Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
AACN = American Association of Critical Care Nurses
 AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests
of more than 500,000 nurses who are charged with the responsibility of caring for acutely
and critically ill patients.
 The association is dedicated to providing our members with the knowledge and
resources necessary to provide optimal care to critically ill patients.
 Please see the website for Clinical Practice, Certification, and Educational opportunities
www.aacn.org.
 Local Chapter: Greater Chicago Area
http://classic.aacn.org/chapters/gcac.nsf/other/homepage?opendocument (local Chicago
Area chapter website).
 Membership is $78 a year (Includes a non-refundable payment for one year subscription
to Critical Care Nurse ($12.00) & American Journal of Critical Care ($15.00).
 The Local Chapter contact is Araceli T. Mateo
Mailing address:
GCAC-AACN
P.O. box 301023
Chicago, IL 60630-1023
Phone 847-722-4354, Email gcac_aacn@yahoo.com. The organization’s
website is www.aacn.org.
AAMN = American Assembly for Men in Nursing
 It is a national organizational with local chapters whose purpose is to provide a
framework for nurses as a group to meet, discuss and influence factors which affect men
as nurses.
 Membership is open to any nurse – male or female – to better facilitate discussion and to
meet the most important objective of AAMN – strengthening and humanizing health care.
 The national website is www.aamn.org. There is an Illinois Chapter being established in
the near future.
 The cost of membership is $80.00/year.
AANA = American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
 The AANA was founded in 1931 in Park Ridge, IL. It is a professional organization for
more than 90% of the nation's CRNAs. CRNAs practice in every setting where
anesthesia is available and are the sole anesthesia providers in more than two-thirds of
all rural hospitals.
 In order to find out specific membership information you must login. There is also an
Illinois chapter and the e-mail address for information for the regional and local chapters
is susanpncm@aim.com. There is a local chapter but again you must login for this
information.
 The website is www.aana.com. It is very informative and offers lots of information in
general.
 There is a link on the website to find out information to become a CRNA (certified
registered nurse anesthesis).
AANN = American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
 It is a nursing organization which established The Neuroscience Nursing Foundation in
order to ensure the highest quality of care for people with neuroscience disorders,
educate the general public and promote the unique specialty of neuroscience nursing.
 Membership is $98 a year.
 The Illinois Chapter contact is Lori Johnson
Mailing address:
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
4700 W. Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
Phone 888-557-2266, 847-375-6430, Email johnsonlori@ihs.org. The organization
website is www.aann.org.
AASCIN = American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
 It is a nursing organization which promotes quality care for individuals with SCI through
education, research, advocacy, health care policy and collaboration with consumers and
health care delivery systems.
 Annual membership is $115 a year. Active members include nurses or licensed
vocational nurses who can document that a significant portion of their practice is in SCI
nursing.
 Mailing address for applications :
American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses
801 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Phone 202-416-7704, Fax 202-416-7641, Email aascin@pva.org. The organization site
is www.aascin.org.
ABPANC = American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc.
 This a non profit corporation established by the American Society of PeriAnesthesia
Nurses (ASPAN), for the purpose of sponsoring a certification program for registered
nurses who care for patients who have experienced anesthesia.
 The mission is to assure a certification process for perianesthesia nurses that validates
the knowledge through professional education and experience, ultimately promoting
quality patient care.
 They offer two certification exams are; CPAN (certified postanesthesia nurses) and
CAPA (certified ambulatory perianesthesia). They are offered twice a year, in April and
November.
 Membership for active members is $75.00/year for National and $25.00/year for ILSPAN
which represents Illinois and eastern Missouri. There is a tab to join on-line.
 Unable to find out where local chapter is located. For information regarding national
membership, go www.cpancappa.org or for Illinois chapter www.ilspan.org.
 Local conferences are offered in Fall and Spring and national conference is in April 2009.
 There is good information on the website but you need to set up an account to view some
of it.
ACMA = American Case Management Association
 It is a national organization for Case Management nurses, physicians, social workers,
and leadership and its goal is to offer solutions to support the evolving collaborative
practice of Case Management staff employed in hospitals/health systems.
