Canadian Nursing Organizations Overview

Canadian Provincial and Territorial Nursing Organizations

• The International Council of Nurses (ICN) believes the responsibility for practice standards, ethical codes, conduct, and professional knowledge rests with the entire nursing profession, not individual components.

ICN Three Pillars

• A) Socio-economic welfare of nurses
• B) Professional practice
• C) Regulation

Historical Perspective

• Understanding the history of nursing organizations in Canada is important.
• It's crucial to track how the views of nurses in Canada have developed over time.
• Traditionally, Canadian nurses are members of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA).

Regulatory Bodies- Colleges

• The main role of regulatory bodies (colleges) is protecting the public through regulating the nursing profession.
• Some regulatory bodies are hybrid organizations, functioning as both professional associations and regulatory bodies.

What does regulation/colleges do?

• Protecting the public through regulating the nursing profession.
• Providing updates to members about any changes.
• Clarifying organizational functions.
• Defining the scope of nursing practice.
• Collaborating with government.
• Using evidence-based approaches.

Regulatory Trends

• Medical Assistance in Dying
• Nurse Practitioners prescribing controlled substances
• Response to the opioid crisis
• Quality assurance programs
• Assessment of internationally educated nurses
• Frameworks for regulatory excellence
• Harmonizing entry-to-practice exams

Current Trend

• A current trend toward a single nursing regulatory body.

Postcolonial Lens on Nursing Organizations

• Ensuring diversity within organizational structures.
• Working towards more Indigenous representation in nursing organizations.
• Examples include enacting the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and policy work related to Indigenous issues.
• Providing support and educational opportunities for healthcare professionals to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and culture into their practice.

Critical Feminist Lens

• Nursing's policy influence through a collective voice, background information sharing, and collaboration with community partners.
• Opportunities for member engagement, focused on supporting, educating, and networking.
• Opportunities for student engagement aimed at leadership development.

References

• McIntyre, M., & McDonald, C. (2019). Realities of Canadian nursing: Professional, practice and power issues (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.