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15.1: Introduction

  • Page ID
    9001
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    Learning Objectives
    • Identify the mandates of the provincial professional regulatory body, the union representing registered nurses, and the four national organizations (CNA, CFNU, CNPS, and CINA).
    • Compare and contrast each organization’s mission and approach to supporting Registered Nurses (RNs) and the delivery of quality nursing care.
    • Generate conclusions as to the current relevance of each organization.
    • Appraise how trends in health care are impacting the viability of these organizations.
    • Compare and contrast how these organizations are maintaining their current missions and roles or evolving to encompass new missions and roles.

    Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.

    —Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary–General (1999)

    As you complete a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing and enter the profession of registered nursing, there are several organizations that will play a significant role in supporting your practice. Provincially, these include the professional regulatory body and the nursing union. Nationally, there is the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), and the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). In addition, the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA) works to improve the health of Indigenous people through support of Indigenous nurses. The mandates and initiatives of these organizations are all focused on supporting and engaging registered nurses in the development of a strong profession.

    This chapter will discuss the role of each organization and the role you possess in being an informed, participating member in these organizations that have a direct impact on your profession and your ability to deliver safe, quality nursing care.


    This page titled 15.1: Introduction is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Beverly Balaski via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.