In May 2010, the 2008-10 American Nurses Association (ANA) board of directors approved the formation of a Dues Evaluation Task Force to examine the future of the ANA dues rebate and to take an inclusive look at ANA membership dues.
The task force comprises ANA board and constituent member association (CMA) representatives, and will have two primary objectives: The first objective is to review the efficacy of the rebate program to date, evaluate future options, and make recommendations to ANA board of directors that addresses the financial impact to ANA and CMAs. The second objective is to examine current membership and related dues options for ANA and CMAs, determine any need to revise or modify the current structure to improve membership growth, and, as needed, recommend changes and modifications.
The task force has 14 members that include one representative from each of the four CMA regions; the ANA president; the ANA treasurer; three members of the ANA board of directors (appointed to the task force by the board of directors); the ANA CEO; and four representatives appointed by the board of directors to ensure adequate representation of all CMAs. From the representatives already appointed, the 2010-12 ANA board of directors appointed Cindy R. Balkstra, MS, RN, CNS-BC, to chair the task force.
The task force will meet on a regular basis to complete the necessary work by the October 2011 ANA board of directors’ meeting, so that if any changes to the bylaws are recommended, there would be adequate time to prepare and submit to the 2012 ANA House of Delegates. The task force’s first meeting took place on September 13, 2010. ANA will provide regular updates on the task force’s progress to the board of directors and at ANA constituent assembly meetings, which are attended by the CMA presidents and executive directors and the chair of ANA’s individual membership division.
12 Comments.
I do not understadn what ANA does for our profession. Is there a return on the cost?
At 15.42 per month we are talking about going to McDonald’s 1-2 times, 3-4 cappuchino’s, a movie ticket. I know there are single parent nurses who can’t do this, for them we need grants. The rest of us need to forgo 1 or 2 spurges a month.
It is very simple…..lower the membership dues to increase the number of members. This will enable you to recoup what you receive now plus more.
I am a member of ANA but I don’t think it is necessarily that nurses don’t see or feel the need to join but most of the ones I know are trying to help support families and just feel that they can’t pay that amount of money for membership in the ANA. I know alot of people who would join if the membership dues were more reasonable.
As an active recruiter for ANA and state membership, the most often heard remark is I would join if it weren’t so expensive…challenge then is 2 fold. First, ANA needs to cut expenses, yes it is painful. Second, find a new income stream..there must be a magic dollar amount that entices and keeps members. Membership dollars can no longer be the main source of income. Huge challenge. Especially in these tough times.
I joined this year because national organization membership is required as part of our internal Magnet requirements for nursing advancement. I am not happy at having to pay such an exhorbitant amount of money that is not reimbursed to me. What is the “rebate” that is mentioned? Is it the “discount” on member purchases?
The reason I don’t belong is the cost of dues. I can’t afford them. I am trying to find a way to pay for Certification exam. Also there needs to be an area to focus on Public/Community Health Nurses.
Please consider a special dues category for retired RN’s, who may want to be a member, but don’t want to keep their license active. Montana’s HOD just voted for this at convention.
I have been a member of ANA for many years and am glad to pay the dues. I believe ANA is THE voice of nursing in Washington and that takes money. I am saddened that less than 200,000 of our 3.1 million U.S. nurses see the need to belong to ANA.
I became a member right after nursing school because of the discounted rate and I thought it would be an asset on my job resume. To be honest, I was proud to show my loyalty as a nurse as well. However, the renewal fee was just too much for me to reup – so I haven’t.
I would love to be a member of ANA but the current dues are what I pay yearly for national certification as NP they are very high, lower them to under 50.00 and you will have thousands of RN’s and student nurses join
I will be SO glad if the ANA drastically reduces membership fees! I think that this could drastically increase membership (if properly advertised) and make ANA much more representative of the population of American Nurses. Go, task force, go! 🙂