership development of others, meet and work with colleagues around the globe, and influence professional standards of nursing practice. What this author gained through her participation far outweighs what she contributed. Given the toll COVID-19 has taken and continues to take on nurses health, there is no better time to become a member of a PNO than the present. Join or renew membership in a PNO. Take the opportunity to put your talents to work to address the many challenges facing the nursing profession; Your talents are needed now more than ever!

8 EDITORIAL NOTE

Editorials are opinion pieces. This piece has not been subject to peer review and the opinions expressed are those of the authors. Karen Morin is Editor of JAN. The author does not have relevant political or other affiliations to declare.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflict of interest was declared by the author in relation to the study itself. Note that Karen H. MORIN is a JAN editor but, in line with usual practice, this paper was subjected to double blind peer review and was edited by another editor.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

The author attests that all work is her own. The opportunity was provided by the EIC of JAN.