Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
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| Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing | |
|---|---|
| Name | Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing |
| Abbreviation | CASN |
| Formation | 1977 |
| Type | Professional association |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Region | Canada |
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing is a national professional association representing nursing education institutions and faculty across Canada, headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. It serves as a coordinating body among provincial associations such as the College of Nurses of Ontario, national organizations including the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, and international counterparts like the International Council of Nurses, promoting standards linked to accreditation authorities such as the Association of American Medical Colleges and partnerships with universities such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
History
Founded in the late 20th century, the association emerged amid curricular reform movements that involved stakeholders such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and provincial ministries like the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Early collaborations included links with the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Federation of Students, and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada to align nursing curricula with evolving practice frameworks influenced by reports from bodies such as the Romanow Commission and commissions including the Kirby Report. The organization expanded alongside growth in graduate nursing education at institutions such as McGill University, Queen's University, and Dalhousie University, responding to policy shifts from agencies like the Canadian Institute for Health Information and accreditation trends traced to the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.
Mission and Objectives
The association's mission emphasizes quality nursing education, faculty development, and evidence-based curricula, aligning with national priorities identified by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Canadian Medical Association. Objectives include promoting standards in collaboration with provincial regulators such as the College of Nurses of Alberta and professional bodies like the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, enhancing research capacity in partnership with grant-makers including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and advocating workforce strategies that intersect with agencies such as Employment and Social Development Canada and organizations like the Canadian Healthcare Association.
Membership and Governance
Membership comprises schools and faculties from universities such as Western University, University of Calgary, and Université de Montréal, and colleges like Humber College and Seneca College, as well as individual faculty members affiliated with unions including the Canadian Union of Public Employees and associations such as the Canadian Association of Registered Nurses in Oncology. Governance structures mirror models used by bodies like the Canadian Medical Association and the Royal Society of Canada, featuring a Board of Directors, committees reflecting standards similar to those of the National Nursing Workforce Study, and annual general meetings often hosted in conjunction with conferences involving partners such as the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research.
Accreditation and Standards
The association contributes to the development of academic standards that inform accreditation processes coordinated with provincial authorities such as the Ontario College of Nurses and national certifying bodies like the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Nurses Foundation. It produces program guidelines referencing competency frameworks comparable to those promulgated by the World Health Organization and aligns curricula with competency initiatives from institutions like the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
Programs and Activities
Programs include faculty development workshops modeled after initiatives by the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies, continuing education linked to providers such as the Canadian Nurses Association, student leadership programs that echo activities from the Canadian Federation of Students, and national conferences co-hosted with entities such as the Canadian Association for the Practical Nurse Education and Services and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Research Conference. Activities also feature collaborative curriculum projects with universities like Memorial University of Newfoundland, clinical placement coordination involving health authorities such as Alberta Health Services, and scholarship programs funded in partnership with foundations including the Canadian Nurses Foundation.
Research and Policy Influence
The association supports and disseminates research in nursing education, working with funders such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and policy organizations like the Canadian Institute for Health Information to influence reports by commissions such as the Romanow Commission and advisory panels including the Health Council of Canada. It synthesizes evidence used by governments including the Government of Canada and provincial ministries like the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Ontario) to inform workforce planning, regulatory reform, and educational policy, and publishes position statements comparable to policy briefs from the Canadian Medical Association.
Partnerships and International Engagement
The association maintains partnerships with national organizations such as the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Research Network, and provincial regulators like the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia, while engaging internationally with the International Council of Nurses, the World Health Organization, and academic partners at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Edinburgh, and University of Sydney. Collaborative projects include joint initiatives with the Canadian International Development Agency and exchange programs modeled on agreements between universities such as McMaster University and foreign ministries like the Australian Department of Health.