this is your choice, but I'd like to ask you why not?

I've never been a huge union supporter. I grew up in Las Vegas during the time period that unions (well, actually corruption within the unions) almost destroyed the town...

I worked union once, a long time ago . All they did for me was collect their dues, and make it totally impossible for my bosses to fire an incompetent, dangerous employee, although he did get a nice, cushy job where he couldn't hurt anybody...(this wasn't nursing)

John, all due respect, CNA has done a huge amount of good for nurses and patients. They have increased nursing wages, gotten better benefits, improved working conditions, worked to get a law passed for safe nurse to patient ratios. The CNA is not different than the AMA. I just ask you to keep an open mind.
Another thing, how can we as the largest single entity of healthcare, get anywhere without solidarity?

I guess we respectfully disagree on a lot of points..

I think the CA Nurse staffing act was a huge mistake. Nurses gave up their most important power; assessment, to the legislature. I would much rather have a law like Washington, where every unit is required to have a mandatory ratio posted, decided by a hospital panel made up of at least 50% RN's. Acuity is important, not just the "type" of unit it is...

All the CA law did was make 1000's of hospital beds sit unused, and force CA to import hundred of foreign nurses (who instantly became union dues paying members of the CNA).

Yes, collective bargaining can achieve better wages and benefits, but at a price. The inability to get rid of incompetent workers without going through a prolonged "grievence" process, the inability to negotiate based on individual merit.

The AMA is no saintly organization, but they have no direct financial incentive from the labor of their members, at least not in the same way as a union does...

I agree we need solidarity; I just don't think a labor union is the way to get it...

As an added comment, we had a long discussion in a class for my RN-BSN last year about national organization and the power nurses could have, that has me thinking about my reasons for avoiding the ANA.

My instructor (one of the board members of the state ANA chapter) said, "How can we know what your positions are, if you won't join, attend the meetings, and let your voice be heard...

Kinda made some sense... (of course, I still haven't joined) so I guess I am as guilty as everyone else...

Well you have your reasons. I wouldn't touch ANA or the NLN with a ten foot pole.