Professional organizations play an important role in nursing practice. They set guidelines and develop professional practice standards for nursing bodies. Professional organizations vary in purpose, mission, or membership (Kearney-Nunnery, 2016). That said, the professional organization in focus for this assignment is the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). With over 120,000 members, the organization is working to improve patient care and the nursing practice through the lens of the nurse practitioner (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.). The benefits of becoming a member of this organization include but are not limited to access to free, quality continuing education (CE), networking opportunities, advocacy support at the state and federal levels, as well as access to scholarly, peer-reviewed journals (American Association Nurse Practitioners , n.d.).

Evidence-based practice (EBP) appears in several places on the website and is evident under the headings NP Influence, Research Opportunities for NPs, Advocacy Center as well as in the goal and mission statement of the organization, to name a few. These locations on the AANP website all speak to advancing quality healthcare through practice, education, and research opportunities such as nurse participation in surveys, all which of involves evidence-based practice.

The work of the AANP is grounded in EBP. The website presents evidence of NP involvement in the care and treatment of patients with COPD and pulmonary hypertension, health conditions that can be detrimental to the patient without proper treatment. Insightful information including a clinical resource tool (developed by AANP and expert NP faculty Susan Corbridge and Corinne Young) with infographics is listed on the website for NP perusal (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.). COPD and pulmonary hypertension are medical conditions that affect the lungs and the patient’s breathing, the evidence-based information presented by the AANP on these conditions can make a big difference and shed light on how the NP can be effective in caring for these patients as well as improve their quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Professional organizations are very important. As stated, they play an important role in the nursing practice. The information discovered on the AANP website was insightful and has not changed my perception of the organization (as I had an idea of what the organization does) but has rather strengthened my decision to become a member. For example, the AANP organization can help expand the nurse’s perspective on health and professional issues at the state, national, and global levels (Milstead & Short, 2019). The AANP also provides the necessary tools for nurses to be successful in the policy making process whether in the institution or politically.

References

American Association Nurse Practitioners . (n.d.). Retrieved from AANP Member Benefits: https://www.aanp.org/membership/member-benefits

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). Retrieved from About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Nurse Practitioners Offer Vital Support to COPD and Pulmonary Hypertension Patients: https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/nurse-practitioners-offer-vital-support-to-copd-and-pulmonary-hypertension-patients

Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2016). Advancing Your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing, 6th edition. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.) . Burlington, MA: Jones & Barlett Learning.