About Us
About the New Hampshire Nurses' Association
The New Hampshire Nurses' Association is a not-for-profit membership association and the ONLY state organization that advocates for all nurses regardless of specialty or practice setting. Since its founding in 1906 by six forward-thinking nurses, NHNA has represented the nursing profession in N.H. through legislation, political action and professional development. We are a Constituent Member Association (CMA) of the American Nurses' Association (ANA).
Membership is open to any licensed registered nurse living or working in the Granite State. (Note: reduced rate memberships are available for retired or disabled RN's and student nurses. “Associate” level membership in NHNA is open to LPN's, LNA's, allied health workers, and others with an interest in supporting nurses and the work of the organization.)
Mission
The New Hampshire Nurses' Association, as a constituent member of the ANA, exists to promote the practice of professional nursing, advance the development of professional nurses, and improve the health standards and availability of health services for all people of New Hampshire.
Philosophy
Membership and participation in the professional organization affords each nurse the opportunity to make a unique and significant contribution to the profession of nursing. The membership of NHNA, individually and collectively, has an obligation to address issues related to the development and maintenance of high standards of nursing practice, education and research.
We participate in the proceedings of the ANA and support and promote their professional standards and code of ethics.
We believe that the profession of nursing is responsible for ensuring quality nursing practice and that continuing nursing education is essential to the advancement of the profession and the practice of nursing.
We believe that nurses function independently and collaboratively with other professionals to enhance and promote the health status of individuals, families, and communities.
We have an obligation to initiate legislative strategies to improve the quality of health and the delivery of healthcare services while promoting quality practice environments that advocate for the economic and general welfare of nurses.
As a not-for-profit membership organization, all of the accomplishments achieved over our 100+ year history are attributable to the hard work and diligence of our members & volunteers. What this means for our current and prospective members is that this Association is whatever you make of it, and it can become whatever you want it to be.
Today our work ranges from continuing education to legislative lobbying and includes all of the variety that is professional nursing in the 21st century. The work of the Association is managed by four Commissions (Government Affairs, Continuing Education, Organizational & Membership Affairs, and Nursing Practice) plus four committees (ByLaws, Events, Finance and Nominating) that each focus on a particular aspect of Nursing and the Association.
Related Resources
History of the New Hampshire Nurses Association (NHNA) [pdf]Learn about the history of the NHNA and the people who helped shaped it.
New Hampshire Nurses' Association: Association Bylaws [pdf]As amended on October 2008.