Membership

The New Jersey State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA) has agreed that members of the organization must belong to both NJSSNA and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Membership dues are collected and managed at NASN's national headquarters. A portion of dues to NASN returns to NJSSNA to support the work of NJSSNA. 

Membership is open to certified school nurses and other stakeholders interested in promoting and supporting school nursing practice. Membership Classifications are described on this page.  

Benefits of Membership 

Join NJSSNA 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I join NJSSNA?
NJSSNA is a professional organization that represents the specialty area of school nurses. School nurses often work independently. Joining NJSSNA helps a school nurse network with other school nurses. It also provides tools to advocate for good health for students, staff, families and the community at large.

2. Why did NJSSNA affiliate with NASN? What are the benefits of dual membership?
NJSSNA affiliated with NASN in order to enhance services for New Jersey’s school nurses. Members of NASN/NJSSNA are eligible for discounted or free continuing education programs and vision coupons for students. The dual membership expands networking and advocacy and allows nurses to participate in discussion groups dedicated to school nursing practice. Members reap the benefits of both national and state-level experience, leadership and advocacy. Dual membership supports school nursing activities at the national, state, and local levels.  

3. I am a member of my county association. Does that mean I am a member of NJSNA (or NJSSNA) too?
Even though the county associations are affiliated with NJSSNA, they each have a separate membership fee. It is strongly recommended that you belong to both the state and county affiliates.

4. I am not a member of NJEA. Can I still be a member of NJSSNA?
Yes. NJEA membership is not required for membership in NJSSNA.

5. I am a school nurse in a private school. Why should I join NASN or NJSSNA?
As a NASN member, you can take advantage of a special interest group for private school nurses. Membership in NJSSNA will allow you to take advantage of discounted rates for professional development.

6. How does NJSSNA represent me and my interests as a certified school nurse?
The association serves as an advocate for best practice and provides resources and professional development focused on the role of the school nurse and the impact of health on student achievement. The association monitors legislation that may impact student health and provides comments to sponsors. It also serves on committees to address school policies, responds to inquiries about school nursing practice, and educates the public about school health.

7. If I have a question about NJSSNA, who should I contact? How can the Association be reached?
Contact information for every board member is on the website. You can also contact the association via email at njssnaexecutivedirector@gmail.com or via phone at 609-233-2466.

Membership Classifications

Regular/Active members must possess a current New Jersey registered nurse license and hold an Educational Services Endorsement as a School Nurse issued by the New Jersey Department of Education. Regular/Active members may vote, hold office, and serve on committees.

Associate members include registered nurses licensed in the State of New Jersey who are not eligible for Regular/Active membership and are employed in a New Jersey public school as a supplemental registered nurse or as a substitute school nurse; OR are employed in a New Jersey private or parochial school as a school nurse; OR hold a New Jersey provisional certificate as a school nurse. Associate members may serve on committees, but may not vote or hold office.

Student members must be matriculated in a college or university program leading to a permanent New Jersey School Nurse Certificate. Student members may not be employed part or full time as school nurses. Student members may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees. NASN requires proof of enrollment when submitting a membership form.

Retired members are former regular/active members who no longer work as a school nurse. Retired members may serve on committees, but may not vote or hold office. However, a retired member may be appointed chairperson of a committee by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board. A retired member appointed chairperson of a committee shall be a member of the Executive Board but shall not have voting privileges.

Members-at-Large are those individuals with a special interest in school nursing but who do not fit into any other Association membership classification. Members-at Large may not vote, hold office, or serve on committees. Members-at-Large may include other school health services personnel such as school physicians, health educators, counselors, LPNs, or nursing assistants working with school nurses.