Do you belong?

How many of you belong to your State Nurses Association? If so, why? If not, why not?

[RNforLongTime]

I am a member of the Ohio Nurses Association. Because I work for a hospital with ONA union representation, ONA membership is mandatory. They deduct dues directly from my paycheck once a month. Too be honest though, I don't think that if I didn't have to belong to ONA, I probably wouldn't. But I am glad that I am a member as we have a LOT of great nurses in the organization! Our current president is actually a staff nurse!

[prmenrs, RN]

CNA is my bargaining unit, so I belong.

[fergus51]

I belong because our nursing assiciation and union, both are required to work here.

[nightingale, RN]

I belong to the Wyoming Nurses Association because I think it is important to be involved with the decision making process. I am a new member. I hope to gain insight to areas that I may volounteer in to create change and improve working conditions.

If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.

B.

[Q.]

I don't belong but probably mostly out of lack of knowledge on my part. But I may join. It is my contention that nurses need lobbying power, which comes with money. If we had every nurse in America pay even $10, that would come to alot of money to lobby and get things done.

[4XNURSE]

I belong to the state and local chapter of my specialty organization. ENA!

The CNA has repeatedly refused to respond to my questions, so I've given up. If I'm not important enough to them for them to respond to my email, No point in my sending them my money.

ken

[nursedawn67, LPN]

I just haven't joined...as dumb as it sounds....but I do mean to join one day.

[Sleepyeyes]

Yes, I belong. I believe nurses need a voice==we have no unions here in FL.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I belong, but having gone to the annuqal meeting am thinking about not renewing. Very unprofessional, backbiting group, not open to new blood. But then again they are the only game in town so what choice is there?

[nightingale, RN]

Canoe:

I had wanted to answer to your response right away... but was at a loss for words. I still am. I am only on this side of the fence and do not know of what you speak of when you say that the group you dealt with were, "unprofessional, backbiting, and not open to new blood".

All I can say is please try to create a change. Please try to do something for the cause. You obviously are sincere in wanting to better the field of nursing.

I believe, further dividing nurses by suggesting another "organization" is counter productive. The AMA stands united because.. it is the only game in town and forces membership and the payment of dues. Granted, I have not read research on this so if I am wrong please let us talk about it. I am in a very high learning curve concerning the politics of all the concerns of healthcare.

Canoe.. what can you do to help the cause? We need people in number, sincerity, knowledge, and capability.... United is the only way.. Divided we are conquered....

Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

B.

[lisadavis]

never joined. thought about it a few times. very expensive when you are a single mom trying to raise a family. membership to any organizations that cost money and you can't see a direct or immediate benefit are not in the budget. i'm better off financially now but no one has ever contacted me to join. no membership drive .... nothing that would be nice to see.... i'll probably join anyway....maybe i can start the membership drive...LOL