As an RN in a Magnet-Status, Level IV NICU, there are various leadership projects and professional development opportunities in which I am required and expected to participate. One example includes joining the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Serving as an active member of this professional organization provides me with the BEST resources, tools, and opportunities necessary to provide high quality care to my preemies!
The mission of NANN is “To be the professional voice that shapes neonatal nursing through excellence in practice, education, research, and professional development.” As a member of NANN, the value and cost virtually pay for itself. Included with my annual dues, I receive various resources such as easily accessible peer-reviewed journals, courses specifically for neonatal nurses, and groundbreaking evidence-based guidelines. Other benefits of belonging to this professional organization include in-person events, networking through social media, scholarships, certification assistance, and continued education support. I can also attend local and national conferences at discounted rates and am the first to know about cutting-edge neonatal news.
In my personal opinion, all NICU nurses should join NANN, not just to benefit themselves but rather to uphold their number one duty and commitment to serving as patient advocates who strive everyday to provide babies with the best care possible. Participating in NANN is absolutely essential and fundamental to my field of practice and serves the utmost relevance. Nurses serve as patient advocates, especially neonatal nurses who care for patients that can neither make decisions nor speak up for themselves. Today, high-risk neonates have a better chance of not only surviving but also thriving due to the advances in medicine and the dedicated care that they receive. Neonatal nurses serve on this forefront, providing around-the-clock care to vulnerable and fragile babies.
It is important for nurses to be involved in professional organizations for various reasons. For one, it is the nurse’s duty to maintain competence and continue to better herself by engaging in lifelong learning and professionalism. With the increasing demands of the workplace, nurses must stay afloat of new topics and trends and evidence-based practices. This can be achieved by professional organization activity, conference attendance, and research...all of which is attainable through NANN.
To join, visit http://www.nann.org