Professional association membership of nurses: Factors affecting membership and the decision to join an association

Abstract

In this article factors such as education, employment characteristics, and association benefits which are associated with nurses joining and remaining in professional nursing associations are identified. The impact of these factors on association membership was determined through a survey of 225 nurses in one midwestern state. On the basis of these empirical results recommendations are made which should be useful to professional associations seeking to attract new members and keep their present ones.

Factors affecting nurses’ decisions to join their professional association

“…This finding supports previous studies in which nurses also mentioned ‘too busy’ as a factor that influenced nurses’ decisions not to join an association (Deleskey 2003; Jordan 1992; Rapp & Collins 1999; Torabi et al. 1993; Yeager & Kline 1983).…”

“…The explanation may lie in the fact that such cost is fixed and it is set only by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, which controls all the professional associations in Kuwait. Also, current members may perceive that different benefits offered by the Association exceed the cost of membership (Deleskey 2003; Jordan 1992; Schutezenhofer & Bridgman‐Musser 1994; Yeager 1981; Yeager & Kline 1983).…”

“…Although many nursing associations have made efforts to increase nurses’ participation in their associations, such efforts have not always succeeded and the decline in nursing association membership has been noted (Deleskey 2003; Ellis & Hartley 2001; Schutezenhofer & Bridgman‐Musser 1994; Yeager & Kline 1983). Nursing associations provide many different services to their members, namely journals, continuing education, and networking (Shelander 1998; Yeager 1981).…”

“…Yeager & Kline (1983) in their study of nurses in the USA found that members value professional programmes, improvement of the profession, social benefits and membership benefits. However, the high cost of the membership and the distance to meetings or lack of Association’s activities had a negative impact on joining or remaining in an Association.…”

Prediction of Membership in Rehabilitation Counseling Professional Associations

“…It is evident that monetary and other costs can act as a barrier to association membership (e.g., Dalton & Dignam, 2007;Kamm, 1997;Skarlicki, Lucas, Prociuk, & Latham, 2000;Wright, 1974;Yeager & Kline, 1983). Common questions such as "What does my association do for me?"…”