Exploring the expectations of current and potential ACEN members.

With the current economic climate and continuing changes to the structure and functioning of the healthcare system, ACEN, like many other member-dependent organizations, is experiencing significant challenges in sustaining membership. Anecdotal reports from members suggest four major factors contributing to this situation: (1) many of ACEN’s current members are approaching retirement age and, as they retire, are also leaving ACEN; (2) ongoing reorganization, regionalization and the downsizing of administration as a cost-reduction strategy is leading the reduction of senior nursing positions overall and thus the pool of potential ACEN members; (3) healthcare institutions have imposed limits on costs associated with “non-essential” items such as membership fees and travel in organizations like ACEN, prohibiting attendance at meetings; and (4) there is an ongoing a lack of awareness of ACEN among potential members, particularly upcoming nursing leaders.