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Frequently Asked Questions About RN-AIM Why start a new professional association for all the registered nurses in Michigan? Do I need to have an advanced degree to join or be active in the association? Must I have a PhD to be on RN-AIM's Nursing Research Council? Does RN-AIM do collective bargaining? Is RN-AIM affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA) ? How do I join the American Nurses Association (ANA) ? What opportunities are available for me to participate in RN-AIM? Where is the RN-AIM local district closest to me? Will RN-AIM be taking positions on legislation and policy? What is RN-AIM doing about Michigan's nursing shortage? Can I join RN-AIM if I am a student? Is my donation to RN-AIM tax deductible? Where do you think RN-AIM will be in 5 years?
In August 2005, nursing leaders from around the state met for a retreat near Traverse City for what was jokingly called "The Interlochen International Independent Nurses Association" or "I YI YI!" What started out as a fun getaway, soon became a serious endeavor as the nurses realized they wanted to continue this sort of relaxed, collegial forum in their own communities that would focus on professional development and life-long learning. The Registered Nurses Association in Michigan (RN-AIM) was born that day to promote excellence in professional nursing practice and healthcare in Michigan, while having fun! RN-AIM is now the only professional nursing association that offers full membership to every RN in this state. Because as registered nurses, we have strength in numbrs espousing the same commitment to excellence in practice. The practice of professional nursing in Michigan requires collaboration with many disciplines, organizations, agencies, law makers, regulators, schools, insurers, managers, and citizens. Even private duty nurses and nurse entrepreneurs do not work in isolation. New RN graduates benefit from the support of a group of experienced nurses who can provide mentoring and guidance. Seasoned nurses benefit from the fresh and innovate perspectives that students and new nurses provide. Every nurse benefits from up-to-the-minute information in easily accessed, condensed formats. For a full list of benefits, click here for Member Benefits. And remember what you were taught in nursing school: The hallmark of a professional nurse is membership in his or her professional nursing association. It's true! Do I need to have an advanced degree to join or be active in the organization? No. RN-AIM welcomes all Registered Nurses as full members, regardless of degree, employment setting, or employment status. You will be welcome and supported. Must I have a PhD to be on RN-AIM's Nursing Research Council? Not at all! In fact, RN-AIM is actively seeking more staff nurses, ADNs, BSNs, and MSNs to bring real world experience, knowledge and perspective to all our councils. "Translating Research Into Practice" (TRIP) is one of the models the Nursing Research Coucil has reviewed. Implementing and evaluating evidence-based practice requires input from nurses of every background. And, for the RN-AIM Annual Conference, research posters are once again needed! To submit, contact NursingResearch@RN-AIM.org. Does RN-AIM do collective bargaining? No, RN-AIM is not a union and does not conduct contract negotiations. RN-AIM does, however, offer full membership to registered nurses who are in unions and collective bargaining units. The focus of RN-AIM is the support and education of RNs, regardless of setting, position, or clinical specialty. Yes. RN-AIM is a highly respected, state-wide professional nursing association. Members include researchers, deans of colleges of nursing, staff nurses, administrators, faculty, advance practice nurses. Our membership numbers are growing every day. The organization focuses on support and education of nurses including evidence-based practice, research, public policy and pursuits of excellence. We are a member of the Coalition of Michigan Organizations of Nursing (COMON.) Is RN-AIM affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA)? As of September 23, 2011, at the Annual Assembly, RN-AIM Bylaws were changed to allow RN-AIM to become the Consituent Member Association of ANA for Michigan. If you look at the News and Musings newsletter for September-October, 2011, found under the News tab on the home page the press release announcing our entry into ANA is attached. How do I join the American Nurses Association (ANA)? In Michigan, there are three ways to join ANA (http://nursingworld.org/): 1. Join both RN-AIM and ANA on a joint application found on the RN-AIM home page. 2. Join ANA as an individual member using the link above.
