Joining nurses associations/subscribing to journals

[nrse20]

Hi! New grad telemetry nurse here, just wondering what journals everyone suggests subscribing to. Also what associations should I join? I was just looking at ANA and am just overwhelmed at how expensive this could all get!

[CVmursenary]

save your money and get a gym membership instead.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

Alot of times the floors will have subscriptions to journals. Maybe look to see if yours does. Thats a great way to save some money.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I got the journals (especially the "basics"- AJN, Nursing, RN...then specialty ones prn) I still have them as references- either to look up "used to" stuff, or current. :)

[oaktown2]

In my nursing school, they recommended that we join the ANA and then the organization for whatever our specialty area is. Since you are new, maybe you just want to start with ANA and then join the organization for your specialty area later.

[murphyle, BSN, RN]

Lots of journal subscriptions come free with your membership to a given specialty society. (AORN Journal, Journal of Emergency Nursing and Journal of Trauma Nursing are the three I receive that way; there are scores more out there.) Take advantage of those as pertains to your area of nursing specialty. As for the rest, I'd check with your hospital's medical library. Tons of hospitals, even small community establishments, will at least maintain a list of popular e-journals they subscribe to institutionally, and many will also have a lending agreement with a larger hospital or medical school's library by which you can access more specialty material.

As for what organizations to join, that's a bit of a tougher question. You mentioned being on a telemetry floor, so you may want to look at the cardiovascular nursing societies. There also may be state or local societies that you can look into; these also usually have the benefit of being cheaper to join than their national counterparts.

Hope this helps!

[Isabelle49]

Have been an RN for 16+ years, have not joined any organizations. I did receive Nursing for many years - it's a good nursing reference. ANA Journal seems more political than practical.

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

I would recommend the AACN, American Association for Critical care nurses. As you stated you worked in telemetry, AACN will have quite a few references that will become invaluable. They set the standards for critical and step-down care. With membership you also receive journals and can get more information about testing for certification. Been a member for years and love it. Also, check out the NTI..national teaching institute which is the yearly convention. Wonderful resource.

[GirlOnPfizer, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above poster. I am have been a nurse for just over a year and became a member with AACN. You automatically get Critical Care journals and other subscriptions. They send you hard copies in the main as well as electronic copies your can access. I would highly reccomend. I think I signed up for the 3 year option because it was cheaper per year.