Benefits of Professional Association Membership
Younger folks today are not particularly joiners. Membership in traditional organizations such as Rotary, the Lions, Elks, and others of that ilk are way down from the highs of many years ago. Social networking and online groups and forums have, to some extent, obviated the need for in-person gatherings and social events. These new methods are wonderful resources and tools and should not be overlooked by all professionals looking to connect with others.
However, there is great benefit to professional association membership especially for early career professionals. Most people that are members of these groups are seeking to advance their careers and go above and beyond. If you want to be the best in your field, you should surround yourself with like-minded professionals. Sometimes you just need to have a conversation with someone who does not work for the same company as you. Education specific to your field and networking opportunities are among the chief benefits of professional association membership. Career advancement opportunities may present themselves that might not otherwise be made available through traditional channels. How often have you heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”?
One of the organizations that endorses Vision 2025 and has been working to move to industry forward is The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). ACHCA was founded in 1962 is the professional membership association for long-term care and post-acute administrators. ACHCA represents a membership of over 2,000 Owners, Administrators, Executive Directors, VP/Regional Directors, Consultants, AITs, Students, and Academic Leaders. Its mission is to serve as the catalyst for excellence in post-acute and aging services leadership.
More than ever today nursing home administrators need each other. If excellence is our goal, as it should be, we need to surround ourselves with others with the same goal. I believe that as professionals, membership in our professional society is essential and can provide the collegiality, networking, and education that will help us achieve our goals. I know that the friendships that I have made through The American College of Health Care Administrators have served me well through some very difficult times in my career. I invite all nursing home and post-acute administrators to join us in the ACHCA. Follow us on LinkedIn and/or connect with me. We need each other.
Bill McGinley, CNHA, CAS, CALA, HSE, FACHCA
President & CEO of ACHCA
