How do nursing faculty introduce and promote the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Nurses Association – New York (ANA-NY) within nursing education programs? How do practicing nurses engage with and use ANA and ANA-NY? These important questions were topics of discussion at a recent ANA-NY nursing education committee (NEC) meeting.
Application of the ANA Code of Ethics
Nursing education programs integrate the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics providing a clear framework for navigating complex ethical challenges in modern healthcare (ANA, 2025 – Code of Ethics ANA.org nursingworld.org). The ANA Code of Ethics is introduced early in nursing programs and continues throughout the curriculum. The Code of Ethics helps guide students in foundational principles of clinical decision-making, professional growth, navigation of ethical dilemmas, and patient advocacy.
Application of the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
Nursing programs also incorporate the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice to promote student development of professionalism, decision-making, and evidence-based practice skills. Clinical training and simulation experiences are aligned with ANA’s Scope and Standards of Practice, ensuring students develop competencies that meet national nursing standards.
Available Resources
Exposure to ANA and ANA-NY resources assists the student to transition from the classroom to clinical practice. Courses on nursing leadership and policy incorporate ANA’s national position statements and policy initiatives and ANA-NY’s state position statements, legislative priorities, and white papers. These resources help students understand their role in shaping healthcare systems. Additionally, many programs encourage student membership in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and the Nursing Student Association of New York State (NSANYS) and, dual membership in ANA-NY/ANA upon licensure to promote lifelong professional engagement and leadership development.
The consensus of the nursing education committee is that faculty need to integrate ANA and ANA-NY resources into the curriculum, encourage student memberships in student and professional organizations, highlight the ANA Code of Ethics, invite guest speakers from ANA-NY and ANA, and utilize ANA and ANA-NY publications and online platforms to supplement learning. The primary goal is to showcase ANA, ANA-NY, NSNA, and NSANYS as valuable resources for professional development and for the development and maintenance of ethical practice throughout a nurse’s career.
Another important component that was discussed related to new graduates and experienced nurses who practice in the healthcare systems. NEC committee members who practice in hospital education and conduct orientation programs emphasized the idea that new staff be educated about the importance of staying current in nursing practice by joining ANA-NY/ANA. It also was noted by educators practicing in the inpatient setting that some nurses are unaware of the resources for certification, continuing education, and advocacy related to their practice that are available from ANA-NY and ANA.
The consensus was that both nursing education programs and hospital residency programs need to introduce professional membership early and incorporate advocacy projects at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nurse educators at both the collegiate level and in our health care institutions engage new graduate nurses more effectively in advocacy and in identifying strategies for the application of the ANA Code of Ethics within our nursing practice. The NEC identified the potential for ANA-NY NEC to offer additional education programs highlighting these resources for our members. Additionally, a recommendation was made that NEC committee members consult with community healthcare partners, including chief nursing officers (CNOs), to explore how they support ANA-NY/ANA principles in their organizations and how we can work together to implement these ideas for future initiatives.
Student Engagement Opportunities in ANA-NY
The NEC committee members explored ways to enhance student engagement within ANA-NY, highlighting the ANA-NY Future Nurse Leaders Award and RN to BS Nurse Fellowship as potential avenues for recognition and outreach. Recognizing exemplary students as potential leaders could lead to better integration of these nurses into the organization post-graduation. The idea of sponsoring more student-oriented events at the annual ANA-NY conference to further engage nursing students was another strategy discussed. The conference currently features continuing education, podium presentations, and poster presentations which provide an opportunity for members, non-members, and students to disseminate their work. Additionally, ANA-NY has a consultant that works with the Nursing Student Association of New York State (NSANYS), meets with the organizational leaders monthly, attends their conventions, and assists the board members in creating a strong liaison with ANA-NY. The ANA-NY Nursing Education Committee has a student representative from NSANYS who attends the monthly committee meetings. This relationship has assisted in helping the students transition from NSANYS to ANA-NY.
Conclusion
The power of nursing requires active engagement in the profession. Nursing faculty, student nurses, and practicing nurses need to be aware of their professional organizations and the resources available. These organizations are the avenue for involvement, advocacy, and change leading to strengthening the profession and improving the health of the public.
