FAQs

About ANA | Membership | Definition of Nursing | General Nursing Information | Nursing as a Career | Accreditation, Certification, and Credentials | Continuing Education | Magnet Program | Licensure | Workplace Health and Safety | Code of Ethics for Nurses | Position Statements and Policies | Periodicals and Publishing | Student Nurses

About ANA

What is the American Nurses Association (ANA)?
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the voice of nursing. We are the nation's only full-service professional organization that represents the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses.

When was ANA founded?
In 1896, the first convention of the Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada was held. In 1911, this organization became the American Nurses Association. The Historical Review of Nursing and the ANA contains a detailed, date-by-date review of ANA's history.

Where is ANA located?
The ANA headquarters is located at 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910

How does ANA work with constituent and state nurses associations?
ANA is composed of organizations and individuals who have member or affiliate status. Constituent and state nurses associations make up the ANA House of Delegates. Delegates are apportioned according to each state's membership count.

Is the American Academy of Nursing part of ANA?
Yes. The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) is an affiliate of ANA. AAN, established in 1973, is an organization of distinguished nursing leaders recognized for their outstanding contributions in nursing education, management, practice, and research. The Academy's members are known as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).

Is the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) part of ANA?
Yes. The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) is a related entity of ANA. Founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable affiliate of ANA, ANF is the national philanthropic organization that promotes the continued growth and development of nurses and services to advance the work of the nursing profession.

Is the American Nurses Credentialing Center part of ANA?
Yes. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of ANA, provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence.

How does ANA work with the International Council of Nurses (ICN)? ICN is a federation of national nurses' associations that represents nurses in more than 120 countries. The American Nurses Association is a U.S. member of the ICN.

Membership

Q: Who is eligible for ANA membership?
A: Yes. Per the ANA Bylaws, Article II, Section 3a.1 an individual member shall be a registered nurse.

Q: I'm not an RN. Can I access Members Only content of the website?
A:

• If you are a student, you may become a Student Subscriber and gain access to digital content from across the ANA website.
  • While student nurses aren’t eligible for full ANA membership, you can still stay connected and informed through the Student Subscriber program
• If you’re a member of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), you can become an ANA student subscribers for free. Click here to learn more about becoming a student subscriber.
• If you are not a student nurse, you can join as an ANA Subscriber for a $25 annual fee and have access to digital content throughout the website.

Q: I am interested in becoming an ANA Member. May I become an ANA member if I am an LPN/LVN?

A: Thank you for your interest in becoming an ANA member. Currently, ANA membership is open to Registered Nurses, as outlined in the ANA bylaws. While we recognize the valuable contributions LPNs/LVNs make to healthcare, ANA has not yet expanded membership to include LPNs/LVNs. However, some state nursing associations allow LPNs/LVNs to join at the state level, and we encourage you to contact your state nurses association for more information on state-specific membership.

Additionally, we invite you to explore ANA programs and services available to all nurses, such as Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, and to get involved in advocacy efforts through RNAction and ANA Capitol Beat. These initiatives offer meaningful ways for you to contribute to the nursing community.

Q: Are there different types of ANA membership?

A: Yes. ANA offers three different kinds of membership:

• ANA & State Membership includes membership in ANA and your state nurses association. You receive full benefits from both. Best Value! Learn More.
• ANA Only Membership - In some states, RNs are permitted to join ANA directly. ANA Only members receive full ANA member benefits but no benefits at the state level Learn More.
• E-Membership – is only available in some states. This is a virtual ANA membership and does not include certain benefits. Learn More.
• Review the “Limited Membership Options” to view the different membership options based on your state.

Q: What do I get for ANA membership dues? What are my ANA member benefits?

