Running Head: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES

National Association of Orthopedic Nurses

Jennifer Salmon

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

NUR 3140

April 18, 2017

Honor Code “I pledge..”

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES 2

National Association of Orthopedic Nurses

The meeting that was attended was a meeting of the Richmond chapter of the National

Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON). NAON was established in 1980 in an effort to help

promote and support higher standards of nursing practice in the orthopedic field. It currently has

more than 6,000 members ranging from nursing students to LPNs, RNs and NPs that share an

interest in musculoskeletal medicine. The mission of NAON is to “advance the specialty of

Orthopedic Nursing through excellence in research, education and nursing practice.” (National

Association of Orthopedic Nurses, 2017) They believe that it is their duty to set the highest

standards of nursing care for optimum patient outcome.

The meeting that was attended included chapter business as well as a presentation from a

top area orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Matt made a presentation about common foot and ankle injuries

and the role nurses play in helping achieve optimal patient outcomes. There was also a rep from

an orthopedic brace company who talked about one of their braces that helps promote dorsi and

plantar flexion for patients with ankle injuries. The meeting concluded with a discussion about

chapter business, upcoming meeting topics and discussion about the national conference and

who would be going from the Richmond Chapter.

The National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, including the Richmond chapter, is run

very much like a business. The organizational has a set mission, vision and values and each

chapter is expected to follow those guidelines when conducting business. Although the

organization is not built to function like a hospital, as we learned, it is structured with a “chain of

command” and a division of responsibilities among those in the organization. In the local

Richmond chapter, there is a President, Secretary and Treasurer that are elected and who run and

oversee the business of the organization. At a national level, there is the same structure
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES 3

(President, Secretary and Treasurer) and a Board of Directors. This group of people “determine

policies or changes, actively implement its purposes and have discretion in the disbursement of

its funds.” (National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, 2017) The national board supports the

efforts of the local area chapters and help guide the efforts made by those chapters.

One of the many efforts made by this organization is to advocate. Advocacy is an integral

part of any nursing career whether it is advocating for a patient, for the needs of your unit or, at a

higher level, advocating for changes to health care. NAON strives to promote a higher standard

of care and encourages their members to educate themselves on the best practices of orthopedic

nursing and provide both competent care and education to their patients. In addition to

educational sessions held by individual chapters, the NAON website provides extended

information for nurses and patients about how to achieve the best possible outcome from

musculoskeletal procedures.

In addition to advocating for patients, they also advocate at a national level with the

government. The American Nurses Association created initiatives each year that “raise

awareness to the public and legislators about patient’s safety and healthcare reform.” (American

Nurses Association, 2017) In support of the efforts of the ANA, member of NAON attend

government advocacy days to help promote and support legislation that will improve not only

orthopedic nursing but nursing and healthcare as a whole.

The goal of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses is to educate their members

and provide the highest level of care for the patients they serve. They believe that each patient

has “physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs” (National Association of

Orthopedic Nurses, 2017) and it is their responsibility to ensure that these needs are met. Among

the physical needs of the patient is the need to remain safe.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES 4

Each year the Joint Commission publishes the national patient safety goals that

are the focus of that year. These goals include Improved staff communication, prevent infection

and prevent mistakes made in surgery, all of which are an important part of providing care to

orthopedic patients (The Joint Commission, 2017). NAON urges their members to stay up to date

on the newest procedures and practices pertaining to the care of orthopedic patients. They

provide education opportunities to their members through webinars and meetings to help them

stay up to date on patient care standards and opportunities for improvement.

Organizations like NAON help promote the knowledge of nurses and a high quality of

patient care. Professional meetings serve many functions for the nurses who attend them. They

provide a platform for networking with other nurses, and medical professionals, that can provide

support for both new and experienced nurses. Professional meeting also allow for easy

distribution of information. Whether a member is at a meeting or not, the organization has the

ability to keep members aware of any issues and petition for support at either a local or national

level. Professional meetings provide a platform for nurse discussion and facilitate and

environment for communication and growth. (Matthews, J. 2012)

Participation in a professional organization, whether it is specialty specific or a general

nursing organization, is critical in developing one’s nursing practice. I believe that nurses who

are involved in professional organizations and seek out opportunities for education and growth

are nurses who provide exceptional care to their patients. As nurses, we are part of a profession

that has the privilege of caring for people on the best and worst days. We are also in a position to

advocate for our patients, not just in the hospital setting. Professional organizations give us a

platform to take our ideas to and help them progress to a higher level.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES 5

Being part of a professional organization is something I am already pursuing. I have

joined the Association of Critical Care Nursing and the Student Nurses Association in an effort

to stay informed about what is happening in health care with respect to the nursing profession.

As a student, it is hard to find the time to make it to every meeting and participate as I would like

in the organizations so the option of email and newsletter updates are a benefit for me. I fully see

myself continue to be active in nursing organizations as I complete school and start in my career.

I believe that even one voice can make a difference and want to do my part to advocate for out

patients and the nursing profession.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC NURSES 6

References

American Nurses Association. (2017). Advocacy. Retrieved April 18, 2017, from

http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/P

atientSafetyQuality/Advocacy

Matthews, J., (January 31, 2012) "Role of Professional Organizations in Advocating for the

Nursing Profession" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 17, No. 1,

Manuscript 3. DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No01Man03

National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. (2017). About NAON. Retrieved April 18, 2017,

from http://www.orthonurse.org/p/cm/ld/fid=69

The Joint Commission. (2017). National Patient Safety Goals 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017,

from https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/2017_NPSG_HAP_ER.pdf