Why membership in nursing organizations matters

FigureProfessional organizations have relevance and value, yet the informal word on the street, whenever this topic comes up at organizational meetings, is that newer nurses today are less likely to be members than they were in the past. A quick literature search yields no data on nursing professional organization membership over, say, the past five years in comparison to a prior 5-year period to support or refute this claim. For all those readers seeking a research project, here it is, and it is an important one. Professional nursing organizations have figured prominently in my own career since my first year of practice. My ICU nurse manager strongly advocated membership in the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Membership helped me gain a greater sense of professional identity, new knowledge from reading association journals, and a member discount on the critical care certification exam I took and passed. As my career changed directions over the years to emergency nursing, advanced practice, and leadership, I joined nursing organizations associated with these roles and became more actively engaged. Consider the value proposition of why membership is beneficial. At a time when many employers are scaling back educational offerings and reimbursement, professional nursing organizations provide discounted and, often, free continuing education. Larger nursing organizations may also offer various educational grants, scholarships, and research funding. Networking is another valuable benefit. Having opportunities for members to interact through blogs, social media, and virtual and in-person events enables connection outside of workplaces. Nurses can gain insights into different problem-solving strategies, new standards, and career opportunities, participate in advocacy efforts, and build relationships with other members to expand their professional community and reach. Skill development is another benefit of belonging, and not only through taking courses. If nurses desire to teach or lead, for example, but work roles do not offer options to develop these skills, professional organizations can provide such opportunities. From learning how to present at conferences to assuming committee leadership roles to even leading the organization itself, these skills are readily transferable and can inspire personal growth and position the nurse for career advancement. Membership in professional organizations comes with dues, which may dissuade some nurses from joining. However, consider membership to be an investment in a nursing career. When I think about the people I have met through membership who are now close friends and colleagues and the overall professional value I have realized, paying the nominal price of dues continues to be an investment well worth making. Until next time, LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2025