A: ANA membership gives you a wealth of career-enhancing and life-balancing resources. When you join, you’ll get benefits like:

• Free and discounted CNE
• Our award-winning journal, American Nurse
• Discounts on certification from American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Free webinars on important topics
• Career Stages Resources
• Travel and Ticket discounts
• "The Gutsy Innovator" Newsletter and Innovation Community
• Access to our exclusive members-only online community

Each issue of the American Nurse Journal offers at least 1 hour of free CNE to members from 36 topics on a range of clinical topics.

Personal benefits such as access to fitness memberships, mental health and wellbeing resources, discounts on other products and services.

And much, much more

For a full list of ANA benefits, please click here.

To learn more about state benefits, please click here.

We hope to welcome you as a new member soon. Please visit our Welcome Page by clicking here.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Premier Membership?

A: Premier Membership provides enhanced advantages compared to Standard Joint Membership. While benefits may vary by state, Premier Members typically gain access to additional professional development opportunities, networking events, and exclusive discounts.

Exclusive Benefits for Premier Members in 2025:

Premier Members receive a variety of exclusive benefits, including:

• Exclusive ANA Resources:
• Free eBooks:
• The Double-Edged Sword: An Evidence-Informed Workbook for the Well-Being of Nurses and the Places They Work ($20.95 value)
• Lead, Drive, and Thrive in the System, 2nd Edition ($33.25 value)
• Discounted Foundational Documents:
• Nursing Scope & Standards, 4th Edition eBook (50% off member price, $19.97 value)
• Savings on ANA Publications and Products:
• 25% off, saving an average of $23.17 annually
• Certification Discounts and Resources:
• $100 off new or renewal certifications
• Free access to the Strategies for Certification Exam Success course (a $49 value), including 2 contact hours
• Expanded Continuing Nurse Education (CNE):
• Access to free CNE programs totaling nearly 25 contact hours on essential topics, including:
• Putting the Scope and Standards into Practice (11.2 contact hours, $209 value)
• Bringing the Nursing Scope and Standards to Life (Part 1) (1 contact hour, $49 value)
• Bringing the Nursing Scope and Standards to Life (Part 2) (1.5 contact hours, $49 value)
• Fundamentals of Staffing: Building an Optimal Staffing Model (4 contact hours, $79 value)
• Ethics: Decoding the Code, Provisions 1-10 (5 contact hours, $290 value)

These benefits offer Premier Members valuable resources to advance their careers and professional development.

Q: What are thedifferences between Standard Membership and Premier Membership benefits?

A: Click here to see Membership Benefits Comparison Chart

Q: My ANA membership is due for renewal, how do I renew my ANA membership online?

A: Login to your ANA account.

1. Click "My Account"
2. Select "Membership Update and Billing"
3. Click "My Account"
4. On the left-hand side menu bar, select "Membership Renew" and submit payment.

Q: What do my dues support?

A: Your dues help support the development of key resources such as The Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, the Code of Ethics for Nurses, and continuing education programs. They also fund periodicals like American Nurse Today and the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, as well as career advancement initiatives, webinars, and various other efforts aimed at supporting all nurses.

Q: Why am I redirected to another website when I try to join ANA from FL, MS, NC, OR, or WA?

A: Great question! These states manage their own ANA membership process independently. When you choose to join from Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Washington, you'll be directed to your state nurses association’s website to complete your application.

Once your state processes your membership, they’ll share your information with ANA. Please note that this transfer may take up to one month to appear in our system.

Thanks for your patience—and welcome to the ANA community!

Q: How do I transfer my active membership from one state to another?

A: Please email memberinfo@ana.org or call 1-800-284-2378 and ask for the Customer Care team to assist with your membership transfer. They will help to facilitate the transfer of your membership and provide next steps.

Q: How do I change my payment information?

A: You may update your payment information in two ways:

1. Logging into My Account at http://nursingworld.org/MyANA/ and selecting "Payment Options". Click “Update” to replace the current card with a new card to be used for future payments.
2. Calling our Customer Care team at 1-800-284-2378

Please note, updated payment information can only be applied to an active membership. If your membership has already lapsed or expired, please complete the reinstatement process and join once more.

