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TNA and ANA are powerful forces for nursing! THE VOICE OF NURSING
The Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) is the voice for all registered nurses in Tennessee. It is the only full-service organization whose membership is open to any registered nurse licensed to practice. Since its establishment, TNA has remained a powerful force working for the advancement of the professional nurse in order to provide the citizens of this state with quality, cost-effective health care. The formation of TNA in 1905 began with the drive to develop and pass a law to create a Board of Nursing to regulate nursing practice. The first bill was introduced in 1907, but was defeated. In 1909, a second attempt to pass a bill was again defeated. But, on April 3, 1911, after much tenacious lobbying by TNA members across Tennessee, the first nurse practice act became a reality. Today, the nurse practice act regulates nursing and protects the public from unsafe nursing practice. The law includes a clear definition of professional nursing practice and educational qualifications a registered nurse must have in order to practice. It also outlines the criteria schools of nursing must meet in order to gain approval by the Board of Nursing to educate registered nurses. TNA continually updates the nurse practice act to reflect the changing role of the registered nurse. TNA is governed by a Board of Directors and a House of Delegates elected by the members of 11 local districts. All district presidents serve on the Board, along with five officers. TNA is a constituent of the American Nurses Association (ANA) which represents the nation’s 2.7 million RNs. TNA is represented in the ANA House of Delegates by 10 delegates, including the president, who are elected by the TNA membership. TNA and ANA actively promote the profession and serve as advocates for registered nurses. TNA and ANA also serve as watchdogs for the profession, guarding the welfare of patients by continual involvement in local, state, and national governmental affairs, including a full-time lobbying presence at the Tennessee Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Members, upon recommendation by TNA, are appointed to serve on policy-making boards and commissions at all levels of government. TNA is committed to providing a well-rounded selection of continuing education activities that meet the needs for professional development of registered nurses throughout the state. TNA is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a provider and approver of continuing nursing education. TNA contact hours are recognized broadly by certifying bodies of nursing specialties. TNA presents a variety of statewide educational conferences, including a health policy summit and an annual convention each year, and members always receive contact hours at reduced rates. The Tennessee Nurses Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 to support programs to meet the special needs of nurses in Tennessee. TNF’s programs include professional assistance, education, research, promotion of nursing, and leadership development. TNF houses a Memorial Education Loan Program providing low interest loans to members of TNA who wish to further their education. TNF’s Leadership Nursing Program is designed to cultivate and mentor nursing leaders across the state. TNF administers the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program. This program offers a voluntary, individualized program for chemically dependent nurses. The Professional Assistance Program provides advocacy, referral, and monitoring services to nurses and other health care professionals throughout Tennessee Members of TNA are also members of a local district association. TNA is a constituent member of ANA and is thereby able to jointly provide well over 100 benefits and services for members. These include free subscriptions to the American Nurse, the Tennessee Nurse, and the American Journal of Nursing. TNA offers a credit card program with no annual fee and many benefits, discounts on national certification programs, and a wide variety if group insurance programs, including professional and personal liability. Discounts on hotel accommodations and car rentals are also available. TNA membership provides direct contact with a vast network of nursing professionals and the opportunity for discussions and interaction with colleagues. Visiting TNA’s Web site at www.tnaonline.org allows you to subscribe to one of several listserves including Advanced Practice, Forensic Nursing or School Health. Members gain the advantage of networking on the national, state and local levels. To learn more about TNA’s listserves, CLICK HERE. More than a decade of research demonstrates that when there are more registered nurses working in hospitals, there are lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, fewer complications, and lower costs. TNA will continue to advocate for quality, cost-effective health care delivered by registered nurses. CLICK HERE to join TNA and have a voice in the future of your profession! |
To promote and protect the Registered Nurse and advance the practice of nursing in order to assure a healthier Tennessee.