How many nurses belong to a professional nursing or healthcare organization? There were approximately 183,000 new RN’s joining the professional in 2020 (NCSBN, 2021). Many nurses do not choose to become members of a professional organization, however. There are many organizations to choose from today. They vary from general organizations for all nurses, such as the ANA, to specialty organizations like AWHONN, AACN, ONS, and AORN. With the benefits of these organizations, knowledge of and participation is a nursing priority.
Role of Professional Organizations
Nursing organizations got their start over 100 years ago. They aim to support nurses and to help develop standards for nursing care. Developing standards for nursing education also was a need to be filled by a professional organization. Many now rely on professional organizations for practice guidelines and standards of care. In addition, organizations help determine the scope of practice for nurses and advanced practice nurses.
Organizations are advocates for nurses and healthcare. They provide a voice at state and local levels for nurses in the political and business arenas. Communication is another role of professional organizations. They share information with nurses, healthcare organizations, legislators, and the public.
Benefits of membership
Joining a professional organization has many benefits. For most nurses, membership provides the ability to network with others One can network in the work setting. But, when exploring quality improvement, innovation, or professional development, meeting nurses from other organizations or geographical areas may be beneficial.
Nursing organizations offer continuing education for members. There usually is a decreased cost or at no additional cost to members. Educational offerings are provided through conferences, webinars, or publications. They are easy to access. The variety of topics is immense with something for almost every interest. Although in-person conferences had to be halted during the pandemic, most organizations quickly transitioned to virtual offerings. National experts providing high quality continuing education are now available 24/7 in the virtual environment.
Organizations provide a variety of publications to their members. With healthcare changing rapidly, these publications provide nurses a way to stay current and maintain their knowledge. Nowhere can more dissemination of nursing knowledge be found than through the various nursing organizations’ publications. These include journals, newsletters, emails, and via websites. Most organizations have robust websites.
Professional organizations offer certifications for nurses to allow them to demonstrate specialized knowledge. Certification demonstrates commitment to high-quality work. Once certified, continuing education is required for renewal. Organizations also provide the continuing education to meet this requirement.
Other benefits include help in finding employment. Career services and links to job openings are features of many professional organizations’ websites. Examples include career centers on the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and ANA websites. They also share information via social media.
Nursing organizations do offer members opportunities for leadership positions. Board positions can be a great way to gain professional experience as a leader. Other benefits may include malpractice insurance and discounts on other types of insurance. Travel discounts and resources for nurse-related products (books, apparel, etc.) are offered by many groups. Of course, membership has been touted as a “resume builder.” This is true but shouldn’t be the only reason considered for joining.
Barriers to Membership
With all these benefits, why aren’t nurses joining professional organizations in droves? Many nurses will state the cost of membership may be prohibitive. Annual fees may vary from $70-$210 per year. Many employers support their nurses joining to professional organizations. But, they don’t provide specific funding for membership. Certification and continuing education may be supported. Due to budget cuts in some organizations, the benefit may no longer exist.
Another reason nurses may not join an organization is time limitation. Motivation to join may be decreased as heavy workloads leave some nurses too tired participate. Achieving a work-life balance may not leave enough time for participation. Even time for reviewing publications may be a challenge. Meetings may not be scheduled when convenient for nurses who work 12-hour shifts and rotating schedules. Scheduling days off to participate may be limited in some settings. The pressures of the pandemic made taking time off difficult.
Is Membership Right for You?
All nurses should explore the variety of professional organizations available to them. Weigh the benefits versus the barriers. Consider future professional goals. Decide what further education, skills, or networking might be required. Is certification a goal? While an advanced degree may help, participation in a professional organization may provide the needed skills and knowledge without the cost of a degree.
These questions will assist in determining the right fit for your career. Considering the importance of nursing to our society, the benefits are many. Looking into the future, professional organization membership might just be a priority for you.
Reference:
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2021). NCLEX Statistics. https://www.ncsbn.org/NCLEX_Stats_2020_Q4.pdf