The Hong Kong Nurses Association (HKNA), established in 1977, was formerly known as the Government Nursing Workers Association. It was renamed the Hong Kong Nursing Workers Association in 1990 and then again in 2007. The HKNA is a nurses' union formed by nurses themselves and registered under the Hong Kong Government Employees Unions Ordinance; it is independent of any other organization.

Purpose and Membership System

Since its establishment, the Nursing Association has been committed to the principles of "being professional, caring for society, improving medical care, and protecting citizens". It has been working to advocate for the rights and interests of nursing professionals and improve the quality of local nursing services. The Association's efforts have been supported by its members.

Joining the Hong Kong Nursing Association (HKNSA) is voluntary. The HKNSA has two membership systems: general membership and permanent membership. Members come from various nursing ranks, including enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and nursing students. They are employed by various organizations, such as the Hospital Authority, the Department of Health, the Social Welfare Department, private hospitals, non-governmental organizations, and voluntary groups.

There are currently over 50,000 nurses in Hong Kong, of whom over 60% are members of the Hong Kong Nursing Association (HKNPA), which has developed into the largest nurses' union in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's largest nurses' union

50,000+	More than 50,000 nurses in Hong Kong
>60%	More than 60% are members of the nursing association

Organizational Structure

The Hong Kong Nurses Association (HKNMA) is established and constituted in accordance with the rules set forth in its constitution. The HKNMA's operations are determined and planned by the Central Executive Committee and carried out by its staff. Members of the Central Executive Committee are elected as follows: every two years, all HKNMA members elect hospital/rank representatives by secret ballot, and then at the Annual General Meeting, these hospital/rank representatives elect the members of the Central Executive Committee by secret ballot, for a two-year term.

The Central Executive Committee is divided into three committees: the Industrial & Public Relations Committee, the Operations & Finance Committee, and the Professional Development & Continuing Education Committee. These committees are responsible for developing the organization's direction and policies, and providing diverse services to members. Each committee is also responsible for developing the organization's affairs.

Nurses Association Outlook

The Hong Kong Nursing Association (HKNMA) has consistently represented the nursing profession in advocating for their needs, rights, and employment and work-related issues to the government and relevant authorities. As a union, the HKNMA is committed to ensuring fair and reasonable treatment for its members, including providing free legal advice, labor law consultation, and handling of complaints, so that members can receive timely and professional assistance when they encounter any difficulties at work.

The Hong Kong Nursing Association (HKNSA) has made every effort to promote the professional development of nursing. In 1997, the HKNSA established the Professional Development Fund to encourage members to use the funds for nursing-related academic research, participation in nursing academic conferences and seminars both within and outside Hong Kong, and community nursing education activities, thereby enhancing members' awareness of self-awareness, self-reliance, autonomy, and social contribution. Furthermore, the HKNSA's Professional Development and Continuing Education Department offers various types of specialist courses, organizes nursing seminars and nursing exchange programs, providing members with more avenues to enrich themselves and broaden their horizons, thus laying a foundation for professional development. At the same time, the HKNSA also continuously strives to provide members with diversified membership services, such as shopping, travel, and insurance, to benefit its members.

In the future, the Nursing Association will continue to uphold and advocate for the rights and interests of its members, actively promote the development of the nursing profession, and provide more comprehensive member services.