Q: What is my membership expiration date?

A: Every active membership is reflected in our system with an annual timeframe based on when the member initially joined, or reinstated.

• Annual Payor: If a member has an annual payment structure, then the membership will be active for a one-year period and the annual renewal payment is due by the indicated annual end date.
• Monthly Payor: If a member has a monthly payment structure, the membership will remain active through that annual timeframe as long as monthly membership dues are submitted.

Q: How does Automatic Annual Renewals (AAR) work?

A: If the member has selected and authorized for Automatic Annual Renewals (AAR) then automated membership dues payments will be deducted from the saved payment information that was authorized. Successful payments will maintain the active status of the membership. If the membership is not renewed by AAR or submission of the annual membership due, then the membership does lapse/expire. Once the membership has lapsed and is expired the member will not be able to renew, instead they will need to follow the reinstatement process which is completion of the initial join process.

Q: How does Automatic Monthly Credit Card Debit work?

A: When an individual establishes membership, there is an option to be an annual or monthly payor. If a member has selected and authorized for Automatic Monthly Credit Debit to maintain their membership by opting into monthly payments, this authorizes ANA to deducted the membership dues

Q: How do I change from being an annual payor to a monthly payor (and vice versa)? 

A: Please email memberinfo@ana.org or call 1-800-284-2378 and ask for the Customer Care team to assist with changing your membership payment type. They will help to facilitate the update and provide next steps.

Q: What is a Premier OA Membership and what do Premier OA members get?

If you’re a member of AORN, then you have a free digital membership with ANA. As part of your membership, you receive:

• Free digital editions of ANA’s award-winning magazine, American Nurse
• Free See You Now podcasts
• Discounts on ANA products

Q: I have an ANA membership through AORN, is this the same as ANA/State membership?

A: No. An affiliate ANA membership is a stand alone membership that is different from having a full ANA/State membership. If you would like to have a membership that is connected to your state association, you would need to cancel the affiliate ANA membership and then complete the initial join process to establish a new ANA/State membership.

Q: When I try to join, it says I am already a member. What should I do?

A: It’s possible that you already have an active membership on file. To confirm, please reach out to our Customer Care team by emailing memberinfo@ana.org or calling 1-800-284-2378.

• If your membership is through AORN, with whom ANA partners, you have the option to cancel that membership and join ANA and your state directly.
• Please note that canceling your membership through the ANA-AORN partnership only affects your ANA membership, not your membership with AORN.

Q: Can I be a member of more than one state?

A: Yes, you can have dual membership. You will need to designate a primary and a secondary state. For more information, please call 1-800-284-2378.

Q: My membership has lapsed/expired, how do I reinstate my membership?

A: Once a membership has lapsed/expired, you need to reinstate instead of renew. To reinstate your membership please go on JoinANA.org and follow the prompts to join.

Q: Will I receive a membership card?

A: Membership cards are mailed out biweekly to new members. You can also print a copy from our website. Go to My ANA and log in. In the box at the top, there is a link to "Print Member ID Card."

Q: I have not received the American Nurse publication; can they be resent to me?

A: Yes, please call Customer Care Center at 1-800-284-2378. However, if you have just recently joined, please allow 4 to 6 weeks to provide time for your information to cycle through production.

Q: I am out of the country, I would like to get in touch with Customer Care, does ANA have a non-Toll free number I can call?

A: Members can call Kathy Randolph at +1 (301) 628-5268. She is available from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm Eastern Standard Time Monday through Friday.

Q: I'm having trouble accessing my member benefits (Free CNE, educational videos, discounts on products and publications, etc) I am an ANA Member, who can help me?

A: Members can access member benefits by visiting nursingworld.org and logging in using the same email and password attached to their membership. Please find common links for member benefits below.

