Professional Associations Membership

Professional Associations Membership

Nurses in the United States of America join and belong to professional associations that align with their career and specialty (Brunt & Morris, 2022). These associations are critical for networking among professionals who share the same interests and maintaining a healthy profession. While some associations, such as American Nursing Association, comprise nurses from different specialties, other associations, such as The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, consist of nurses from specific specializations (American Nursing Association, 2021

 Professional Organization and Significance

The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) is an association whose members champion quality nursing care for pediatrics, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with blood disorders and cancer. APHON also promotes the well-being of family members whose children, adolescents, and young adults suffer from cancer and blood disorders. Nurses who are members of APHON gain expertise and the highest standard of practice required in taking care of their patients. APHON was started in 1973 by four pediatric oncology nurses to create an environment where pediatric nurses could exchange ideas (Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, 2022). Pediatric oncology was a unique specialty at the time; therefore, there was a need for a professional community to be formed. APHON’s mission is “to support and advance nurses in optimizing outcomes for children, adolescents, young adults, and their families throughout the continuum of care for their cancers and blood disorders” (APHON, n.d.). Its vision states that “pediatric hematology and oncology nurses are setting, advocating for, and achieving the highest standards of care for children, adolescents, young adults, and their families” (APHON, n.d.).

Moreover, APHON members enjoy and are entitled to grant opportunities for research, cancer and hematology education and training, mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and professional awards. Members are entitled to two grants for evidence-based practice worth $2,500 and one for research projects worth $10,000. APHON’s strategic plan includes creating a community of professionals, advocating, providing universal education, training, and empowering nurses, and ensuring diversity, inclusion, and equity in the profession.

Networking Opportunities in Professional Association

APHON comprises about 3,600 members. These include nursing students, retired nurses, and registered nurses practising in or interested in pediatrics. Members also include adolescent or young adult hematology/oncology and non-registered nurses who care for pediatrics and adolescents or young adults with cancers and blood disorders from the United States, Canada, and other countries (Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, 2022). This is a diverse group of individuals with the same interests who need to network to exchange ideas. APHON encourages its members to enrol in their local chapters to network with other members within the same location. Local chapters hold events throughout the year. In 2010, APHON established Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses’ Day. Every year on 8 September, APHON holds an event in honour of these nurses, creating an opportunity for them to network (APHON, 2022). APHON has a social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where members can follow and interact with other followers. APHON holds an annual conference and exhibit in the fall, during which members attend and interact. This year marks the 46^th annual conference and exhibit (APHON, 2022). APHON links its members to other associations of the same interests, such as the Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association (HPNA), the American Nurses Association, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association (AAHPM).

Professional Association Communication

APHON has a continuous education centre that offers up-to-date information on healthcare changes and changes in practice for free or at reduced rates. The centre gives APHON members access to self-paced courses with certification and transcripts, webinars, and Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing articles (JOPHON). JOPHON contains peer-reviewed research and articles on advanced clinical nursing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with blood disorders and cancers. JOPHON is free to APHON members. APHON’s Evidence-Based Practice and Research Committee (EBPRC) takes part in developing evidence-based guidelines and research. In addition, APHON members obtain free copies of APHON Counts’ quarterly newsletter highlighting a theme for clinical articles.

Opportunities for Continuous Education and Professional Development

APHON offers certified tests in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing (PHON) and Blood and Marrow Transplant Nursing (BMTN). These tests benefit professional growth and development, boosting confidence in clinical abilities and validation as an expert in PHON and BMTN sub-specialities. Continuous education is also achieved through APHON’s continuous education centre, courses, webinars, JOPHON, APHON Counts, handbooks, and APHON’s EBPRC.

Moreover, APHON provides its members with resources and tools for professional development. It encourages its members to connect with other members and actively participate in their local chapter and national chapter activities by applying for leadership and officer positions and volunteering in the association’s activities. Members can also remain active by submitting articles for publication by APHON and nominating themselves and their colleagues for APHON’s awards. Besides, APHON trains its members on professional requirements and skills such as interview skills, writing cover letters and curriculum vitae, salary negotiation skills, and advocacy. APHON offers scholarship opportunities to its members. The Cynthia Stutzer Palliative Care Memorial Scholarship is co-sponsored with the HPNA sponsors members to attend the Annual Assembly presented by HPNA and AAHPM. The APHON international nurse scholarship is reserved for members from developing countries to attend the annual conference and exhibit. Lastly, APHON offers a scholarship for a nursing in Washington internship (APHON, 2022).

References

American Nursing Association. (2021). Nursing World. Retrieved 20 May 2022 from /https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/about-ana/

Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses. (n.d.). About us | APHON. APHON. Retrieved 20 May 2022, from https://aphon.org/about-us/association-pediatric-hematology-oncology-nurses

Brunt BA, & Morris MM. Nursing Professional Development. (2021). Retrieved 20 May 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531482/

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Assessment Description
Examine the importance of professional associations in nursing. Choose a professional nursing organization that relates to your specialty area or a specialty area in which you are interested. In a 750‐1,000 word paper, provide a detailed overview of the organization and its advantages for members. Include the following:

Describe the organization and its significance to nurses in the specialty area. Include its purpose, mission, and vision. Describe the overall benefits, or “perks,” of being a member.
Explain why it is important for a nurse in this specialty field to network. Discuss how this organization creates networking opportunities for nurses.
Discuss how the organization keeps its members informed of healthcare changes and changes to practice that affect the specialty area.
Discuss opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be appropriate for the assignment and relevant to nursing practice.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.