Mission Statement

The Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) is the professional state nurses' organization and speaks for professional nursing in the state. ARNA fosters high standards of nursing practice, promotes professional development, and advocates for the profession of nursing. ARNA collaborates with other healthcare providers to facilitate access to quality health care for the people of Arkansas.

About the CSO

Joanne J. DeJanovich, MSN, RN, has been named chief staff Officer (CSO) of the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA). ARNA is the largest professional organization for registered nurses (RNs) in the state, a federation of 13 district nurses associations representing the interests of the state’s 29,000 registered nurses. Read Press Release...

About the President

About the President Jean K. Zehler, MSE, RN, BC, CNA, BC, has been a member of the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) since 1976. Jean served as the President Elect of District 9 which includes North West Arkansas. ARNA recognized Jean as “Nurse of the Year” in 1987 and she has received the “Distinguished Service Award” twice. In 2006, Jean was honored with the “President’s Award”. Since 1993, Jean has been the nurse responsible for the ARNA Approver Unit which is accredited by the American Nurses Credential Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Jean began her term as president on October 6, 2007. She is currently serving in the role of Magnet Coordinator after many years as a nurse educator directing hospital and nursing education departments.