• Member benefits can be found here. Some of the specific benefits with CNE are:
• The American Nurse journal offers a CE option in each monthly issue
• Membership discounts on ANA Educational Products and Publications
• The Nurse Burnout Prevention Program

If you need further assistance accessing your member benefits, please contact Customer Care at memberinfo@ana.org

Q: How would I transfer my annual membership from another state to FL, MS, NC, OR, or WA?

A: Please contact the state (FL, MS, NC, OR, or WA) directly that you would like to transfer your membership to. They will process your request and get in touch with our membership department, once the transfer is complete in their systems.

Q: How much does it cost to join ANA?

A: To see your specific dues, visit JoinANA.org and follow the steps to join. After entering a few basic details, you’ll be presented with your membership options and the corresponding dues—all before any payment information is requested.

Q: I am a retired nurse, can I still be an ANA member?

A: ANA very much appreciates and values the continued membership of nurses who retire their license, and our Bylaws have long reflected that a nurse who surrenders their active license in good standing can continue to be a member.

Q: I am an RN living outside the United States. Can I become an ANA member?

A: According to ANA Bylaws, membership is available only to registered nurses who are licensed in the United States, including the U.S. territories of the Virgin Islands and Guam.

If your nursing license is from another country, you are unfortunately not eligible for ANA membership.

If you hold a U.S. RN license but live or practice outside the U.S., you are eligible to join ANA. However, please note that if you are using a non-U.S. mailing address, you will need to join by mail, as the online system does not support international addresses.

To join by mail, simply download and print the PDF membership application found at the bottom of this page

Q: Can I purchase ANA memberships in bulk or as a group?

A: Yes. To purchase ANA memberships in bulk or as a group, please email memberinfo@ana.org to receive step by step instructions on how to process bulk/group ANA memberships.

Q: I'm an ANA Member. Why did I receive a mailing/email asking me to join?

A: We use an automated system to identify current members and remove them from promotional mailing and email lists. Occasionally, this system may not recognize your membership—especially if different addresses (e.g., work vs. home) were used when signing up or communicating.

If you continue to receive messages inviting you to join, please contact ANA Customer Care at 1-800-284-2378. They’ll be happy to verify your membership status and ensure your contact information is correctly matched in our system.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and truly appreciate your continued support and membership.

Q: How would I cancel my membership?

A: Monthly Payers call the Customer Care Center, or may submit cancellations in writing or online.

• Call - the Customer Care Center at 1-800-284-2378
• In writing - email your cancellation request to memberinfo@ana.org, fax it to 301-628-5355, or send it to the following address:

American Nurses Association
Attn: Membership Billing
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20910

• Online – Login at www.NursingWorld.org and select My Account to access the cancellation link

Cancellation requests must be received 7 business days before your next scheduled payment.

Q: I cancelled my membership (monthly payments) but you are still charging me. I want a refund on the monthly charges since my cancellation date.

A: We certainly understand your concern. Please contact Customer Care by email at memberinfo@ana.org or call Customer Care at 1-800-284-2378 to have your membership details reviewed and to get immediate assistance. Please have documentation of the cancellation date as this will determine the refund process.

Q: I paid my annual dues and now want to cancel my membership and receive a refund (either in full or for the unused portion).

A: While we’re unable to offer refunds on annual membership dues, we’re here to support you throughout your membership experience.

Q: How do I get removed from membership marketing mailings or emails?

A: Please contact Customer Care by email at memberinfo@ana.org or call Customer Care at 1-800-284-2378 to update your preference for receiving membership marketing mailings or emails

We would love to stay in touch in ways that work best for you. Please continue to stay connected with us at @ANANursingWorld on X, @AmericanNursesAssociation on Facebook and on Nursingworld.org.

Q: Does ANA offer scholarships for nursing education?

