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Western Governors University
A. Functional Differences The Professional Nursing Organizations and Regulatory Agencies for Nursing are what nursing professionals look to for standards, guidance, support, rules and regulations, along with licensure and discipline if necessary. One example of a professional nursing organization (PNO) would be the American Nurses Association (ANA). The role of the ANA includes: promotion/ development of the nursing profession, involvement with legislation and policy making, supporting the nurse in order for the nurse to provide quality care for the those receiving care. The mission statement of the ANA is simple and direct... "nurses advancing our profession to improve health for all" (ANA, 2014). Individuals can become full members of this organization or be a subscriber. Full membership/ full access requirements include a Registered Nurse license and a membership fee. Subscribers can be non- RNs, paying a fee, but this does not include full access to all resources. Being a member of the ANA presents many benefits including possible connections with all levels of medical professionals and access to a multitude of resources and articles. Reasons why a nursing professional may not become a member of the ANA could include unawareness of how easily membership can be obtained, knowing that membership fees exist, or the fact that many resources are accessible on the internet easily for free. Regulatory Agencies for nursing usually are at a state level, such as the State of Tennessee Board of Nursing (BON). The TN BON mission statement is direct and includes "... mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring that all who practice within this state are qualified and licensed to practice" (TNBON, 2014). The TN BON is backed by the governor, which selects the members of the board and includes 11 members (10 nursing professionals/ 1 consumer). This board is