Factors affecting nurses' decisions to join and maintain membership in professional associations

Large organized associations are the most effective tools for the nursing profession for influencing policies that protect the members and continues to provide the highest quality nursing care to the public. Although nursing comprises the largest number of health care workers in the country, fewer and fewer nurses are joining the professional associations that represent them. This study explores factors affecting the membership decisions of nurses practicing in the perianesthesia setting. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of current and former members of ASPAN. All participants identified variables that affected their decision to join their professional association. Nonmembers were asked to identify reasons for not renewing membership. The variables most strongly influencing members and nonmembers to join ASPAN were self-improvement, education, new ideas, programs, professionalism, validation of ideas, improvement of my profession, improvement of my work, and maintenance of professional standards. The only variable that was rated statistically significantly higher by current members was "improvement of my work." All other 28 variables rated in the study were scored similarly by both groups, indicating that members and nonmembers continue to possess the same professional values. Former members indicated that major deterrents to membership were cost and lack of time. In an economic and cultural environment that requires balancing multiple demands, professional associations need to consider the limited time available to nurses and examine ways to provide professional development opportunities that are more easily accessible.