Practice Tip of the Week | LVNs join the American Nurses Association!

By: Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC 

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, delegates of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Membership Assembly (MA) voted to amend the bylaws to include Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). For years nurses across the country have worked behind the scenes to ensure a parallel and unified nursing voice by including LVNs/LPNs in their organizations. In January 2024, the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) voted to create an LVN membership, recognizing the importance of the LVN as a key member of the healthcare team.  

Role of Membership Assembly

The ANA MA is the official voting voice for members at the national level Each year, the MA meets in Washington, D.C. to discuss nursing practice, issues, and challenges facing the profession. Policies and positions adopted by the assembly guide the work of the ANA Board of Directors for the following year, ensuring member representation across ANA's constituent associations. TNA receives a specific number of representatives for Texas which are voted on by the TNA membership. The 2026 MA representatives from Texas were: 

• Ebony S. Gebrehawariat, BSN, RN – Temple  
• Gina Alvarez, MSN, RN, CNEn – San Antonio   
• Serena Tobar, MSN, RN, NPD-BC – Dickinson (Houston)   
• Halli Carr, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CNE – Rockwall   
• Veronica Ceaser, MSN, MBA, RN, GERO-BC, CMGT-BC, NE-BC – Lewisville (DFW)   
• Lori Forbus DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP – Midland  
• Daniel Cabrera, DNP, MBA, RN – Laredo  

Prior to traveling to Washington, D.C., these representatives reviewed key issues, topics, and proposed bylaw changes to ensure they were prepared to vote on behalf of TNA members. Upon arrival they were able to hear the issues discussed and debated prior to voting. MA representatives also met with congressional offices to advocate for nursing and discuss issues affecting the profession. This milestone represents the culmination of efforts that began in 2017, when the Membership Assembly voted to allow LVNs and LPNs to participate in state nurses associations. Over the past decade, many state associations have gradually amended their bylaws to include LVN and LPN membership. 

What’s Next? 

As ANA fully integrates LVNs and LPNs into national membership, current TNA LVN members will maintain their membership status. One anticipated change is that ANA membership dues for LVNs and LPNs will align with RN membership rates. While final implementation details are still being determined, ANA expects to provide additional information as it works toward full implementation by July 1, 2027. ANA has asked those interested to complete the LPN/LVN membership interest form so they can better plan for implementation.  

From a TNA perspective, we will continue to be the voice of all Texas nurses and invite LVNs to join today If you have not already done so, please encourage your LVN colleagues across Texas to join TNA. Membership is $60 per year for LVNs and they can pay monthly or on an annual basis. Within TNA districts, members can become involved through leadership roles, volunteer activities, educational programs, and committee service. In the next year the TNA LVN statewide committee looks forward to continuing to elevate LVN practice through educational and networking events.  

Final Thoughts 

Texas has approximately 70,000 LVNs who provide essential care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and other community settings. This bylaw change strengthens nursing’s collective voice and creates greater opportunities for collaboration across all levels of nursing practice. The inaugural LVN Director of the TNA Board of Directors stated, “This is an exciting time for LVNs in Texas. Now more than ever nurses need to work together to learn and grow so we can take care of all Texans,” Adam Ramirez, LVN. As Adam transitions out of his role on the TNA Board of Directors, Nancy Ornelas, LVN will take his place on the board of directors. Ornelas looks forward to LVNs “owning their profession in a new way while participating in meetings and events across the state.” When asked about the next two years of LVN practice Ornelas responds, “the future is bright for LVNs and I have a goal to increase engagement and participation of LVNs across the state.” As TNA and ANA work together to ensure an equal voice for ALL nurses, we hope each of our members will invite their nursing colleagues to join in on the discussion.  

REFERENCES 

American Nurses Association. (2026, June 27). American Nurses Association Membership Assembly votes to approve landmark bylaws change to include LPNs/LVNs. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2026-news-releases/american-nurses-association-membership-assembly-votes-to-approve-landmark-bylaws-change-to-include-lpnslvns/  

Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies. (2024, March). 2022–2036 nurse supply and demand projection executive summary. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/chs/cnws/2023_SupplyDemandReport_ExecutiveSummary.pdf