Like many other specialized professions, best practices in nursing are constantly evolving based on the latest industry research. Your education doesn’t end once you obtain your nursing degree; you need to keep your knowledge base up to date if you want to succeed in this career field.

Fortunately, you can advance your nursing skills and knowledge through various online platforms – without leaving home or returning to school, and on your own time. These 12 online nursing career resources are ideal for aspiring and current registered nurses who want to keep their skills sharp.

1. American Academy of Nursing

The American Academy of Nursing and its members create and implement initiatives to improve the national healthcare system. The Academy hosts an annual policy conference, in which members and other interested parties meet to discuss healthcare issues and share ideas. It also publishes Nursing Outlook, a bimonthly journal that shares information on nursing trends and best practices. If you’re looking for advice from other professionals or just want to connect with other nurses, you can also join the Academy’s open forum online.

2. American Association of Nurse Practitioners

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides education and resources for nurse practitioners to practice the highest quality healthcare. It offers professional development opportunities and continuing medical education (CME) courses, publications and journals with up-to-date information, and clinical resources for various therapeutic areas. The Academy also empowers nurse practitioners to become nursing advocates by outlining position statements, recent legislative changes and ways to get involved at the federal and state level.

3. American Medical Association

The American Medical Association (AMA) advocates for patient care and healthcare reform, and arms healthcare professionals with the information they need to make that happen. The Association publishes news and informational blogs on various healthcare issues, as well as the AMA Journal of Ethics. The AMA Education Hub is also a one-stop spot for online CMEs – available in a variety of formats, including articles, podcasts, videos, and modules.

4. American Nurse

American Nurse, published by HealthCom Media (HCM), is the official journal of the American Nurses Association. The journal provides up-to-date information on the code of ethics and nursing practice standards. American Nurse also provides continuing education, articles, and resources on various clinical issues. If you’re interested in publishing and running your own continuing education course, HCM can work with you to build webinars, videos, podcasts and education programs.

5. Clipboard Health

Clipboard Health bridges the gap between facilities looking to hire and healthcare professionals seeking work. We offer permanent, temporary, per diem, contract and temp-to-hire work for nursing and allied health staff. Our team is available 24 hours, Monday through Friday, to provide personalized help via email, text, or phone call. You can also review Clipboard Health’s blog and guides for further healthcare information.

6. International Council of Nurses

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of over 130 national nurses associations – run by nurses, for nurses – to advance the profession through education and advocacy. In addition to providing ICN and healthcare news, the federation partners with various organizations to publish up-to-date information on healthcare issues. The ICN website also outlines nursing policy position statements and guidelines.

7. National Council of State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is best known as the organization behind the NCLEX and other nursing exams. The council’s website offers extensive NCLEX resources, from logistics and registration protocols to test prep materials. The NCSBN also offers information on licensure, advocacy and nursing regulation. If you’re looking to expand your field knowledge, you can also browse the research and continuing education resource libraries.

8. National Institute for Nursing Research

The National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) supports and highlights the most up-to-date field research on various nursing topics. It also publishes news and information through their online newsletter and journal publication, as well as external links to various nursing resources and organizations. Researchers can apply for grants directly through the website, while nursing graduate students and developing nurse scientists can receive research training.

9. National League for Nursing

The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers professional development, research grants, and public policy initiatives for nurses nationwide. The website’s extensive professional development library includes teaching resources, continuing education courses, and simulations. It also highlights position statements and information on healthcare issues to empower nurses to get involved in advocacy. If you work in nursing education, the NLN also offers a Certification for Nurse Educators examination.

10. National Student Nurses Association

The mission of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) is to mentor aspiring nurses and provide information to prepare them for the workforce. Nursing students can access useful resources such as the career portal, with information on everything from the NCLEX-RN to transitioning to practice. The association also publishes Imprint, a professional magazine geared toward student nurses, as well as guidelines for those looking to establish their own NSNA chapter. If you’re looking to connect with other nursing students, consider attending the NSNA’s annual convention, midyear conference, or annual summer leadership conference.

11. Nursing Organizations Alliance

In 2001, two prominent nursing coalitions, the National Federation for Specialty Nursing Organizations and the Nursing Organizations Liaison Forum, joined forces to create the Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA). According to its website, NOA membership is open to any nursing organization with a focus on addressing “current and emerging nursing and health care issues.” The NOA hosts multiple professional development conferences for nursing professionals throughout the year, culminating in its annual Fall Summit held each November.

12. NursingWorld.org (The American Nurses Association Enterprise)

Operating under the website NursingWorld.org, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Enterprise encompasses the ANA, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF). The ANA supports nurses by providing clinical and career development resources, including continuing education through the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. The ANCC offers certifications in various specialty areas, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and potentially advance your career. The ANF raises funds for nursing research, education and clinical practice. Together, these three organizations provide nurses plenty of resources to advance their knowledge base and provide the best possible patient care.