A:

• ANA does not offer scholarships, but some of our affiliated state nurses associations do. To learn about specific scholarships that may be available through your state association, please find your CSNA contact information by clicking here.
• Tuition discounts are available at select universities for ANA members. Click here to learn more.
• The Minority Fellowship Program at ANA, provides grants/funding for PHD ready nurses to perform research benefiting minority populations. Click here to learn more.

Q: Do my dues support any political candidate or party?

A: No. Your dues support the work and mission of ANA. No part of your dues goes to any candidate or party. Members may support the non-partisan ANA Political Action Committee separately if they so choose.

Q: What is the ANA-PAC?

A: The ANA-PAC is the ANA's Political Action Committee. Please visit the FAQ page on the ANA-PAC website to learn even more.

Q: Do I get a discount on NSO professional liability insurance by being a member of ANA?

A: Membership benefits include Professional Liability Insurance offered by NSO, if your state offers this benefit. There are possible opportunities for ANA members to obtain a discount on their NSO policy, such as:

• If offered by your state,
• New graduate discount
• Retired/Leave of Absence discount
• Risk Management discount for attending and earning at least 6 hours’ worth of approved CNE credit offered through NSO or an endorsed association conference.

*All discounts are subject to state filings and approvals. Please note, availability varies by State.

If you have further questions, please visit our Membership Benefits page - https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/member-benefits/personal-benefits/

You can reach NSO Monday through Friday, 8am – 6pm EST by calling 1-833-791-0856. You may also visit NSO.com at any time for policy and risk management information.

Q: Can I get a veterans/retiree/student/etc. discount on membership dues?

A: Discounted membership rates vary by state, please contact Customer Care by email at memberinfo@ana.org or call Customer Care at 1-800-284-2378.

Q: Does ANA rent or sell information on its members?

A: ANA does not rent or sell member information to outside parties.

Definition of Nursing

Nursing integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in recognition of the connection of all humanity.

ANA (2021). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Fourth Edition, p. 1.

There are six essential features of professional nursing:

1. Provision of a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing,
2. Attention to the range of human experiences and responses to health and illness within the physical and social environments,
3. Integration of objective data with knowledge gained from an appreciation of the patient or group's subjective experience,
4. Application of scientific knowledge to the processes of diagnosis and treatment through the use of judgment and critical thinking,
5. Advancement of professional nursing knowledge through scholarly inquiry, and
6. Influence on social and public policy to promote social justice.

General Nursing Information

Are there organizations for specialty nurses?
Yes. There are many specialty organizations for nurses and many belong to ANA as organizations. Information can be found on our Affiliated Organizations page.

Where can I get a copy of the nursing Standards of Practice?
You can purchase any ANA standards publication through the ANA online bookstore, nursesbooks.org.

When is National Nurses Week?
Each year from May 6 – 12, we celebrate National Nurses Week. The week includes National Nurses Day, May 6, and May 12th is Florence Nightingale's birthday--the founder of modern nursing.

Does ANA specialize in providing clinical information?
No. For clinical information, contact the specialty nurses organization that addresses your particular clinical concern. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

Nursing as a Career

I'm considering becoming a nurse. What are some good resources to help me learn more?
Several websites provide useful information about the nursing profession:

• ANA's What is Nursing section
• Discover Nursing
• Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

How do I find statistical information about nurses?
HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce's National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses has statistical information on

• Number of registered nurses
• Racial/Ethnic/Gender breakdown
• Educational Background
• Employment Setting
• Nursing Salaries
• Job Satisfaction

How do I find out where nursing schools are located in the U.S.?
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has useful information for determining the location and programming of nursing schools.

Is it true that there is a "payback system" for people who go to nursing school?
Yes. The Nurse Education Loan Repayment Program provides loan repayments up to 85% of the debt that nurses incur to pay for school. Students in the program must agree to work for two or three years in a facility deemed to have a critical shortage of nurses. Funding is contingent on congressional appropriations.

