Should I join RNAO

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2010

Not familiar with this organization. Will you be getting malpractice insurance for this fee? If not, then your money would be better spent in purchasing a malpractice insurance policy. Check out http://www.nso.com

carolynw0712 · Apr 9, 2010

According to the website this is what can provide:

The voluntary Legal Assistance Program (LAP) was established by RNAO in 1986 to assist nurses with certain legal problems, on a case-by-case basis, related to the professional practice of nursing covering:

Appearance before the College of Nurses of Ontario as a result of a letter of complaint, a report or other investigations,
Appearances as a witness at an inquest or inquiry resulting from a job related incident,
Appearances under subpoena as a witness in matters arising under the Nursing Act, 1991,
Witness in a court proceeding that concerns an incident relating to the profession of nursing,
Sexual harassment, and
Other individual employment-related matters.

The program provides financial support for access to legal counsel. This is an optional but essential benefit available at low cost, only to RNAO members.

I just learned that you actually have to pay another $60 on top of your member ship fee of $133

Do you guys think its worth it to get this?

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2010

This sounds similar to prepaid legal services. I believe you would find much of the offered services to be covered under your standard malpractice insurance policy. I would save my money. When it is time for you to engage an attorney because you need one, then is the time to spend the money.

sleepy_time · Apr 9, 2010

your money would be better spent at a local gambling establishment. There are a lot of these type of organizations that always try and get you to join some sort of "professional" organization.

loriangel14, RN · Apr 9, 2010

The previous posters are obviously not Canadian and not familiar with the RNAO. The RNAO (Registered Nurses Assocoation of Ontario)is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. It provides much more than just insurance.

I would suggest you post this in the Canadian Forum for feed back.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2010

The RNAO is a very good organization. Yes - it is a little expensive, but there are a lot of benefits. The LAP insurance is good - I have heard of people who have used it and found it very beneficial.

You can also apply for education bursaries thru it which is good if you plan to continue your eduction.

They also offer great workshops - I've been to several. But you must be a member to attend. I went to one on workplace bullying that was great.

I know the dues are a little steep, but I think they are worth it. And they are tax deductable!

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2010

Many American nurses find the American nursing associations to be a waste of money also.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2010

The RNAO is actually an excellent organization.

They do a lot of work campaigning for the rights and advancement of nursing. They also do a lot of work towards "best practice guidelines" to help us provide the best pt care possible.

They have campaigned against health care cutbacks and organized a write in against a couple of TV commercials that use nurses as sex objects.

SNjamie · Apr 10, 2010

one of my instructors is an RNAO chapter member and suggests that the students join. I did receive a best practice guidelines cd with my membership, which I have used for numerous assignments. They also have local chapter dinners in my area which are really great for networking, and last year a military nurse who served in Afganistan did a presentation, and in May a nurse who went to Haiti is doing a slide show for us. I still don't know exactly what RNAO does, I know they are very politically involved.

So far my $20 membership is still good :)

Nurseinator · Apr 10, 2010

I think it would be better if you ask this question in the Canadian Section. :)