American Nurses Association

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Specializes in pediatrics, emergency.

I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts or reccommendations on joining associations, or groups etc as a new graduate nurse. My teachers had mentioned ANA, I looked into it, but there are so many different memberships etc. Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in ED.

I am a recently hired ED RN. I suggest the ANA and whatever specialty organization you are in, or are at least interested in for your future. For example, I am joining the ANA and ENA (Emergency Nurses Assn). Mostly because both have journals in which I am interested.

I have already read both journals in the past (borrowed copies), and find them both useful and interesting. So I suggest borrowing someone's copies and seeing what works for you.

You can also google various organizations. If you don't know their official titles, you can google something like, "med surg nursing association" or whatever your specialty will be and you will find them. Check out their websites and see what they have to offer.

DC ED NOC RN

Abbreviations R Us :)

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I always try to advocate for the ANA, they are full time, powerful advocates for nurses. I think in most states your state nurses association also includes membership. Once you work in a specialty area, then join and support that organization.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

i was in both the ena and ana but could not afford both fees this year and dropped the ena. i am an emergency nurse and although i find the ena beneficial and plan to rejoin when i have the money, the ana provides more in opporutnities for nurses to expand his/her career and be involved (you will see what i mean when you join). thus, join as a student so your fees will not be as much and you will be plugged into the nursing world right away. also, if you have not done so already, join the national student nurses association as well. gl!

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Specializes in FNP.

I belong to the ANA, my state NA, AACN and AANP. I strongly recommend membership to all nurses.

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Specializes in ICU, Home Health, Camp, Travel, L&D.

Ok, so this may not be a popular position, but I recommend ANA/state NA as secondary to your specialty association if you are in a clinical position.

Is the ANA a great lobbying body? Sure. Do we need to support ANA? Sure. But in the real world, $$$ is an issue. Your specialty association is a gold-mine of support and knowledge.

HTH

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I am currently a member of the AACN (American Association of Critical Care Nurses). They have a lot to offer and good journals. I don't recommend the ANA because I don't agree with a lot of their political stances outside of health care. Why give money when you don't agree with them. But, that is my opinion. Just join specialty associations.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I recommend joining ANA from your state's chapter, if your state has one. That way you can be involved and informed about nursing issues in your state. I don't agree with HALF of what ANA does, but the only way I have a vote or a voice is to be a member. I joined Texas Nurses Asso and part of my dues goes to ANA, although I can elect for that not to be so. But I want their journal to keep informed as to what they are doing. I also subscribe to AJN for the counterpoint perspective.

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I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts or reccommendations on joining associations, or groups etc as a new graduate nurse. My teachers had mentioned ANA, I looked into it, but there are so many different memberships etc. Thanks for your help!

I highly recommend the professional association for what you think your specialty will be. I joined the ENA and the AACN. I joined the ENA while I was still a student and got a discounted membership because my school bought the entire program NSNA membership. The journals are great (although I was surprised at how expensive the CE credit for journal articles costs with the JEN even with ENA membership; the articles in the AJCC are free credit for AACN members), and you can network at chapter meetings.

I'm lukewarm about the ANA and my state's chapter. I'm not sure how I feel about some of their positions, and not sure if what I agree with is enough to override what I'm not sure about, and it's expensive. I suppose I need to look more in to what they are doing for nursing and at the moment I don't feel prepared to make a judgment as to whether it's work that I want to support.

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Belong to the AACN-great journal.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Texas Nurses Asso has an attorney who is also a lobbyist. Many good bills have been presented/supported by TNA and we have done our share of fighting ones that do not support nursing. Also, I have the opportunity to present an idea for a bill to the delegate from my district who will then take it to the TNA House of Delegates. If the House agrees, then TNA will work towards creating a bill, and I did not have to pay a law firm for this service. Also, if I have a question about nursing practice TNA has someone with whom to consult. As in most organizations, the more you put into it the more you get out of it.

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I highly recommend joining an association whether local or national. Becoming a member of an association in which you have an interest or represents your specialty can offer you such bonuses as helping you expand your horizons, continuing education opportunities, networking, and what not. Many associations (especially those with local chapters) often have monthly meetings where non-members can attend which can provide you with opportunity to learn more about the group and whether or not you might want to join.

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