Where can I apply for a grant or scholarship?
ANA does not provide grants or scholarships. Educational funding options, including a scholarship search, are available at Discover Nursing. Research grants are available for RNs at the American Nurses Foundation.

Accreditation, Certification, and Credentials

Which organization accredits nursing organizations?
The American Nurses Credentialing Center is responsible for accrediting organizations. At their website, you can also find a list of all accredited providers.

How do I verify that a nurse is certified by ANCC?
You can order a verification from the ANCC website. You will need the certification number or social security number of the nurse for whom you are seeking verification. Fees may apply.

What types of certifications are available?
ANCC offers many specialty certifications. More than a quarter million nurses have been certified by ANCC since 1990. Visit the ANCC website for a complete list.

Continuing Education

Does ANA offer continuing education (CE)?
Yes. ANA strongly believes that professional development is a life-long process. That's why we offer nurses the opportunity to actively participate in learning activities that help develop and maintain continuing competence, enhance professional practice, support career goals, and ensure the quality of health care to the public. In addition, many states require CE for license renewal.

Where can I find the continuing education opportunities that ANA offers?
ANA offers a wide variety of CE options. You can find CE courses in:

• ANA's Nursing Knowledge Center catalog
• American Nurse Today, our official journal
• Conferences and Events

What is an Independent Study Module (ISM)?
An ISM is a short course on a focused topic. It's designed to be in less than two hours. After reading an article, you'll take a multiple-choice test based on the material. Once you submit your test, you'll receive feedback on why your choices are correct or not. You can retake the test as many times as necessary to achieve a passing grade of 75%.

How do I find out if my state requires continuing education credits?
The American Journal of Nursing and the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing each conduct an annual survey to determine which states require CE credits. This information is generally published in the January or February issues each year. You can also contact your constituent/state nurses association for information on courses and events in your local area.

Magnet Program

What is the Magnet Program?
The Magnet Recognition Program® was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence. The program also provides a vehicle for disseminating successful nursing practices and strategies. Magnet status is not a prize or an award; it is a credential of organizational recognition of nursing excellence. A growing body of research indicates that Magnet hospitals have:

• Higher percentages of satisfied RNs
• Lower RN turnover and vacancy
• Improved clinical outcomes
• Improved patient satisfaction

How many Magnet designated healthcare organizations are there?
Almost 400 hospitals in the United States (AHA, Fast Facts on US Hospitals, 2011) have achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition® status. Locate a Magnet Hospital in your area.

Where can I get the Magnet manual?
You can find Magnet manuals and publications. To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, check for manual updates.

How much does the Magnet program cost?
Fees for the Magnet program are based on licensed bed size. You can view a current schedule of fees at the ANCC website.

Licensure

How do I renew my license?
Typically, your State Board of Nursing will contact you before your license expiration date. Contact your State Board of Nursing for details, as each state has its own requirements. For more information about your State Board of Nursing, contact the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

How can I learn if a nurse is licensed to practice in my state?
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing maintains nursys.org, the nation's only national database for nurse licensure verification. Several services are available to the public, such as:

• Licensure QuickConfirm
• Nurses Emergency Responder
• Nurse License Verification

How do I file a complaint about a nurse?
Contact your State Board of Nursing. Most boards will give you a form or the preferred format for making a complaint. You can find contact information for your State Board of Nursing through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Workplace Health and Safety

What are some common hazards for nurses in the workplace?
Nurses face different risks than people in other occupations. Some of the most common include:

• Back injuries
• Exposure to diseases and chemicals
• Workplace violence
• Stress and fatigue

ANA is committed to providing programs that address these workplace safety concerns.

How can nurses stay healthy while on the job?
ANA recognizes that while nurses care for patients and educate them on how to care for themselves properly, long hours, fatigue, and stress at work often makes it difficult for nurses to care properly for their own health. That is why ANA has compiled resources for nurses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Where can I get a copy of the Code of Ethics for Nurses?
You can view a PDF of the Code of Ethics for free. To read this version, you'll need to have Adobe Acrobat 7.0 or higher installed. If you prefer a printed copy, it's available for purchase from Nursesbooks.org. The cost associated with the entire Code of Ethics covers the cost to print, warehouse, and respond to requests for the document.