 There is an active local Illinois chapter for Case Management nurses, physicians,
managers, and social workers who reside or work in the Chicago metropolitan area, and
there are annual Illinois chapter conferences (usually at the Rosemont) and yearly
national conferences. There are also educational meetings that are held at Rush, as
Rush is the Chicago organizational chapter site. ACMA membership offers full
subscription to the ACMA journal.
 The local chapter email contact address is ILchapter@acmaweb.org, and the national
website is www.acmaweb.org and there is a tab for joining ACMA online. The online
registration is very easy, and the cost is $135 per year.
 The website is informative and there is the opportunity to obtain American Case
Management certification; certification is granted upon completion of self study and
passing a written exam.
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
AMSN = Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
 It is a national organization for Medical-Surgical nurses and any licensed health care
professional interested in the care of adults.
 There is an active local Chicago Illinois Chapter here at NMH. Meetings are every 2nd
Wed of each month. Meetings are from 1730 to 1900, Feinberg Pavilion, usually 3rd floor
conference room.
 The local chapter contact is Cora Palmer RN, BSN, BC. President of the AMSN Chicago
Chapter. Her email address is Cpalmerat nmh.org. The national website is
www.medsurgenurse.org.
 Registration for the national level is $80.00 a year and $30 a year for the local Chicago
chapter. To be a member of the Chicago Chapter you also need to be a member on the
national level.
ANA = American Nurses Association
 Established in 1911, it is a professional organization representing the nation’s 2.9 million
registered nurses (RNs) through its 54 constituent member associations. The ANA
advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice,
promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of
nursing, and by lobbying Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues
affecting nurses and the public.
 The local chapter email contact address is sswart@illinoisnurses.com. The national
website is www.nursingworld.org and there is a tab for joining ANA online.
 There are two membership options for Illinois nurses. Full membership costs
$598.10/year, which includes membership in ANA and Illinois Nurses Association. The
second option is an Individual Affiliate. Yearly dues are $45.00. The Affiliate membership
is perfect for RNs who want to support their profession and access the Members Only
section of Nursingworld.org. This membership does not include benefits in the Illinois
Nurses Association.
 The full membership dues support the ANA’s ability to speak for all nurses in national
and international forums. ANA is a recognized and respected voice, with considerable
clout, in Washington DC, where the national association has taken the lead in pushing
reforms which both mandate the development of staffing systems that require the input
of direct-care RNs, provide whistle-blower protections for RNs who speak out about
patient care issues, including inadequate levels of nurses, and establish a requirement
for minimum staffing ratios based on ANA’s Principles of Nursing Staffing.
 Full members receive a subscription to The American Nurse (TAN), the bimonthly
publication of the ANA, as well as a subscription to the monthly American Nurse Today.
Members receive discounts on various credentialing and conference fees and discounts
on insurance if they choose to purchase disability and life insurance through ANA.
AORN = Association of Preoperative Registered Nurses
 This is a professional association that empowers the OR nurse with education,
standards of practice and peer networking.
 There are 2 active local chapters, South Suburban Chicago and Northwest Suburban
Chicago. Go to the national website www.aorn.org for national and local chapter
information.
 Membership for active members is $100.00 for RN's and $100.00 for non RN's, such as
physicians, informatics personnel, pharmacists, etc. You can also purchase a lifetime
membership for $1000.00.
 The website is very informative and user friendly.
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
APNA= American Psychiatric Nurses Association
 APNA is the largest psychiatric-mental health nursing membership organization with 35
chapters nationally and internationally.
 The association represents more than 6,000 psychiatric nurses who are at all levels of
education from basic to doctoral, and work in a wide variety of settings including
inpatient, outpatient, research, education, administration, clinical, private practice,
military, and forensic
 APNA has membership for students and retired registered nurses.
 It is an independent organization.
 Membership in APNA is not the same as membership in the American Nurses
Association (ANA).
Regular Membership: $135.00
Regular membership is available to registered nurses in good standing with the
licensing agency of their state or territory. Regular members can vote, hold office
and serve on committees, councils and task forces. Discounted 2-year
membership is available.
