The annual American Nurses Association (ANA) / Organizational Affiliates meeting is held annually each summer in Washington, DC. The ANA Organizational Affiliates is comprised of various nursing disciplines that hold organizational-level membership in ANA. Working in partnership, ANA and the member organizations share information and collaborate in finding solutions to common nursing and healthcare issues. In addition, members serve as conduits of information for each specialty organization to the group and inform the ANA on concerns and trends related to professional nursing.
ARIN is privileged to be represented at this prestigious event by the current President, and the ARIN Executive Director. As an Organizational Affiliate, the ARIN President is a voting member and represents ARIN affairs at the Membership Assembly. While in meeting, ARIN is able to share issues of concern affecting ARIN with members and gain insight into future nursing trends including such items as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2020 impact, Affordable Care Act, and Nurse-Lead Care Coordination models, to name a few. While each organization maintains its own autonomy, we all benefit from opportunities to speak with aligned voices as a result of the collaboration that occurs with the ANA and its membership affiliates.
In addition, during the Membership Assembly representatives are elected to supporting positions and the attendees are treated to some of the leaders in their fields discussing major challenges facing healthcare in the 21st century.
ARIN’s pledge of being Visible, Vital and Virtual is in line with the impact its members are having amongst influential organizations relevant to our radiology practice. This year, ARIN committed its President-Elect to attend The Association for Medical Imaging Management’s (AHRA) annual conference in Las Vegas. ARIN’s visibility at the conference offered the opportunity to share with other attendees the vital role of radiology nurses. It was an opportunity to discuss and learn of the latest topics relevant to the radiology environment such as the Joint Commission Standards affecting patient safety, staff engagement, and the patient experience. The opportunity for networking and collaboration strengthened ARIN’s important role in supporting nurses working in the various imaging environments