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Weekly Q&A: Staff participation in professional organizations and the community

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, May 30, 2006

This week, a reader asks how to increase staff-nurse involvement in professional organizations and the community. Read the response below from our advisor, Barbara L. O'Brien, RN, MSN, Cert., president, Magnetic HealthCare Strategies, LLC, Manchester, NJ.

Q: How can I encourage/increase staff-nurse participation in professional organizations and community efforts?

A: Senior leaders are the role models for professional involvement in organizations and the community. They need to foster an environment in which professional staff at all levels are encouraged to be involved. Here are several ideas to increase participation:

• Encourage and recognize bedside staff nurses who present sessions or poster presentations at national and local organizations
• Involve directors and the CNE in national organizations such as the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the American Nurses Association, or state organizations
• Participate in community health fairs
• Join coalitions such as cancer prevention, community health, etc.
• Participate in parish nursing programs
• Present research to the professional community
• Include membership in professional organizations and active participation as part of a clinical ladder

Early in the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® process, the CNE needs to survey all staff to determine the organizations and projects in which they participate. Many CNEs are surprised at how much is going on and others may find this is an area that needs encouragement. Record it on a spreadsheet, evaluate it annually, and update it as appropriate.

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