22 Professional Nurse Organizations for Students and Recent Graduates

Check out our list of nursing associations that will welcome you as a student, nursing school graduate and early career professional. Whether you’re looking for a national, local, community-based or specialty group, there are lots of options to consider. Are you a nursing school graduate looking to build your career? Or maybe a student that’s looking to expand your network ahead of graduation? Professional nurse organizations offer a chance to network, develop your specialty and meet like-minded people who share your passion. Nursing students and new nurses get some additional perks, like reduced cost or free nursing association memberships!

Here’s a list of nursing associations that will welcome you as a student, nursing school graduate and early career professional. Whether you’re looking for a national, local, community-based or specialty group, there are lots of options to consider that won’t break the bank.

National Nursing Organizations

These professional nurse organizations serve members across the country and sometimes have regional or on-campus chapters for you to join.

National Student Nurses’ Association

The National Student Nurses’ Association aims to “mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, and to convey the standards, ethics, and skills that students will need as responsible and accountable leaders and members of the profession.” At Goldfarb, we cover the cost of new students’ membership, through which you can also get discounted memberships to partnering specialty associations.

Sigma

The mission of Sigma, formerly known as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, is to “advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.” Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is home to the Tau Iota Chapter, but membership is also open to nursing professionals who didn’t join as students. A subsidy is available to help cover member fees.

National League for Nursing

The National League for Nursing “promotes excellence in nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of our nation and the global community.” Member benefits include discounts and events as well as grant and scholarship opportunities. Get a discounted rate by applying while enrolled in a graduate program.

Rural Nurse Organization

The Rural Nurse Organization (RNO) was formed “for the purpose of recognizing, promoting, and maintaining the unique specialty of rural nursing practice.” Membership starts at an affordable $55/year or $25/year for students, and perks include journal access, grant resources and more.

Local & Regional Organizations

If you’re looking for nursing associations in Missouri and the St. Louis area, there are lots of options to get connected with fellow nurses and healthcare professionals.

Missouri League for Nursing

The goal of the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN) is to “advance the delivery of quality health care by nurses and other health care professionals through education, collaboration, and information.” Members get online learning courses at reduced rates, regional news and other professional and educational benefits. Student memberships are $20 and last for a year past graduation.

Missouri Nurses Association

The Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) works to “promote, protect and enhance registered professional nursing practice through advocacy, education, collaboration and partnership.” The organization is divided into seven regions across the state so you can get involved at the local level. Free student subscriptions are available through the national level American Nursing Association (ANA). Joint membership for both MONA and ANA is $15/month… just a little more than Netflix!

Diversity Nursing Organizations

A number of professional nurse organizations are committed to serving specific communities and promoting diversity and opportunity for underserved or underrepresented groups. Find additional nursing associations in the directory offered by Minority Nurse.

National Black Nurses Association

The mission of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is to "represent and provide a forum for Black Nurses to advocate and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color.” We’re proud to help sponsor the recent NBNA conference here in St. Louis, and there’s also a local chapter offering mentorship, networking and scholarship opportunities. For anyone interested in joining both the national and local chapters, students and recent graduates can get a special membership rate.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) is “committed to advancing the health in Hispanic communities and to lead, promote and advocate the educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Hispanic nurses.” Members have access to scholarships, training, events and more, both at a national level and with local chapters, like the one in Kansas City. Student memberships are $40 for both levels.

American Association for Men in Nursing

American Association for Men In Nursing (AAMN) works to “shape the practice, education, research, and leadership for men in nursing and advance men’s health.” Individual memberships are available for students ($25-30) as well as new nursing school grads ($50). Look for the Goldfarb School of Nursing at local events and conferences!

Specialty Associations

Interested in developing a specialty? Many of our faculty members and graduates are involved with nursing organizations connected to their area of practice, like oncology, emergency care or pediatrics. In addition to the options listed below, browse the list of nursing organizations from Nurse.org to find the specialty area that most interests you.

Nurse Practitioners & Anesthetists

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) “empowers all nurse practitioners (NPs) to advance quality health care through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership.” There’s a membership level (Career Starter) for new grads as well as the option to get involved with even more specialized groups. For those in Missouri, be sure to check out the related Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners.

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) works to “ensure the provision of quality primary and specialty healthcare to women of all ages by women's health and women's health-focused nurse practitioners.” Memberships include a special rate for currently enrolled students.
 

The mission of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is to “empower pediatric nurse practitioners, pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses, and their interprofessional partners to enhance child and family health through leadership, advocacy, professional practice, education and research.” Student and new graduate rates are available, and there’s a Missouri chapter based in St. Louis.
 

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) “advances patient safety and our profession through excellence in practice and service to members.” Students enrolled in our CRNA program are members, and recent grads are invited to join as associate members. Missouri-based members can also join the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Additional Specialties

The mission of the Society of Pediatric Nurses is to “advance the specialty of pediatric nursing through excellence in education, research and practice.” Join as a student.

The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association Foundation (GAPNAF) “represents the interests of all advanced practice nurses who work with older adults.” Student memberships are available.
 

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) “promotes excellence in medical-surgical nursing” and has a Missouri Chapter. Check out the discount for new graduates as well as free virtual student memberships.
 

The Missouri State Council of the Emergency Nurses Association works to “advocate for patient safety and excellence in emergency nursing practice.” Membership options include a student rate.
 

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses is “dedicated to creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.” A student membership is available.
 

The Oncology Nursing Society seeks to “advance excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.” Early career professionals enjoy a discounted rate.
 

The Midwest Nursing Research Society works to “advance science, transform practice and enhance careers through a network of scholars.” In addition to a student membership level, you might be interested in the Emerging Scholars Network.

Professional Organizations at Goldfarb

At Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, you have access to student and professional associations that can help enhance your education, get you involved in outreach, and meet new people. In addition to offering free membership to the National Student Nurses’ Association, we encourage students to get involved in the Missouri Nursing Students Association (MONSA).

And last but not least, don’t forget about your alumni association! An alumni support network can be a vital part of building your career and network of fellow nurses. If you’re a Goldfarb graduate, see how the Barnes-Jewish College Alumni Association can help you stay connected and support you for the years ahead.

Do you have a professional nurse association you recommend or love? Add them in the comments and let others know why they should join.