Stupid ANA Question

Apr 29, 2009 10:39 AM

by solneeshka

Just looking for the facts, as I am about to be a new grad and am a little confused: Is the ANA a union? Or a professional organization? Or a hybrid of some sort? I know there are a variety of (strong) opinions about the ANA, and I'm not looking to start another debate, I'm just trying to figure out exactly what they are. I know that individual nurses join their state organization, and the state organization is the member of the ANA. But I thought all of this was under the umbrella of "professional organizations," whereas I see some info that strongly implies union. But I know not all states are union states...can anyone clarify?

Be_Moore · Apr 29, 2009, 01:03 PM

Re: Stupid ANA Question

It's a professional organization (well, except that nursing isn't a profession, technically). The purpose of the ANA primarily is to unite the individual states Nursing Associations and lobby at the national level. The ANA is basically the lobbying arm for Nursing (as a whole) at the national level. So I see where you might think they are a Union (as they are the voice for the people), but not so much.

beejaycee · Apr 29, 2009, 04:14 PM

Re: Stupid ANA Question

Originally Posted by Be_Moore

that nursing isn't a profession, technically

This is not at all meant to be incendiary but why do you say it isn't a profession? Thanks.

nminodob · Apr 29, 2009, 04:48 PM

Re: Stupid ANA Question

Nursing is a profession! See the following link that discusses this very thing:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...0/ai_n6365100/
Don't underestimate what all your hard work has earned you - the right to claim a profession for yourself and all other nurses.

beejaycee · Apr 29, 2009, 04:59 PM

Re: Stupid ANA Question

Originally Posted by nminodob

Nursing is a profession!

While I do agree with you, BeMoore is a younger person that we are and I wanted his/her take on the subject. Again, I am not trying to be argumentative but I wanted another viewpoint.

And thanks for the link. Very first line: "One of the accepted hallmarks of a profession is the possession of a unique body of knowledge." I would append to that "a defined, certified set of skills regulated by a monitoring board with disciplinary powers" but who am I?

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Stupid ANA Question

Stupid ANA Question

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