ANA New Membership: Join or shred?

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Schools seem to be all for it. Nurses, not so much so. Opinions are all over the map. What is a nursling to do? Please weigh in with rationale.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

What will being a membership in the ANA do for you? They did the same thing when I was in school...I didn't join. They have rules and written by-laws that are IMO liberal. Yes, I'm an Independant.

It's only my say but you could use the money on something you really need. All ANA rules and articles are all public information. Are you interested in one aspect of nursing? You could join a site that would further your professional career in the specialty that you're interested in. There are a great many professional nursing sites...join one that is in your best interest.

This is nothing against members of the ANA...some nurses/students like it. Research it.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi99YC8nuPSAhXFV7wKHayMAr0QFggyMAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.glassdoor.com%2FReviews%2FAmerican-Nurses-Association-Reviews-E355881.htm&usg=AFQjCNFK6ix9pGj6v0DIFWqVKs5tOJT4eQ&sig2=s84QFgXXXl2XTBZCa-0QNQ&bvm=bv.149760088,d.dGc

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Specializes in Critical care.

Honestly, I just shred the stuff. I don't feel they are focusing on the things I want them to. I also think the fee is outrageous- if it was half the amount I keep getting quoted then I might consider joining.

I've joined the AACN instead. I'm very happy with that decision.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I'm letting mine lapse after it serving a very specific purpose for me. I keep NLN and AACN current as these are my specialty organizations.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I disagree with the ANA's agenda, which is very liberal and thus at odds with my world view. It tends to look at nurses as a monolith, which we are not, and their fees are ridiculous. Definitely not worth it for me.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I think the ANA is out of touch with the bedside nurse, which is where the majority of nurses are. I wouldn't pay for a membership. I prefer to pay into an organization that is much more relevant to me: AORN, my specialty organization. It does come with complimentary membership to ANA, but I would never pay to be a member of ANA and I never use it.

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I disagree with the ANA's agenda, which is very liberal and thus at odds with my world view. It tends to look at nurses as a monolith, which we are not, and their fees are ridiculous. Definitely not worth it for me.

You beat me to it!

I agree and don't think you have to join a nursing organization to be a nurse.

Of course, I am a member of CHAPCA - because I work as a hospice nurse, go to their state convention, and do CEU's offered.

Rose_Queen's point about joining your own speciality is a fine idea.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I've been a member of ANA since 1982, traveled all over the US attending conventions + networking. Through district level meeting, member offered me my first home care position in 1985 --where I stayed for 10 years. I've been to Washington DC and Harrisburg PA (yearly) meeting with my legislators influencing healthcare legislation.

I created and developed Allnurses Nursing Activism forum in 2001 as an offspring of my ANA involvement along with creating several other forums here. You get the most out of an organization what you also put into it. I devour their publications American Nurse Today (magazine), The American Nurse (member news periodical,ended publication dec.2016), OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing

offers current topics affecting nursing practice, research, education beyond the bedside practice. All enrich and keep me up to date about the wide world of nursing.

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Thank you everyone for insightful feedback. Allnurses.com is like having a great professional consulting firm on retainer. I am so impressed by the professionals here.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
I think the ANA is out of touch with the bedside nurse, which is where the majority of nurses are. I wouldn't pay for a membership. I prefer to pay into an organization that is much more relevant to me: AORN, my specialty organization. It does come with complimentary membership to ANA, but I would never pay to be a member of ANA and I never use it.

yes!!!!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
"...education beyond bedside practice."

We need strong, smart bedside nurses to care for patients. If everyone leaves the bedside for advanced practice or management, the patients will suffer.

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Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics..

I personally don't care for the ANA because they don't represent all nurses.. they represent RNs exclusively. LPNs work hard, and care for patients too. Would be nice to be mentioned and recognized as nurses by the ANA for the role we have in nursing and healthcare.

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