[jbjints]

I am debating whether or not I should become a member of the NSNA ( www.nsna.org ) I was hoping to get a little feedback about the organization first. Thanks in advance.

Joe

[ukstudent]

You can do as much or little as you want. It's great to get involved in the profession that you have chosen. Their conventions are wonderfull for making contacts with local hospitals for future jobs. It also looks good on resumes. For a little bit of money I have gotten so much out of joining. The nclex review that I paid $20 for at a convention gave me more information and help than the $350 nclex review that I just did. I hope you join and get every benifit from it that you can.

[Daytonite]

I was a member 32 years ago when I was a nursing student. I went to two of their semi-annual workshops that were presented in our state. They were well worth it. I learned so much, not only about some nursing skills, but about the future of nursing and job hunting, that was definitely worth my time to go. You get to meet students from other schools and compare notes on how their classes are being taught. Like any convention, there was one huge room dedicated to reps from all kinds of companies demonstrating their products, many of them you will find yourself using in your future job(s). It's a chance to be at ease and learn about these products and get brochures and information. There were seminars on test taking and job hunting. We had a lunch with the person who was head of the Board of Nursing and well as other nursing leaders! These were very invigorating and exciting meetings. When you get to meet and actually have a chance to talk to some of the nursing leaders who are only names on the covers of books or bylines on research articles, it makes things seem more real to you. Their enthusiasm for the work they do is infectious! Do yourself a favor and don't just join, but go to the events they sponsor just for you students. A lot of planning goes into making them something that will stimulate and inform you.

[NRSKarenRN]

Ditto everything Daytonite has said.......NSNA is a great organization.

In 1982 I was my nursing schools president and went to NSNA national convention in Minneapolis. Villanova nursing school dean Dr Louise Fitzpatrick took several PA students to dinner to meet nursing leaders: dined with Mary Mallison then editor of AJN........ who's publication I'd read hundred's of articles while LPN and BSN student. I clearly remember this meeting 25 years later it made such an impact as she spoke about the nursing profession imploring us to take active role upon graduation. It was one of the highlights that introduced me to the profession of nursing; along with later discussions with district PA Nurses Assoc leaders propelled me into nursing activism which then lead me to this bulletin board.

Never would have guessed that 22 years later, back to Minneapolis to attend ANA national convention, visit allnurses headquarters (just outside the city) and staff allnurses booth introducing thousands to our website.

So join and have fun!

[mixy]

I joined NSNA my first week as a nursing student but I won't be able to go to any of the conventions because they conflict with class and/or clinicals! I am disappointed but hope that one will work out with my schedule eventually.

[BeccaznRN]

I agree with the other posters. I was able to attend the 2006 conference in Baltimore, and it was fabulous! It really helped me feel like I was part of the profession, and it was great to meet and network with students from all over the country.