Regular members who are members of the Military, Reserves or National
Guard on active duty pay $75.00. You must show proof of active duty - please
contact the membership department at 866.243.2443 to take advantage of this
discount.
Affiliate Membership: $135.00
Affiliate members are all other mental health professionals who are not
registered nurses. Affiliate members receive all benefits of membership, but may
not vote or hold office.
International Membership: $145.00
International members are nurses who do not reside in the United States.
International members are entitled to all privileges and benefits of membership.
Retired Membership: $75.00
Membership is available for retired registered nurses who are interested in being
involved in the psychiatric-mental health nursing community. They receive all
benefits of regular membership.
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Student Membership: $25.00
Student membership is only available to full-time students in a nursing program and
who can provide evidence of full-time status. The Student must send in a current
schedule/transcript and a letter from their Dean/Program Director/Registrar - these
documents must prove full-time status and state graduation date. Student membership
rates are available while you are a full-time student only. Student rates will expire upon
graduation.
Student members may not hold office, but they may serve on committees, councils and
task forces. Student members who are registered nurses may vote. Students will be
mailed a printed copy of JAPNA and will receive APNA News and Psychiatric Nursing
Voice by email. To apply for student membership, please contact the Membership
Department at 866.243.2443. We must have both documents and payment together
in order to process membership.
Mailing address for applications is:
APNA
P.O. Box 75365
Baltimore, MD 21275-5365. The organization website is www.apna.org. Visit the Benefits
Section for a complete listing of member programs, services and discounts.
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
ARIN = Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing
 This is a network of dynamic professionals who are committed to the development and
growth of nurses who advance the standard of care in the imaging environment. The
Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) was founded in 1981 as the
professional organization representing nurses who practice in the diagnostic,
neuron/cardiovascular, interventional, ultrasonography, computerized tomography,
nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance, and radiation oncology.
 Mailing address for applications:
ARNA National Office
7794 Grow Drive
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone 866-486-2762, Fax 850-484-8762, Email: ARIN@dancyamc.com. The
organization site is www.arinnursing.org.
 The Association of the Radiologic & Imaging Nursing (ARIN) currently has 24 official
Local Chapters. The benefits of belonging to an ARIN Chapter are many, most notably
being part of a common voice for radiology and imaging nurses in a wide range of
practice settings. Becoming a member of a chapter allows members to take advantage
of educational programs, newsletters, and networking with other members in each
region.
 The Chicago Local Chapter is the Windy City Regional Chapter.
 Dues are $95.00 per year and can be sent in via downloaded brochure or online at the
website.
 Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) Certification/Recertification is $300 for ARIN members
and $425 for ARIN non-members.
ASPMN = American Society for Pain Management Nursing
 It is a national organization. Their mission is to advance and promote optimal nursing
care for people affected by pain by promoting best nursing practice through education,
standards, advocacy and research.
 There is a Chicago Metropolitan Chapter located in Lisle, IL. contact Mary Mason,
President, hmason@painchicago.com.
 Membership nationally is $95 a year. Active membership is open to license to practice as
a professional registered nurse and is interested in pain management. Their website is
www.aspmn.org.
AWHONN = Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
 This national nonprofit organization, established in 1969, seeks to improve and promote the
health of women and newborns. The mission is to strengthen the nursing profession
through the delivery of superior advocacy, research, education, and other professional and
clinical resources for nurses of newborns and women throughout their lifespan.
 AWHONN members are empowered to excel as professionals and provide superior care
through the delivery of innovative, evidence-based, and affordable quality programs.
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Membership is attained through the organization’s website: www.awhonn.org. Full
membership dues are $168. A reduced rate of $84 is available for students and retired
members. Membership dues may also be budgeted as monthly payments; see website for
details.
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Membership includes 2 monthly publications: Nursing for Women’s Health and JOGNN
(The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing). Members can also review
standards of professional practice, network with other colleagues, and gain access to
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
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various continuing education opportunities. Membership allows nurses to engage in
legislation and become advocates for the nursing profession and patient care.
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The IL Section Membership Coordinator is Mona LeGrand RNC, BSN and she can be
contacted at monsid1982@hotmail.com. Additionally, the Chicagoland chapter of
AWHONN provides a forum for exchange of research, education, and ideas with other
colleagues in the area.
