Professional organization for PICU nurses?

[preemieRNkate, RN]

I'm new to PICU, after working NICU for 7 years. I belong to ANN, but I'm looking for an organization more relevant to PICU. Internet searches haven't led me to much, so I'm turning to the people that I'm sure will have answers for me! What professional organizations are you all affiliated with? Pros/cons to them? Costs? Etc? Thanks!!

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Sorry, there really aren't any organizations similar to NANN for peds critical care. We've always been the red-headed stepchild of the nursing world. I belong to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses as an international member. It costs me $104 a year to maintain my membership, which is very reasonable. The usual membership fee for those living in the US is $78. While the focus is on adult critical care, the amount of pediatric content has increased over the years and is now much more significant. There are three journals attached to this membership, including the American Journal of Critical Care, Critical Care Nurse and Bold Voices. Members receive a discount on resource materials purchased through the AACN bookstore. Certification in peds critical care is available through them as well. There is an annual conference in May that is very well-attended and offers some 35-45 pediatric sessions; I've attended 5 years in a row and spoke this year. I feel my money is well-spent.