5 Reasons You Should Join a Professional Nursing Organization Now
Whether you just earned your registered nurse (RN) licensure, are still studying to become a nurse or have been practicing for decades, membership in a professional nursing organization can benefit you in many ways.
Of course, there are countless organizations to choose from, as we’ll later discuss. Some, like the American Nurses Association, are open to all RNs and nursing students. Others, like Delta Gamma At-Large Honor Society, a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, are by invitation only, based on nursing school GPA and other criteria. As a member school of Delta Gamma At-Large Honor Society, at Marquette University, we strongly encourage students of our Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) who are invited to join this prestigious organization and take advantage of all it has to offer them.
But first, here are five ways membership in a professional nursing organization can benefit your nursing career … even if you’re still in nursing school.
1. Grow Your Knowledge and Professional Network in Nursing Organizations
Perhaps the greatest perk of nursing organization membership is the opportunity it affords you to expand your knowledge through educational opportunities and networking. Meeting and interacting with more experienced nurses is not only a great way to pick up useful tips and make lasting connections; it can also provide a window into unfamiliar specialty areas. You might even discover your niche from talking to nurses about what they do.
In addition to meeting other professionals in your area, many nursing organizations provide members exclusive access to online communities that allow you to connect with nurses around the country and world, as well as to job boards.
2. Nursing Organizations Help You Stay Up-to-Date on New Developments
From changes to insurance to new treatment recommendations and best practices, healthcare is in a state of constant change. While change keeps things fresh and interesting, it can be overwhelming to try and keep up on your own. Through in-person and online seminars and courses, and association publications, nursing organizations offer countless professional development opportunities. In some cases, nursing organization trainings can even fulfill Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) requirements set by your employer. And while many organizations don’t require you to be a member to take CNE credit offerings, as an added bonus, membership often means discounted rates on continuing education opportunities.
3. Professional Organizations Give Nurses a Voice
With so many competing interests between industries, professions, and so on, representation is important. As the old saying goes, “There’s power in numbers.” Many nursing organizations allocate some amount of membership dues to lobbying on behalf of nurses and healthcare, at the local, state and federal levels.
From advocating new standards that benefit nurses and patients to calling for increased research into treatments and practices, nursing organizations play a pivotal role in furthering the profession. Additionally, some organizations — such as the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International — even fund research studies of their own.
4. Nursing Organizations Look Good on Your Resume
We’ve all heard about the nursing shortage and how, as a result, some healthcare providers are resorting to signing bonuses, tuition and housing reimbursements, and more to attract nurses. However, that’s not to say landing your first RN job is, or will be, a walk in the park. Some employers are just hesitant to hire new talent, and some markets are hyper-competitive (making hiring incentives less likely).
Translation: anything (positive) you can do to make your application stand out is a plus. A previous post talked about the importance of a well-crafted resume. One thing that is bound to catch the eye of a potential employer reviewing your resume is your involvement in professional nursing organizations — especially membership in an exclusive organization such as the Delta Gamma At-Large Honor Society — as it shows a commitment to professional development and that you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field of nursing.
5. You Can Save Money
Membership in a professional organization can help you save money, too. From offering discounts on auto, health and disabilities insurance to scrubs and other nursing apparel to certification exam fees and continuing education courses, it pays to be a member of a nursing organization.
Professional Nursing Organizations
Today, there are numerous organizations dedicated to elevating the work of nurses, in general and as highly specialized disciplines within the field of nursing. While some of these organizations require members to already be registered nurses, many welcome students — and some even offer special student rates. Which organization or organizations you join depends on your career goals and interests. Here are just a handful of organizations that might benefit you on your nursing journey:
- Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
- Academy of Neonatal Nursing
- American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Emergency Nurses Association
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses
- National Association of Neonatal Nurses
- National Student Nurses Association
- Oncology Nursing Society
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- Society of Pediatric Nurses
Unsure of What Nursing Organization Is Right for You?
With so many nursing organizations, choosing one or two can seem a bit overwhelming. As with anything, it pays to do your homework. Seek out an organization that matches your field of work or specialty practice area. Research the organizations you’re interested in, and by all means seek out professional opinions from nurses, nursing school instructors and advisers, and others in the healthcare field (for example, your HR person might have some recommendations).
