Wisconsin Nurses

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Aug 22, 2003

I moved this here since it involves Wisconsin nurses.

I need the help of the staff nurses of Wisconsin. I need to identify the issues that are face staff nurses in the workplace. What is the biggest issue that prevents you from having job satisfaction?

The reasoning behind this is that I head up a group that is devoted to promoting positive changes for staff nurses in the workplace by working with the "powers that be". We have good intentions and plans but lack of participation and representation across the state.

Lack of RN's in your area

Mandatory overtime

Aging workforce

Unlicensed personel

Increase workload demands

Increase in expectation of competency

Lack of funding for continuing ed

Pay issues

Workplace violence (lateral/peer and patient/family)

any others? any significant ones were are missing? what is the biggest issue?

Thanks for the help. Any input may keep me from banging my head into a cement wall.

CRZ · Sep 8, 2003

As a new RN I attended District meetings but never have joined WNA because dues are way too high compared to other nursing organization's dues and the income level of the average nurse. I do belong to several other professional organizations. Many nurses are spouses, moms, active church members, Scout and 4-H leaders,etc. There is only so much time and so many dollars in a family budget. Realistically, WNA is way down the list when it comes to my family's budget and time allocation. There have also been times when WNA was on the wrong side of the fence on issues of concern to me and I could not support their political activities because of this. In 31 years of nursing the WNA hasn't done much for me as a rural staff nurse. It is a rather invisible organization-not much attention is paid to it locally because it doesn't pay much attention to small town staff nurses!

Audreyfay · Oct 5, 2003

I belong to my specialty group, which is very involved in the issues that impact my practice. Since I am not in staff nursing, I have not looked into the WNA. I don't think I would have time to do both. SORRY! :chair:

nookomis · Oct 5, 2003

No, I do not belong to the WNA. It is too expensive. I spend slightly more than that on AADE and ADA that are a strong suggestion for the field I am in. Along with the 3 nursing license from various states. I would end up spending a complete paycheck on dues, have you considered getting rid of some of the administrative cost and decreasing the dues?

jezziejohnson · Mar 19, 2004

I am not a member of the WNA, as the annual dues are quite pricey, and most of the members seem to be administrators and educators. There is a new association starting up called "WRNA." It is an association mainly for the RNs in the trenches, and it's sole purpose is lobbying in Madison. The dues are only $66/year. I have joined at ground level, and am interested in how this association is going to develop.

jezziejohnson · Mar 19, 2004

I am not a member of the WNA, as the annual dues are quite pricey, and most of the members seem to be administrators and educators. There is a new association starting up called "WRNA." It is an association mainly for the RNs in the trenches, and it's sole purpose is lobbying in Madison. The dues are only $66/year. I have joined at ground level, and am interested in how this association is going to develop.

mganley · Apr 27, 2004

Aside from the very high dues, I do not belong to WNA because I do not agree with their political views, nor do I support the candidates that they endorse. Will have to check into the WRNA as mentioned by previous poster as I do have an interest in politics and the future of our profession.