Winning
Through Associations
by Donna Cardillo, RN, BS
Would
you like to get a competitive edge in the workplace? Do
you want to stay sharp with your knowledge and skills? Would
you like to develop your leadership, speaking, and writing
abilities? Do you want to have a voice in issues that affect
nursing practice, licensure, and other areas? You can do
all of this and more by becoming active in your state nurses
association and specialty organization.
Although
many nurses belong to their specialty organizations, many
have never joined their state nurses association (SNA).
I’ve heard all the reasons: “It’s too
expensive. They don’t represent me. What did they
ever do for me?” But you don’t join an SNA out
of a sense of responsibility or loyalty, but rather out
of a desire to be the best nurse you can be. If you find
out “what’s in it” for you, you may be
as surprised as I was.
Here
are some advantages of involvement in professional associations:
1. Belonging. A number of years ago, I
decided to join my SNA because I wanted to be more connected
to my profession. When I received my first ANA (www.ana.org)
publication and read about what was happening nationally,
I suddenly felt I was part of a greater whole, something
I hadn’t previously experienced in my 20-plus years
in nursing. I realize now what I had been missing out on
all those years.
2.
Support. You gain an immediate personal and professional
support system of others who share your interests and concerns.
I had heard that people in my SNA were snobby and aloof
but I found quite the opposite when I got out to local chapter
meetings. Of course, I made an effort to introduce myself
and talk to other members. (See Steps for Successful Networking
.) Being connected to a local network of peers and getting
out to meetings reminds you that you’re not alone,
gives you a chance to let off steam with others who know
your experiences, and even laugh about your situation.
3.
Education. Professional associations offer opportunities
for continuing education, often for minimal or no cost,
through meetings, seminars, and conventions. I recently
attended a full-day seminar on managed care through my SNA,
complete with contact hours and a hot lunch, for $15.
4.
Mentoring. Find a mentor or be a mentor. I participated
in a mentoring program through my SNA and was assigned to
a new graduate. I felt I didn’t have the time to do
this but believed working with the new graduate was a way
for me to contribute to my profession in a real way. The
new grad and I both got something out of the situation and
remain friends. Who says nurses eat their young?
5.
Personal and professional development. Working
on committees and holding office are good ways to increase
your visibility, develop confidence, and hone your leadership
and communication skills. Sharpen your writing skills by
submitting an article for your local chapter or state newsletter.
Want to practice speaking? Volunteer to give a presentation
at a local meeting. Opportunities for growth and development
are endless.
6.
Information. Stay fully informed about what’s
happening in your profession through local and national
association publications, newsletters, and e-mails. Stay
abreast of legislative, clinical, and licensing information
as well as trends in employment and practice. Hear what
nurses are doing in your area.
7.
Unity. Professional associations allow nurses to
speak in one loud voice. Media, legislative, and regulatory
sources usually turn to the SNA when they want information,
comments, and experts. Also, a statewide association holds
clout when attempting to get the attention of important
and influential people. Let your voice be heard by attending
meetings, expressing your opinion, and getting “in-the-know”
about important issues that affect your profession.
8.
Broadened perspective. Many of us stay isolated
in our facility and unit. Getting out and meeting other
nurses is important. When I attended my first ANA convention
years ago, meeting nurses from across the country was exhilarating.
I discovered that nurses everywhere had the same concerns,
challenges, and fears that I did. I also discovered that
we all shared the same passion for our profession and patient
care and much more. And I made new friends from different
parts of the country with whom I still communicate.
Joining
professional associations is mandatory for your professional
growth and development and a key to career success. If you
want to be a champion in your profession, join today.
Reprinted
with permission from Nurses.com (www.nurses.com).
Copyright by Verticalnet, Inc., Horsham, PA.,
215-315-3247.
All rights reserved.
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