ANA membership?

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Looking for opinions on ANA and State membership, I am a new grad with my first RN job. Do any of you have an opinion on these memberships? I will be honest 150.00 for a year is pretty pricey...at least right now. Not sure if it is worth the investment. I will be looking for a new job in the next 6 months to a year and am curious if professional memberships hold any weight in the hiring process. Thanks for your opinions - Shannon

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

You might ask the moderator to correct your title to ANA, not AMA. You'll likely get more responses than if folks think you're asking about the American Medical Association.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The line on your resume won't help you get a job.

But I have been a member since I graduated decades ago and don't regret.

1. My dues are used to support projects I support.

2. I support the organization as a strong voice for nursing in the political arena.

3. I enjoy keeping up on professional issues via the free journals, newsletters, etc. that come with membership

4. I like the discounts I get as a member (My certification fees are discounted, etc.)

5. Attending local or regional events is a way to network -- which might help you get a job.

So I think it is a good thing and generally encourage membership. But if you really can't afford it and have other ways of networking and keeping up-to-date with professional issues after graduation, it is not necessary.

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Whoops! Hows that for "day off" brain....left my detail orientation at work I guess. Thank you for pointing that out.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I belong to NNU/NNOC, the organization that really fights for the interests of bedside nurses.

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Specializes in NICU.
The line on your resume won't help you get a job.

But I have been a member since I graduated decades ago and don't regret.

1. My dues are used to support projects I support.

2. I support the organization as a strong voice for nursing in the political arena.

3. I enjoy keeping up on professional issues via the free journals, newsletters, etc. that come with membership

4. I like the discounts I get as a member (My certification fees are discounted, etc.)

5. Attending local or regional events is a way to network -- which might help you get a job.

So I think it is a good thing and generally encourage membership. But if you really can't afford it and have other ways of networking and keeping up-to-date with professional issues after graduation, it is not necessary.

I disagree- my memberships with ANN and NANN as well as my memberships and involvement with NSA absolutely helped me get my Level III NICU job right out of school. They allowed us to read our evaluations from our interview and 3 out of the 5 people in my group peer interview gave me credits for it. I always highly recommend it- especially if you're looking to join a magnet hospital.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
I disagree- my memberships with ANN and NANN as well as my memberships and involvement with NSA absolutely helped me get my Level III NICU job right out of school. They allowed us to read our evaluations from our interview and 3 out of the 5 people in my group peer interview gave me credits for it. I always highly recommend it- especially if you're looking to join a magnet hospital.

But you were seeking a job in a highly specialized unit -- and your membership in the related specialty organization was an asset as it showed your serious interest in that specialty. But for most new grads looking for adult med/surg jobs ... ANA membership can help a little, but it is less important than in your case.

As I said in my previous post, I recommend it ... but for most people, it won't make much difference.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Just wanted to chime in here. I have been a tri-level member since . . . forever. I opt to have the monthly dues (currently ~ $29) paid by EFT... I never notice it. ANA is our political arm. It's our nursing 'voice' for legislation. So, for me - it's an essential part of my professional commitment. I also belong to my specialty organization (ANPD) for the same reasons.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
The line on your resume won't help you get a job.

But I have been a member since I graduated decades ago and don't regret.

1. My dues are used to support projects I support.

2. I support the organization as a strong voice for nursing in the political arena.

3. I enjoy keeping up on professional issues via the free journals, newsletters, etc. that come with membership

4. I like the discounts I get as a member (My certification fees are discounted, etc.)

5. Attending local or regional events is a way to network -- which might help you get a job.

So I think it is a good thing and generally encourage membership. But if you really can't afford it and have other ways of networking and keeping up-to-date with professional issues after graduation, it is not necessary.

I've been an ANA member since 1982 --was just at PSNA headquarters today to pick up a signed copy of Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom.

Agree with llg regarding benefits of ANA membership --enjoyed the same benefits throughout my career.

While some HR staff may not consider ANA membership in hiring, as Manager when I had 2 equal candidates applying for position, the RN with ANA membership listed was the person I chose as employee for I viewed ANA membership as supporting the profession.

I've actively participated in district, state and national conventions-- networking with many nurses throughout the years. In 1985 was asked by a member who owned a critical care and home health agency to come and work perdiem since I had hospital ventilator experience. I worked for them 10 years while working 12/12 weekend hospital Baylor position, transitioning to FT 20 yrs ago.. Thirty years later I'm still in love with my niche in home health.

There is a variety of ANA membership options as dues vary depending on membership type, state and district dues.

ANA e-membership (non-voting member) dues are just $ 45.00/year.

ANA national membership costs $191.00- $16.42/month.

Full membership -allows one vote and serve on state and national committees-varies by state.

My PSNA monthly dues are $28.92. PA has new grad membership rate as low as $8.93/month.

So I highly suggest joining if new nurses can afford these fees.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I get a complimentary membership through my specialty organization, but otherwise I wouldn't as I think they are too out of touch with the needs of the bedside nurse.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I took advantage of the student discount for both ANA and my state association. Now that I have lost that discount, I kept my state membership, but I also added a specialty membership. It is expensive, but I think worth it. I am involved with the state association and I like it. I get discounts for CEUs from the specialty association

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I belong to the organization that represents my specialty, ONS, the Oncology Nurses Association.

I'm not in a position to hire staff, but I would consider belonging to the organization that represents one's specialty more important than ANA.

That's pretty much all I have to say; my feelings regarding the ANA are both strong and decidedly negative. For those who feel otherwise, I'm glad you find them helpful to you.

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