CCMC = Commission for Case Manager Certification
 It is a national organization that issues CCM certification (certified case manager) upon
completion of self-study and passing a Case Management exam. This certification is
valuable for nurses who work either in the hospital/health system setting or the insurance
setting. The organization supports case management continuing education (which is a
requirement for renewal of the CCM certification) and offers many CEU credits online
throughout the year.
 The cost of the registration/test is $290 and the website is www.ccmcertification.org.
 The sole function of the organization is to provide certification, and therefore there are no
national or local chapters.
CHI ETA PHI Sorority, Inc. = International Black Nursing Sorority
 It is a professional association for registered professional nurses and student nurses.
Their focus is character, education, service & friendship.
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Motto: " Service for Humanity", the Sorority has programs focusing on health
promotion/disease prevention, leadership development, mentoring, recruitment and
retention and scholarships for alcohol and other drug dependencies, nicotine
dependencies, eating disorders, dual and multiple diagnosis, and process addictions
such as gambling.
Mailing address:
Chi Eta Phi Sorority Alpha Eta Chapter
200 E. 75 St.
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone 773-224-1950 Email: chietaphi_UM@umich.edu.
Websites are http://ne.chietaphi.com and http://sitemaker.umich.edu/chietaphi/.
HPNA = Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
 It is a professional nursing organization created in 1986 to help establish a network and
support for nurses in this specialty. According to their website, “it has become the
nationally recognized organization providing resources and support for APN’s, RN’s,
LPN’s, and nursing assistants who care for patients with life-limiting and terminal
illnesses”.
 The organization membership offers 3 teleconferences per month, an on-line journal,
actual yearly conferences, and many chapters throughout the USA.
 There is an Illinois chapter at Rush University, and the chapter’s contact email is
Susan_Breakwell@rush.edu. The national website is www.hpna.org and the website is
user friendly and very informative.
 The cost of yearly membership is $85, and the website provides easy online registration.
ICN = International Council of Nurses
 ICN is set to serve as a hub for the international exchange of ideas, experience and
expertise for the nursing profession.
 Previously ICN provided opportunities for nurses to meet informally at its meetings.
However, living in what is becoming an increasingly complex and fast changing world,
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
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more immediate ways are needed to communicate and pursue common professional
interests.
ICN has chosen a networking mechanism to do this because networks are about:
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getting to know people outside your immediate circle of contacts;
establishing and using contacts for information, support and other assistance;
building relationships; and most importantly networks;
communicating
Networks can go beyond organizational, professional, disciplinary and national
boundaries.
ICN has identified some activities for its networks. They may:
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identify issues early and monitor how they develop;
follow trends;
offer special expertise through creating a resource pool from network members;
disseminate ICN’s and others’ work in the area of interest; and
organize meetings and conferences;
communicating
Networks can go beyond organizational, professional, disciplinary and national
boundaries.
ICN’s Mission: To represent nursing worldwide, advancing the profession and
influencing health policy.
The International Council of Nurses is a federation of national nurses’ associations
(NNAs), representing nurses in more than 128 countries. Founded in 1899, ICN is the
world’s first and widest reaching international organization for health professionals.
Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound
health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence
worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing
workforce.
ICN Goals and Values
Three goals and five core values guide and motivate all ICN activities.
The three goals are:
 To bring nursing together worldwide;
 To advance nurses and nursing worldwide;
 To influence health policy.
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The five core values are:
 Visionary Leadership
 Inclusive
 Flexibility
 Partnership
 Achievement
The ICN Code for Nurses is the foundation for ethical nursing practice throughout the
world. ICN standards, guidelines and policies for nursing practice, education,
management, research and socio-economic welfare are accepted globally as the basis of
nursing policy.
