The Guam Nurses’ Association (GNA) was incorporated in 1951 and has been a constituent member of the American Nurses’ Association since 1968. The general purpose of the association is to work for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care services for all people, to foster high standards of nursing care, and to stimulate and promote the professional development and economic and general welfare of nurses.

GNA provides continuing education contact hours at all general membership meetings. In conjunction with the national recognition of nurses in May, GNA gives awards to nurses in Guam who have been nominated and selected for their contributions to nursing. Election of officers, board members, and standing committee chairs are held at the annual convention in November. GNA also sends representatives to the American Nurses’ Association House of Delegates’ meetings.

GNA provides scholarships for nursing students, health screenings at health fairs, presentations on health topics, donations to health related causes, mini-grants for nursing research, and assistance during disasters or adverse events.

The Commission on Nursing Leadership (CNL), which is a component of GNA, was organized in 1998 to serve as a deliberative body to address issues related to nursing resources, recruitment and retention, and legislation affecting nurses and health. CNL has a strategic plan to address seven key result areas i.e. leadership and management; nursing recruitment, retention, and salary; nursing education; nursing informatics; policy-making; nursing research; and nursing competencies. In 2002 CNL successfully lobbied for a competitive salary adjustment for registered nurses employed by the government.