May I reprint the Code of Ethics for Nurses?
No. ANA holds the copyright on the Code of Ethics for Nurses and all other materials published through American Nurses Publishing. However, we welcome your request to reprint portions of our publications for academic or commercial purposes.

Position Statements and Policies

How does ANA decide on its position statements and policies?
Most position statements and policies are studied, discussed, and approved by the ANA Board of Directors or the elected nurse members of our House of Delegates. Each statement will mention where it was derived.

Where can I find ANA's position statements?
ANA maintains an index of position statements online.

I'm a student writing a paper. Can you send me information?
We're sorry. ANA does not have the staff to assist students with their research for class papers. You're welcome to use the resources on our website. Several other websites also provide useful information about the nursing profession:

• ANA Nurses Career Center
• Discover Nursing
• Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Periodicals and Publishing

What publications are included as benefits of ANA membership?
As an ANA member, you receive print and online publications as part of your membership and may sign up for several e-newsletters. These include:

• American Nurse Today, ANA's official, award-winning journal, is published monthly (10 times in print, 2 times digital only) by Healthcom Media. It features "ANA on the Frontline" a section dedicated to nursing news and ANA initiatives.
• OJIN is a peer-reviewed, online publication that addresses current topics affecting nursing practice, research, education, and the wider health care sector.
• ANA's SmartBrief - a daily newsletter with the latest health and nursing news

How do I advertise in American Nurse Today?
There are many ways and dynamic options to advertise with ANA and reach our nurse communities, members, and readers. For complete information, visit our Advertising with ANA webpage.

Does ANA publish books?
Yes. The publishing arm of ANA is Nursesbooks.org. We publish a wide selection of nursing books, including the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for a number of nursing specialty areas.

Where do I find information about publishing my book through ANA?
American Nurses Publishing is responsible for determining which books are published through ANA. If you're interested in having ANA consider your book for publication, please refer to our book proposal submission guidelines.

I wrote a book and would like to sell it through ANA. What should I do?
Please contact anp@ana.org.

ANA Publications Returns and Exchanges

• Returns can be made on up to 25% of an order within 3 months of purchase date, provided that the books are unmarked and in sellable condition. NOTE: Due to the nature of the print-on-demand product, Review and Resource Manuals and ANCC Application Manuals are non-returnable. Postage and shipping charges are not eligible for refunds. Purchaser must pay postage/freight for all returns.
• Any returns will be refunded via the payment method for the order. ANA does not issue credits against future purchases.
• Any damaged books must be returned within 5 business days.
• Returns Processing: Returns must be pre-approved by ANA Publications Fulfillment dept. (publications@ana.org) and assigned an RMA #. All returns MUST include RMA authorization, a copy of the original receipt for order, and reason for return. Returns should be sent to the following address:

Linemark Fulfillment
501 Prince Georges Blvd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Student Nurses

Can student nurses become members of ANA?
We're sorry. ANA bylaws specify that only RNs registered to practice in the U.S. are eligible for membership in ANA. Once you have received your RN degree and your license, please join us!

Is there a student nurse association that I can join?
Yes. The National Student Nurses Association has chapters at many nursing schools and is an excellent group.

Can student nurses access the Members Only areas of the ANA website?
Yes. Sign up as a Student Subscriber (free for NSNA members or those willing to receive NSNA information) at Student Nurse to access Members Only areas of NursingWorld.org.

I'm doing a presentation on ANA for my nursing school class. Do you have additional information I can use?
Of course! Check out ANA's video gallery for a variety of videos from ANA leaders and members. Feel free to show these in your class. If you wish to receive ANA membership brochures that you can use as handouts, contact check out the Student Nurse section on Nursing-world. Thanks for discussing ANA!