ICN advances nursing, nurses and health through its policies, partnerships, advocacy,
leadership development, networks, congresses, special projects, and by its work in the
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
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arenas of professional practice, regulation and socio-economic welfare. ICN is
particularly active in:
Professional Nursing Practice
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International classification for nursing practice – ICNP
Advanced nursing practice
Entrepreneurship
HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria
Women’s health
Primary health care
Family health
Safe Water
Nursing Regulation
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Regulation and Credentialing
Code of ethics, standards and competencies
Continuing education
Socio-economic Welfare and Nurses
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Occupational health and safety
Human resources planning and policy
Remuneration
Career development
International trade in professional services
Our partnerships and strategic alliances with governmental and non-governmental
agencies, foundation, regional groups, national associations, and individuals, assist ICN
in advancing nursing worldwide.
Mailing address for applications:
International Council of Nurses
3, Place Jean Marteau
1201 – Geneva
Switzerland
Phone 41-22-901-01-00, Fax 41-22-908-01-01, Email: icn@icn.ch. The organization site
is webmaster@icn.ch.
IntNSA = International Nurses Society On Addictions
 It is a professional specialty organization founded in 1975 for nurses committed to the
prevention, intervention, treatment, and management of addictive disorders including
alcohol and other drug dependencies, nicotine dependencies, eating disorders, dual and
multiple diagnosis, and process addictions such as gambling.
 IntNSA’s Mission: To advance excellence in addictions nursing practice through
advocacy, collaboration, education, research and policy development.
Their goal is to help nurses provide comprehensive, high-quality nursing care for addicted
patients and their families. IntNSA has something to offer every nurse, regardless of their
area of nursing practice. With the prevalence of addiction-related health consequences,
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
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they believe that all nurses must maintain a basic level of knowledge and skills in
addictions.
IntNSA’s Vision: To be a global leader in addictions nursing.
Their strength comes from their members, including clinicians, educators, managers, and
researchers who practice in a wide variety of settings, including treatment centers,
hospitals, schools, private practices, primary care, and other community agencies. They
firmly believe that all nurses, regardless of their specialty or practice setting, can play a
role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the early identification of people at greater
risk for developing problems associated with the abuse of addictive substances.
Active membership is open to all registered professional nurses. Graduate or undergraduate student nurses are encouraged to join and vote but cannot hold an office.
Regular Membership (3 Types)
U.S. Full Membership - $120
All registered professional nurses. Members are eligible to vote and hold office.
International Full Membership - $140 USD
All registered professional nurses living outside of the United States. Members are
eligible to vote and hold office.
Retired Membership - $90
All registered professional nurses 62 years of age or older, who are retired. Members are
eligible to vote, but may not hold office. Members will receive a 25% reduction in annual
dues.
Student Membership - $75
All students enrolled in a nursing education program. Members are not eligible to vote or
hold office, but may serve on committees.
Disabled Membership - $90
Members are not eligible to vote or hold office, but may serve on committees.
Associate Membership - $100
All licensed vocational/practical nurses. Members are not eligible to vote or hold office,
but may serve on committees.
Affiliate Membership (2 Types)
Individual - $100
All other persons or entities interested in addictions nursing. Members may not vote or
hold office.
Corporate - $1000
All organizations, agencies, corporations, facilities, treatment facilities, et al, who have an
interest or involvement with nurses and the field of addictions prevention or treatment.
Anyone may serve on committees or participate in the activities of IntNSA.
National Group Membership*
25-100 Members - $85 Each
101-200 Members - $80 Each
200+ Members - $75 Each
International Group Membership*
25-100 Members - $105 Each
101-200 Members - $100 Each
200+ Members - $95 Each
*Members get all benefits with the exception of being non-voting and cannot hold board
positions. Membership discount for conferences and products is mid-point between the
full membership and non-member rate. Individuals can pay the difference to get the full
membership with all of its benefits.
Mailing Addresss:
International Nurses Society on Addictions
P.O. Box 163635
Columbus, OH 43216
Contact: www.intnsa.org/membership.php, Phone 614-221-9989 Toll Free 877-6-INTNSA
(646-8672) Fax 614-221-2335. Email at intnsa@intnsa.org.
Nursing Best People & Professional Excellence Committee
Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
NAHN = National Association of Hispanic Nurses
 It is a professional organization with national and local chapters founded in 1975
designed and committed to improving the quality of health and nursing care of Hispanic
consumers and toward providing equal access to educational, professional, and
economic opportunities for Hispanic nurses.
