[Aneroo]

Do you belong to a Nurses Association? Do you feel it's worth it? I'm deciding on my options. Thanks -Andrea

[ZASHAGALKA]

I belong to AACN - Amer Assoc of Critical Care Nurses. I joined to get my CCRN certification and I've been to the last two national conventions and they were really really great.

I don't belong to ANA and wouldn't - for 2 reasons.

1. They are political. They don't push for better nursing; they push for candidates. I'm not a John Kerry fan and I didn't think it was a good expenditure of my money to support an organization that spends its money contrary to my beliefs. Likewise, I'm not a H. Clinton fan, and when ANA jumps on her bandwagon in 2 yrs, it won't be with my support.

2. ANA advocates BSN Entry, which is the same thing to me as saying "We are an organization for all nurses - but not really, if you're only an ADN" - If my professional organizations wants to scoff at me, fine, just don't expect me to support it. -- This is why I say that this (yes, I know, tired old) debate is costly to nursing. Because heaven knows we could use a strong professional organization. I only brought it up because it's relevant to why I don't belong to ANA.

~faith,
Timothy.

[Tweety]

I believe it's important to have a national voice. I also believe it's important for an organization to take a political stance, based on nursing and health issues. I belive in an ideal world the BSN should be the standard for the RN. I supported the ANA's statement during the Terri Shavio case. For the most part, what I've read on their website this last year, I think they are a good organization.

But the nurses around the country are unstandably not cohesive in how they approach politics, education and nursing.

It's too much drama for me and I'm a member of no organization.

[NRSKarenRN]

Purpose of organizations is to foster high standards, network to share ideas, especially re best practices and discover the world of nursing. IMHO, If one does not stick up for OUR profession, then surely another organization will attempt to take over the nursing profession. I want my voice heard...if i don't belong who will ever hear my input into control over MY pratice?

Was a member of NSNA as a student. ANA since 1982. Elected to Sigma Theta Tau in 1984. When working in critical care areas in hospital in 1980's was member AACN--local chapter SEPA is largest one.

All of the above helped contribute to my broad professional background able to share wisdom learned over the years with the bb community.

[Tweety]

Karen, excellent points. This last year as I've studied these organizations, prompted by my RN to BSN coursework, I've seriously considered joining just for those reasons. If we don't give our own voice, even if it's no cohesive, then who is going to speak up for nurses? Politicians? Doctors? Eductors?

[fluffwad]

I belong to AANAC, which is for MDS nurses. Great resource, provides a voice specific to our concerns.

[cheerfuldoer]

Originally Posted by Tweety

................................................It 's too much drama for
me and I'm a member of no organization.

I agree! I voted "none" for that reason.

[pattyjo]

Originally Posted by NRSKarenRN

Purpose of organizations is to foster high standards, network to share ideas, especially re best practices and discover the world of nursing. IMHO, If one does not stick up for OUR profession, then surely another organization will attempt to take over the nursing profession. I want my voice heard...if i don't belong who will ever hear my input into control over MY pratice?

Was a member of NSNA as a student. ANA since 1982. Elected to Sigma Theta Tau in 1984. When working in critical care areas in hospital in 1980's was member AACN--local chapter SEPA is largest one.

All of the above helped contribute to my broad professional background able to share wisdom learned over the years with the bb community.

Well said as always, Karen.
I belong to ANA and my state organization, and to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Do I always agree 100% with whatever decisions are made by any of these groups? No, but when do any of us agree totally with any group we join? These groups still give me an opportunity to make my voice heard and to have an impact on nursing and on health care in general. Through these groups, I've worked on mandatory OT legislation, parity in the care and treatment of mental illness, and safe staffing, among others. In addition, my membership has allowed me to meet nurses from all over the country who share a belief that we can make a difference. Decisions are made by people who show up.
ANA membership is a hot button topic here. All I can say is in the years I have been a member, no one has ever asked me for a string of credentials, and I am a DIPLOMA grad. I am a committee chair for my state, I'm on my local board and chair a committe there as well. I think I make a difference and I value what I and my colleagues do. I am sorry that anyone has felt less than valued because of ANA's BSN as entry level position, I guess I don't look at it as putting down any specific group, but rather as an attempt to bring everyone to the same page. I think what really bothers me about this is the divisions it causes at a time when we should be working together to improve our ability to deliver quality patient care and to respect what each of us brings to this profession.

Patty

[Maddog53]

Originally Posted by pattyjo

Well said as always, Karen.
I belong to ANA and my state organization, and to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Do I always agree 100% with whatever decisions are made by any of these groups? No, but when do any of us agree totally with any group we join? These groups still give me an opportunity to make my voice heard and to have an impact on nursing and on health care in general. Through these groups, I've worked on mandatory OT legislation, parity in the care and treatment of mental illness, and safe staffing, among others. In addition, my membership has allowed me to meet nurses from all over the country who share a belief that we can make a difference. Decisions are made by people who show up.
ANA membership is a hot button topic here. All I can say is in the years I have been a member, no one has ever asked me for a string of credentials, and I am a DIPLOMA grad. I am a committee chair for my state, I'm on my local board and chair a committe there as well. I think I make a difference and I value what I and my colleagues do. I am sorry that anyone has felt less than valued because of ANA's BSN as entry level position, I guess I don't look at it as putting down any specific group, but rather as an attempt to bring everyone to the same page. I think what really bothers me about this is the divisions it causes at a time when we should be working together to improve our ability to deliver quality patient care and to respect what each of us brings to this profession.

Patty

Hello,
I am from Massachusetts and the MNA split from the ANA and I could not be happier. The ANA DID NOT speak for me or my peers who are on the floors, or "in the trenches". The ANA spoke up for Nurse Adm, educators, and others who for the most part could not do our work on a bet.
MARN, who are the state chapter for the ANA are concerned only with NPs or education. While these are important I dont see MARN or the ANA speaking for the people who do work for quality patient care, just the elitist in Nursing.

[SmilingBluEyes]

AWHONN Member here.