Professional, regulatory, and service associations for nurses
Professional associations
In general, professional associations advocate for professional interests and advancement of the nursing profession and its members. Nurses in British Columbia are represented by the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia. Below is a list of the major nursing professional associations in this province.
Visit NNPBC
College
Colleges are regulatory organizations whose responsibility is to keep the public safe by making sure the relevant health practice in British Columbia is safe, competent, and ethical. In British Columbia, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) establishes, monitors, and enforces standards for nursing and midwifery. Regulatory colleges are independent from UBC School of Nursing. If you have a question about how to become registered to practice nursing in British Columbia, contact the BCCNM.
As a health regulator, the College sets the standards and oversees registration for:
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
- Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- Registered Midwives
No matter how long you have practiced nursing or where, you must be registered with the BCCNM in order to practice as a nurse or midwife in British Columbia.
Visit BCCN&M
The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) is our accrediting body; a professional association that brings educators across the country together to discuss matters pertaining to nursing education. The UBC School of Nursing is an accredited member of CASN. In addition, many of our faculty members belong to the Western Region branch (WR-CASN).
Visit CASN
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
– Xi Eta Chapter Honor Society of Nursing
UBC School of Nursing Associate Professor Emerita Carol Jillings became the first president of the British Columbia chapter of STTI – called Xi Eta – in 1994.
Today, the chapter supports student research awards, nursing practice awards, student bursaries, an annual induction ceremony for new members, and special events such as panel discussions, and an Ethel Johns Research Day.
Sigma Theta Tau International is a global organization which aims to advance nursing leadership, scholarship, and service. Founded in 1922, it now has over 135,000 members in over 85 countries. Membership is by invitation to those with a bachelors or masters education in nursing, or to nursing leaders who have shown outstanding leadership and service.