The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) welcomes the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) decision to expand membership eligibility to licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses. Approved during ANA’s annual Membership Assembly, the bylaw change recognizes the essential role LPNs/LVNs play in patient care and strengthens professional representation across the nursing workforce. OADN applauds this significant step toward a more inclusive and unified nursing profession and looks forward to the expanded opportunities it may create for advocacy, professional engagement, and collaboration across nursing roles and educational pathways.
The decision holds particular significance for OADN and our members. Many associate degree nurses begin their careers as LPNs or LVNs, building on that foundation as they continue their education and advance within the profession. The vast majority of OADN member institutions also lead practical nursing programs, preparing essential members of the nursing workforce who provide care across long-term care, home care, and other settings.
OADN was directly represented in the work leading to this decision. OADN Chief Executive Officer Rick García, PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, FAAN, served on ANA’s LPN/LVN Ad-Hoc Committee, which examined membership models, governance representation, member rights and privileges, organizational relationships, and the financial and operational implications of welcoming LPNs/LVNs into ANA.
“OADN’s inclusion in this work reflects the sustained commitment of our members to the organization’s mission and to ensuring that community-based nursing education has a voice in national conversations,” said García. “Through their engagement and advocacy, OADN members have strengthened the organization’s credibility and influence, creating opportunities to participate directly in decisions that affect our community and our nation. The result is advocacy translated into action, producing tangible change for OADN members and across the profession.”
By welcoming LPNs/LVNs into its membership community, ANA is recognizing the full breadth of the nursing workforce and the diverse educational pathways that sustain the profession. The change reinforces the importance of supporting nurses at every stage of their careers, from practical nursing education through associate degree nursing and beyond.
ANA will implement the new membership model over the coming months. LPNs/LVNs may complete ANA’s interest form to receive updates about when membership will open and to learn more about participating state nurses associations.
OADN is an organizational affiliate of ANA, and the two organizations share a longstanding commitment to supporting nurses across educational and professional pathways. In 2015, OADN and ANA issued a historic joint statement affirming the importance of academic progression opportunities for all nurses and recognizing the value of accessible pathways that allow nurses to advance their education throughout their careers.
About the American Nurses Association
As the preeminent organization representing more than 5 million nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession’s leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards of Practice, ANA empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. ANA is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that strengthen the nursing profession and improve the broader healthcare experience.