Joining a professional organization

devhrt12 · Jul 16, 2016

I guess it would look good on your rÃ©sumÃ©

Cdnbscn · Jul 16, 2016

Some professional organizations will offer free or discounted memberships to new grads. I've also seen job postings that state they include discounted memberships to certain organizations. Perhaps check with your place of employment on whether they offer this.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 17, 2016

I am only a member of my specialty organization, AORN. While it was a hefty price tag, I did pay for a lifetime membership, which has already paid off as the membership dues were raised- I paid $1,000 about 10 years ago; had I not done so, I would have already shelled out around $1,500 plus be continuing to pay annual dues. And I get a huge discount on the CEs offered- there's one I'm looking at completing soon that for me costs $28 but for non-members is $70. I say it was an incredible investment in my career.

It does come with a complimentary membership to ANA, but because I disagree with a lot of what the ANA supports/does (they are not the friend of the direct care nurse in my opinion), I would never actually pay for a membership.

AJJKRN · Jul 17, 2016

I agree with Rose_Queen about joining a specialty organization once you figure out what your specialty will be.

I was a member of AMSN for the first fours years as a nurse and it gave me free CEU's and a steep discount when I took my CMSRN specialty certification for being a Med-Surg nurse.

I recently cross-trained for Stepdown Pt's and my manager paid for memberships of our choice and I opted for AACN.

I will keep my CMSRN up to date but am pondering taking the PCCN certification test too when I become eligible and hope they offer a discount as well for members!

hecallsmeDuchess · Jul 17, 2016

I'm a new grad nurse starting my first job as an RN next week. In nursing school they harped so much on the importance of joining a professional organization like ANA or something or the sort, in order to keep up with latest and best practice, etc. I started looking around and memberships are so expensive! A couple hundred dollars for a year? I'm wondering, as a new or seasoned nurse, are these memberships worth it? Should I wait to join a specialty organization? (I will be working on a Trauma-med/surg Tele Floor) As a recent college grad I am on a budget and want to spend my money wisely. Thanks!

The AMSN for Medsurg nurses is $84/yr. I have it and like that they provide free CEs and also a discount when you want to take the certification exam. Not bad for the price, I think.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 18, 2016

you can join your state chapter of ANA. You might be able to get a discounted fee as a new grad, too. I am in the orthopedic nurse association and I find it helpful. Lots of continuing ed opportunities and I need 70 hours of ortho CE.

amoLucia · Jul 18, 2016

I'd suggest waiting a short while BEFORE you select an organization. Your personal preferences have prob not yet become clear. Some groups may offer 'new grad' discounts up to about a year post-school.

And if you do join an organization, try to be a somewhat ACTIVE member by attending an occasional local membership meeting. IMHO, NETWORKING is the best reason to join such groups. But memberships do offer other benefits as other PPs comment.

FWIW, I'd stay clear of ANA - your local state SNA might be a good option. After a year, you can always choose to NOT renew if the group's NOT to your liking.