 The national website is www.thehispanicnurses.org and there is a Chicago Chapter for
which the contact information is info@thehispanicnurses.org.
 The cost of yearly memberships is $100.00 for Hispanic nurses. For non-Hispanic nurses
or non-healthcare professionals the yearly membership cost is $75.00.
NANN = National Association of Neonatal Nurses
 Formed in 1984 with the purpose of addressing the educational and practice needs within
the evolving specialty of neonatal nursing, while giving all neonatal nurses national
representation.
 Core Purpose – To support the professional needs of neonatal nurses throughout their
careers. With this purpose in mind, there is a wonderful FREE (no membership to NANN
needed) website to provide FREE CEUs to NICU RNs. http://www.nicuniversity.org.
 Membership dues are $99 and the website provides easy online registration and is very
informative and user friendly. http://www.nann.org/.
 There is a local chapter in Chicago. The Chicago Area Association of Neonatal nurses.
http://www.caann.org.
The annual membership for the local chapter is $30 and there are currently 140
members. The president is Carol Polinski and she can be contacted
pesident@caann.org.
NARNFA = National Association of Registered Nurse First Assistants
 This is a newly formed (7-1-07) national organization to represent the RNFAS of
America. They are here to help this profession to grow educationally, legislatively and in
the realm of public awareness.
 You can join this organization by downloading the application and mailing it in with the
fee of $50.00.
 There is a national conference in Glendale, Ca. April 25-25, 2009.
 There is no local chapter at this time.
 There is a newsletter that is available to be downloaded as well as educational materials.
 The website is www.narnfa.com . It is informative and still being developed.
NBNA = National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
 It is a professional nursing organization created in 1971 with a “mission to provide a
forum for collective action by black nurses to investigate, define and advocate for the
health care needs of African Americans and to implement strategies that ensure access
to health care, equal to, or above health care standards of the larger society.”
 The organization membership offers 3 teleconferences per month, an on-line journal,
actual yearly conferences, and many chapters throughout the USA.
 The Chicago Chapter Black Nurses Association contact email is
www.chicagochapternbna.org.
 The cost of yearly membership is $198.00.
ONS = Oncology Nursing Society
 It is a professional organization for nurses and other healthcare providers who are
dedicated to excellence in oncology, and it is the largest professional oncology
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Promotes Professional Nursing Organization Memberships
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organization in the world. It was established in 1975 and it plays a vital role in advocacy
activities at local, state, national, and international levels.
The organization membership offers full subscription to the Journal of Oncology Nursing,
local/regional/national continuing education opportunities, and access to chapter
involvement.
The national website is www.ons.org and there are several Illinois chapters that have
contact information available via emailing membership@ons.org. Information about the
various Illinois chapters can also be accessed via the national website.
The cost of yearly membership is $102, and the website provides easy online registration
and is very informative and user friendly.
SGNA = Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc.
 According to the website SGNA is a “professional organization of associates dedicated
to the safe and effective practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing. SGNA
carries out its mission by advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology and
endoscopy nursing through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration, and by
promoting the professional development of its members in an atmosphere of mutual
support.” The society was established in 1973 and the first certification exams were
offered in the late 1980’s.
 Organization membership includes 6 annual issues of Gastroenterology Nursing and a
subscription to the SGNA newsletter, certification discounts, employment networking,
and reduced registration fees for national education courses and independent study
module contact hours.
 There are 63 local chapters throughout the United States and the headquarters is
located in Chicago. The national website is www.sgna.org and there are Illinois chapters
that have contact information available via the national website. The Chicago chapter
meetings are held on the various Northern Illinois University campuses in Rockford,
Naperville, and Hoffman Estates.
 The organization offers certification and a certification preparation course; information
regarding certification is easily accessed via the national website.
 The cost of yearly membership is $120 and 2 year membership is $225. Membership
includes automatic inclusion into a Regional Society of your choice. If you have 5 or
more members you can join as a hospital through the SGNA corporate membership
option which gives the employer the right to retain the membership in the event that an
employee resigns. The website provides easy online information and registration and is
well designed for easy navigation.