3. Join another state's nursing association with What opportunities are available for me to participate in RN-AIM? RN-AIM has four professional councils: Administration & Education, Excellence in Nursing Practice, Public Policy, and Research and Evidence-Based Practice. Every member is welcome to join any of the Councils. The Councils meet periodically, mostly by teleconference, to conduct their business. Each Council has a representative to the Board. Opportunities for participation at the regional level also are available.
RN-AIM has created eight geographical regions and one "cyber" region. Each region, in turn, is sponsoring smaller local districts for grassroots networking. Only a few districts have been established so far, including one in Traverse City and one at West Shore Community College. Members have reported that the meetings are very helpful, and they greatly appreciate being able to just come and learn and share. Districts have no committee requirements. The active regions hold periodic meetings. some regions as often as monthly and other quarterly. You do not need to be an RN-AIM member to attend local district meetings. To join or start a district near you, contact your RN-AIM Regional Liaison at this link. Does RN-AIM take positions on legislation and public policy? Yes. RN-AIM believes that every RN should have the information he or she needs to make an informed and timely choice on issues, bills and proposed government regulations, and also have the support and resources they need to act on it. Because our membership is so diverse, the association will provide both (or many) sides of the issues in condensed "white papers" which will include the benefits to nursing and healthcare in this state. The RN-AIM Public Policy Council will, when appropriate, take positions and make recommendations. The Council's goal is that every one of the 165 legislators in this state will be connected to an RN-AIM legislative liaison. Interested? For more information contact PublicPolicy@RN-AIM.org. What is RN-AIM doing about Michigan's nursing shortage? The RN-AIM Administration & Education Council's mission includes addressing nursing manpower issues in all settings, including hospitals, nursing schools and community health. RN-AIM representatives work closely with the Chief Nurse Executive for Michigan, Jeanette Klemczak, to assist in addressing issues related to the nursing shortage, nursing education and the importance of nursing involvement in implementating afforablehealth care. By bringing together both the nursing employers and the nursing faculty, up-to-the-minute needs and innovations can be shared. For example, RN-AIM actively supported the successful effort to make licensure for nurses from other states more expedient. Other RN-AIM Councils have focused on this critical issue as well. The Public Policy Council has informed members of the need to alert their legislators to support the Governor's proposed "Michigan Nursing Corps" which will fund graduate education for nursing instructors as well as basic RN training. The RN-AIM Nursing Student Council is addressing the crucial need to prevent new graduates from dropping out of nursing by promoting mentor matches. The Excellence in Nursing Practice Council is encouraging better workplace attitudes and nursing control via programs like ANCC's Magnet Recognition. Together we will make a difference. Contact ExcellenceinNursingPractice@RN-AIM.org. Can I join RN-AIM if I am a nursing student? Nursing students are most welcome within RN-AIM! A special rate of only $25/year is available to any full-time nursing student, in a basic ADN, BSN or Accelerated/Second Degree RN program, or earning a BSN Completion. Student members have voice on committees, Councils, Regions, Districts and on the Board, but do not have a vote. For new graduates from a basic RN program, a lower than full regular membership rate is offered. Students also receive a special rate for the Annual Conference and other continuing education offerings.
Okay, this is NOT a frequently asked question. But it is an important one, because this young association - and our nursing profession - does need your unique talents and tangible gifts. And, those of us who have already given to RN-AIM have discovered a wealth of valuable returns - camaraderie, connection, satisfaction, inspiration, quality, knowledge, insights, laughter, solutions and energy. Many thanks to all of you! Is my membership to RN-AIM tax deductible? YES! RN-AIM is a non-profit corporation with a 501(c)(6). Membership dues are deductible as an employee expense on Federal Tax form Schedule A.
Looking into our crystal ball, as the RN-AIM Board did last summer when developing our strategic plan, RN-AIM will continue to grow exponentially as the unique, innovative, diverse and significant professional nursing association for all RNs in Michigan. Members will have access and connections to materials, information and resources anytime, anywhere in the world and in their own communities! Every state legislator will know and respect RN-AIM. Nursing care will all be evidence-based and healthcare will improve dramatically. Our first president, Helen Truss, has urged us, as the book of the same name challenges, to go "From Good to Great!" With leadership like that, and members and supporters like you, we surely will!
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