Article

The Importance of a Professional Organization
Estella A. Loogman, RN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Doctors Medical Center

New nurses develop their expertise by clinical work, but sometimes the new nurses do not recognize how important belonging to a professional organization can be. ONS is an example of a professional organization that fosters professional growth and clinical efficacy.

For example, attendance at the professional organization’s local and national meetings allow the opportunity for problems to be discussed and rationales for solving issues to be explored within a nonthreatening environment. Ideas are introduced. Theories are expanded upon. Members are encouraged to interact with each other. Topics may be seen differently than when initially addressed. New nurses (as well as expert nurses) are better ready to deal with the initial problem.

The professional organization also can help legally. Standards set by a professional organization allow novice and expert nurses a structure for clinical decisions and provide support for optimal success. Sometimes, nurses are asked to testify in lawsuit cases. Following the guidelines set by the professional organization gives the clinician credibility and adds strength to decisions acted on in clinical practice.

Many professional organizations also have very active Web sites with useful links. We all have encountered an unusual disease or had a question, and logging on to information provided can be helpful. Interacting with nurses in an online discussion provides the immediate help needed. Some provide Web casts to help nurses learn about new research, theories, and treatments. Most professional organizations provide educational opportunities to their members at reduced rates.

Publications are another reason to join professional organizations. Professional journals are mailed to members, and nurses are informed about the workshops relating to that professional organization. Certification within the field is a mark of an expert. Professional organizations develop and determine the body of knowledge for an examination. Other reasons to join include the organization’s support for individuals taking the certification examination.

Finally, the fun you will have when attending national and local workshops and the personal friendships that develop also are reasons to join your professional organization. I would like to encourage those considering entering oncology nursing become national and local members of ONS. You have so much to gain!