any opinions on NSNA?

[craff1]

Hi everyone! I haven't been around for a while, but I"M BAAAACCCKKK!!! Congrats to all who are graduating, congrats to all who are starting nursing school, and Kudo's to everyone finishing final exams and passing one more semester!!!!

Anyway, I went to orientation today, and there was this big pitch for all of us to join the national student nurses assoc. I was wondering if any of you guys have joined and what you got out of it? Is it helpful, etc.? Or are there other organizations that are more deserving of the time/money. Right now I have all the usual first semester expenses, and it's another $30 that has to come from somewhere, so I just want to be sure it's worth it.

Thanks,

Cheryl R.

[bassbird]

I think it probably depends on your school. I joined my first year, but was the only one in my class who did. I didn't renew my second year and no one else joined either.

If your school has a strong chapter I think it would be a good idea. I would think that you will learn a lot, and network with others. I wish my school had been active.

I just graduated and I'm going to the ANA convention in June. I want to see how things work in our profession. It's my belief we all need to get involved in order to see positive change.

Roberta

[wsiab]

I thought it was totally worth it. We had a fairly active chapter, we met once a month and sponsored activities and classes on campus. I got a lot more back in discounts on books, supplies, certification classes and conference registration than I paid in membership dues. Plus the networking opportunities were great; we worked with instructors and got to know them before taking classes with them, got to talk to people ahead of us in the program for advice and support (we had a great buddy system set up that you could participate in if you wanted).

Talk to the people approaching you for the membership drive, ask them what kinds of activities your NSNA chapter does and get a sense of how active they are. We had an active chapter and I got a lot out of participating.

[Brownbetty]

I joined NSNA at my school and out of a class of 120 something I would say maybe 10 joined including myself. since I am in an accelerated nursing program I didn't have time to be extremely active. However, I did attend the National Convention in Philadelphia this past April and I say membership is worthwhile. I met a lot of influential nursing leaders, networked and learned of various ways I can get involved with the politics of my profession after I graduate and will have the time. It is what you make of it. Just the convention itself was an invaluable experience.

[craff1]

Wow, sounds like it's definately a good idea. Our chapter is involved in fund raising, community service, mentoring, etc. I will go and check it out. Thanks for the input.

Cheryl