American Nurses Association

American Nurses Association
Name	American Nurses Association
Founded	1896
Headquarters	Silver Spring, Maryland
Key people	Jennifer Mensik Kennedy (President), Kate Judge (Executive Director)
Website	www.nursingworld.org

American Nurses Association. The American Nurses Association is the preeminent national professional organization representing the interests of the nation's registered nurses. It establishes ethical standards for the profession and advocates for nurses in governmental and regulatory arenas. The ANA works to advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, and bolstering the health and wellness of all communities.

History

The organization traces its origins to the 1896 founding of the Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This group was reorganized in 1911 to become the American Nurses Association. A pivotal early achievement was the establishment of the first Nursing Code of Ethics. Throughout the 20th century, the ANA was instrumental in major professional advancements, including the push for state-level Nurse Practice Acts and the development of the first comprehensive study of nursing education, known as the Goldmark Report. It played a critical role during World War II in mobilizing the Nursing Corps and later advocated for the inclusion of nursing services in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Landmark efforts in the 1960s led to the creation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Organization and governance

The ANA is a federation of its constituent member associations, which include the California Nurses Association and the New York State Nurses Association. The supreme governing body is the House of Delegates, which meets biennially to set policy. Between these sessions, the Board of Directors oversees the association's operations and financial health. The current President is Jennifer Mensik Kennedy and the Executive Director is Kate Judge. Key operational entities include the American Nurses Foundation, its philanthropic arm, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which administers certification programs. The headquarters are located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Advocacy and policy positions

The ANA maintains a robust advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., focusing on issues impacting nursing practice and public health. It lobbies for safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, workplace violence prevention, and expanded scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The association was a leading voice in the passage of the Affordable Care Act and continues to advocate for healthcare equity. It holds official positions on a wide range of issues, from supporting Title X funding to addressing the opioid crisis. The ANA's political action committee, ANA-PAC, supports candidates who align with its policy goals.

Educational and professional development

The association provides extensive resources for continuing education and career advancement. It sets the standards for nursing practice through publications like *Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice*. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers certification in over 30 specialty areas, including pediatric nursing and critical care. The ANA also provides preparatory materials for the NCLEX-RN exam. Through its subsidiary, the American Nurses Foundation, it funds nursing research grants and leadership development programs like the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Publications and communications

The ANA's flagship publication is *The American Nurse*. Its scholarly journal, *The American Journal of Nursing*, is one of the oldest nursing journals in the world. The association also publishes *OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing*. These publications disseminate research, clinical updates, and professional commentary. The ANA maintains a comprehensive digital presence through its website, NursingWorld.org, which hosts practice standards, position statements, and educational content. It actively engages members and the public through social media platforms and regular policy briefings.

Affiliates and related organizations

The ANA enterprise includes several affiliated organizations with specialized missions. The American Nurses Credentialing Center handles certification and credentialing. The American Nurses Foundation is dedicated to charitable, educational, and scientific activities. The ANA is a founding member of the International Council of Nurses, based in Geneva. It also collaborates closely with specialty nursing organizations such as the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Furthermore, the ANA works in coalition with groups like the American Hospital Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on public health initiatives.

Category:American Nurses Association Category:Nursing organizations in the United States Category:Healthcare in the United States Category:Organizations based in Maryland Category:1896 establishments in the United States