Advantages and benefits of being active in a nursing professional organization?

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I'm a first year nursing student in a two-year program. For 5 extra points on my lowest test grade I have to write an essay about the advantages and benefits of being in a local, state, or national nursing organization. As a nurse, how has belonging to a professional organization benefited you personally or career wise?

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We had this discussion at work one time when I was new to nursing. The experienced nurses came right out and said words to the effect of, "what has (insert name of professional organization) done for me, except collect dues over the years?" As far as I was concerned, I was hearing the voices of wisdom. Sorry I can't give you the answers that your instructors are looking for.

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Specializes in Outpatient Cardiology, CVRU, Intermediate.

I am a member of MONA (Missouri Nurses Association) and ANA (American Nurses Association). I was planning on going to an event (a planned MONA day at the capital to take a tour and hear how nurses are impacting and impacted by legislature, etc) but had to put that on the calendar for next year.

In my opinion/experience, being part of these types of organizations aren't helping me on my daily shift or specific practice, although the education/articles I read in their publications do make me think and apply some of that knowledge, so ?. Maybe they are, to some degree.

That being said, there is a discount in the cost of testing for certification (PCCN, etc) that is ultimately less expensive than the annual dues amount. My employer gives a financial incentive if you are certified. So there is a financial benefit as well. (I wouldn't recommend joining the associations to "save" money down the line, per say, just that it is beneficial financially to me in the year I test for certification.)

I guess it depends on your field/specialty of nursing; involvement in local and regional associations could definitely impact home health nurses in that area perhaps? And depending on what direction you are going in your career, connections formed through these associations could help you get there. I think you would have to actively and independently seek out opportunities to "use" your membership in these associations, kind of like a membership to the museum: you don't particularly benefit from it unless you are going to the museum/attending the events.

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12 hours ago, reapirkle said:

the advantages and benefits of being in a local, state, or national nursing organization. As a nurse, how has belonging to a professional organization benefited you personally or career wise?

I am an NP and have been a member of several professional organizations throughout my career, most of which have been specialty organizations and one of in which at the moment I hold a Board Member position. The biggest advantage for me is discounts on certifications/tests/activities. One of the NP organizations I'm a member of, we get discounted rates on attorney advice, which is very useful.

Career-wise, being a Board member of a specialty organization shows my employer and potential employers that I am dedicated to my specialty and gives me a leg up, so to speak, over others. The networking potential is also a big plus, as well as the most up-to-date information in my specialty that is sent to me on a regular basis. I also have access to a lot of free CE activities, which is definitely great!

Personally, it gives me a sense of pride that I am making a meaningful contribution to my specialty and I have never regretted being a part of a professional organization.

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Specializes in Supervisor.
On 4/3/2020 at 9:16 PM, reapirkle said:

As a nurse, how has belonging to a professional organization benefited you personally or career wise?

To me, it was zero benefit EXCEPT resume material. I pay the 100/year and I get to put it on my resume. It's a worthy investment to stick out amongst the piles of resumes that don't have it.

Yeah, the organization will you tell you "become more" "become a more diverse professional" "Blah Blah Blah"

When you put this on your resume, it shows potential employers your alleged commitment to the profession and desire to have professional development. Not a bad thing of course.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I volunteer with the NCNA. I have had a great time talking to senior nursing students (I was an older new nurse).

I have volunteered to be "nurse of the day" for our State Gov't.

Also, being a member of a professional organization is required as part of out clinical ladder program. I am have joined my specialty organization too.

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