Numerous healthcare organizations serve as a platform for practitioners’ development, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. Nursing organizations also contribute considerably to the development of nursing practice. For instance, the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) is “dedicated to the clinical care” of older patients “across diverse care settings” (Mauk, 2017, p. 649). The NGNA’s members include nursing professionals, clinicians, researchers, and educators. The primary mission of the organization is to improve the care provided to older adults in the USA. The major goals the association attempts to achieve are the provision of educational services, fellowship programs, and reduced rates for certification examinations. The members of the NGNA benefit from membership in many ways through their enhanced training and collaboration with other practitioners.
The association’s mission and goals are deeply rooted in such values as empathy, understanding, equity, and high quality. The members of the organization are united by the understanding of the diverse needs of the target population including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual (Mauk, 2017). Communication and collaboration are regarded as central to the advancement of nursing practice, so the association offers various services to its members. The NGNA holds regular meetings and conventions (free of charge or discounted for its members), has a network of its chapters where members can interact and publishes a regular newsletter that contributes to the dissemination of valuable data.
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that the National Gerontological Nursing Association is an appropriate platform for the development and empowerment of nursing professionals. The organization concentrates on education and knowledge sharing, which is vital for modern nurses who have to function in a challenging working environment. The association helps nurses to provide high-quality care to one of the most vulnerable groups, older patients, who have specific needs and need special care.
Reference
Mauk, K. L. (2017). Gerontological nursing competencies for care. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.