I'm doing a class paper on an aspect of nursing. Can ANA help me with my research?
We're sorry. ANA does not have the staff or resources to assist students with research papers.

Can ANA put me in touch with a nurse who will speak to my nursing class?
We're sorry. ANA does not have the staff to provide speakers to school classes. It's also our policy not to give out information on our members. Several state nurses associations maintain a list of nurses willing to speak to classes. Contact the state nurses association in your state to see if a speaker is available in your area.

Certification FAQS
A comprehensive list of the most commonly asked questions about the ANCC certification process – including examinations, renewals, and the online application process.

Joint Accreditation Program FAQs. 
Joint Accreditation promotes Inter-Professional Continuing Education (IPCE) activities specifically designed to improve Inter-Professional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) in health care delivery. Frequently asked questions relating to Joint Accreditation, eligibility requirements, and how to attain Joint Accreditation, can be found here.

Nurse Practitioner and CNS Renewal FAQs
This shows the most commonly asked questions about ANCC’s new pharmacotherapeutic contact hour requirements for certification renewal by Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Magnet Recognition Program FAQs
Magnet^® is one of the most prestigious credentials a health care organization can earn – demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the invaluable potential of nurses to lead health care change. This section deals both with general queries around Magnet, and specific questions about the Magnet application process.

Pathway to Excellence Nurse Survey FAQs
For an organization to earn the Pathway^® credential, it must prove a strong commitment to providing nurses with the best possible working environment. A nurse survey is a key part of our assessment criteria, and you can learn everything about it here.

Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) FAQs
The PTAP program has set the industry benchmark for processing nurses into new practice settings. Frequently asked questions relating to how it works, and how to attain PTAP accreditation, can be found here.

Primary Accreditation Program FAQs
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Primary Accreditation Program identifies organizations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in providing and/or approving Continuing Nursing Education (CNE). Frequently asked questions relating to Primary Accreditation, eligibility requirements, and how to attain Primary Accreditation, can be found here.

Primary Accreditation Nurse Activity Reporting (NARS) FAQs. 
Frequently asked questions relating to annual CE summary reporting requirements in NARS, can be found here.

What is the American Nurses Foundation?
The American Nurses Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and its mission is to “Transform the nation’s health through the power of nursing.”

Is the American Nurses Foundation part of ANA Enterprise?
Yes. The American Nurses Foundation is a related entity of the ANA Enterprise. Founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable affiliate of ANA, the Foundation is the national philanthropic organization that promotes the continued growth and development of nurses and services to advance the work of the nursing profession.

Does American Nurses Foundation exist primarily to fund nursing research projects?
No. The Foundation supports research nationally through the Nursing Research Grants program, healthcare systems transformation through the Reimagining Nursing Initiative, and well-being support for nurses through the Well-Being Initiative and a number of other projects. However, the Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Does the Foundation limit its support to ANA projects?
No! The Foundation has several programs to bolster and support nurses and the dynamics of the sector nationwide. The Foundation partners with a variety of other nursing organizations, and nurses may participate regardless of membership status.

Does the Foundation offer scholarships?
Yes. The Foundation offers scholarships to individual nurses for training or other purposes. We suggest that you visit our website as funding opportunities will be shared as they become available.

How can I receive notifications for grant opportunities?
Send an email to NursingResearchGrants@ana.org with the subject line "NRG notifications" and include your name, organization, and email address. You will be added to the email distribution list to receive updates when new grant opportunities are posted.

How can I receive notifications for grant opportunities?
For more information and updates, subscribe to our email list.

Where is the American Nurses Foundation located?
The Foundation is located at 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Where do I send my donation? 
The Foundation accepts monetary donations at the following address:

American Nurses Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7411523
Chicago, IL 60674-1523

To donate online, click here.