NURSING ORGANIZATIONS

  1. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
    1. Purpose: to provide a medium through which national nursing associations can work together and share common interests; formed in 1899
    2. Functions
      1. Serves as representatives of and spokespersons for nurses at international level.
      2. Promotes organization of national nurses’ associations.
      3. Assists national organizations to develop and improve services for public health practice of nursing and social/economic welfare of nurses.
  2. World Health Organization (WHO) - special intergovernmental agency of the United Nations, formed in 1948
    1. Purpose: to bring all people to the highest possible level of health
    2. Functions: provides assistance in the form of education, training, improving health standards, fighting disease, and reducing water pollution in member countries
  3. American Nurses’ Association (ANA) - national professional association in the United States, composed of the nurses’ associations of the 50 states, Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC
    1. Purpose: to foster high standards of nursing practice and promote the education and welfare of nurses
    2. Functions: officially represents professional nurses in the United States and internationally; defines practice of nursing; lobbies and promotes legislation affecting nurses’ welfare and practice
  4. National League for Nursing (NLN) - composed of both individuals and agencies
    1. Purpose: to foster the development and improvement of all nursing services and nursing education
    2. Functions
      1. Provides educational workshops.
      2. Assists in recruitment for nursing programs.
      3. Provides testing services for both RN and LPN (LVN) nursing programs.