Abstract
Canadian Nurses Association celebrates 100 years in 2008! Its achievements are many and include advancing clinical excellence; establishing national educational standards; developing evidence to support human resource planning; articulating a national regulatory framework, including a professional code of practice; and advocating for healthy public policy.
Through the years, CNA has established important relationships with other health stakeholders, including the Canadian Pharmacists Association and CPJ. Together, we have worked to improve the health system for Canadians. Most recently that partnership has focused on 3 areas: coordinated interaction with governments to promote the implementation of a national pharmacare strategy; articulation of criteria to support decision-making around legislated scopes of practice; and facilitation of interprofessional practice. The mandate of both associations involves voicing the perspective of health professionals to the policy development processes as well as creating materials and tools to support the work of health professionals. The e-Therapeutics project is a product that illustrates that latter responsibility; it is also a product that is used every day by nurses across this country. For that, CNA salutes CPhA.
Action on environmental issues is a central theme of the Centennial celebration. As part of this effort, CNA is implementing new procedures to reduce the “ecological imprint” of its own operations. CNA is also promoting to hospitals and other health facilities to adopt “greener” approaches to managing waste and using energy.
CNA works for nurses and for Canadians. CNA was built with hard work, determination, and past successes, which provide momentum and excitement for the future.
The CNA Centennial program includes a series of events and activities that involve strengthening key partnerships. For more information visit www.cna100.ca.