Why Should I Join?

Abstract

Another question I am frequently asked by NPs is, “Why should I join ACNP or any national organization?” In these tough economic times, this is a particularly salient question. Although I may be reading more into the question than is intended, I believe that most people asking this question really want to know what they will get from the national organization in exchange for their hard-earned money.My answer is often not as concrete as desired. A national organization may provide wonderful opportunities for continuing education, networking, discounts on clinical products, and access to the latest information through journals, conferences, and websites, all important for the individual NP But the real reason to join is to add strength to the organization. “What? You want me to join to help the organization? I thought it was the other way around.” Actually, it is a two-way street. Organizations provide the services above but, more importantly, they act as representatives for you, the NP, in Washington, DC. The more members your organization has, the more powerful the organizational voice. If you, the NP, want health care reform to include the services of NPs, someone has to ensure that happens—your national organization. If you want to continue to be reimbursed for your services, someone has to lobby for it—your national organization.During the early months of 2009, health care reform has been at the forefront of national policy. Many strong physician groups have pushed for reform that either excluded NPs or required direct NP supervision by physicians. YOUR organization fought hard to ensure NPs were included. Multiple versions of bills, white papers, and statements were reviewed, edited, and submitted on your behalf. The ACNP worked closely with other national NP organizations, in a unified effort, to keep NPs at the center of primary care reform. At the time of this writing, we had a modicum of success, but we still have a long way to go.There are approximately 125,000 practicing NPs in the United States in 2009; we are graduating about 7000 each year. Yet if you add up all the memberships to all the national organizations, less than half of the NPs belong to an association. Don't let your voice be lost in the crowd. Tell all your NP friends to join today! Another question I am frequently asked by NPs is, “Why should I join ACNP or any national organization?” In these tough economic times, this is a particularly salient question. Although I may be reading more into the question than is intended, I believe that most people asking this question really want to know what they will get from the national organization in exchange for their hard-earned money. My answer is often not as concrete as desired. A national organization may provide wonderful opportunities for continuing education, networking, discounts on clinical products, and access to the latest information through journals, conferences, and websites, all important for the individual NP But the real reason to join is to add strength to the organization. “What? You want me to join to help the organization? I thought it was the other way around.” Actually, it is a two-way street. Organizations provide the services above but, more importantly, they act as representatives for you, the NP, in Washington, DC. The more members your organization has, the more powerful the organizational voice. If you, the NP, want health care reform to include the services of NPs, someone has to ensure that happens—your national organization. If you want to continue to be reimbursed for your services, someone has to lobby for it—your national organization. During the early months of 2009, health care reform has been at the forefront of national policy. Many strong physician groups have pushed for reform that either excluded NPs or required direct NP supervision by physicians. YOUR organization fought hard to ensure NPs were included. Multiple versions of bills, white papers, and statements were reviewed, edited, and submitted on your behalf. The ACNP worked closely with other national NP organizations, in a unified effort, to keep NPs at the center of primary care reform. At the time of this writing, we had a modicum of success, but we still have a long way to go. There are approximately 125,000 practicing NPs in the United States in 2009; we are graduating about 7000 each year. Yet if you add up all the memberships to all the national organizations, less than half of the NPs belong to an association. Don't let your voice be lost in the crowd. Tell all your NP friends to join today!