ANA and dues

[Sue Barton fan]

I joined the ANA last year for the first time in hopes that I could gain access to current information and explore options for advanced certification; I had been out of nursing for over 10 years. I was shocked at the high cost for almost everything, including the annual dues. I have submitted two requests for a copy of their annual financial statements and received no reply. Where is all of this money going? Where else do you all find current and credible information on nursing topics?

[AceOfHearts<3]

I literally laughed out loud when I got something in the mail from them telling me I could join for as little as $500+ per year. Yeah, thanks but no thanks.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I go for specialty organizations, my state nursing association, and free CE providers that have been accredited by either a state BON or another approved accrediting body.

[Susie2310]

I belong to a specialty nursing organization, so I receive their journals every few months, which feature current practice information. I can also access their web site, and obtain up to date practice information and much more. I also take 100 continuing education contact hours within a four year period, where I seek out topics that include current practice information. I pick topics that I find sufficiently difficult in order to challenge me to improve my practice.

Since you have been out of nursing for ten years, perhaps a good quality refresher course would be helpful.

If you are interested in obtaining advanced certifications, I suggest perusing the web site of the particular organization that issues the certification for further information.

[Susie2310]

Other clues to where an organization's money is spent, besides it's balance sheet/financial statements, are: what causes does an organization support?; what are the organization's main agendas?; what political causes has the organization supported in the past/what political causes does the organization currently support?