NURSING in British Columbia has taken a huge step forward by becoming the first professional nursing body in Canada to amalgamate all four nursing designations under one strong, sustainable organization – Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC.

“We have been working towards this day for a long time, and it’s an idea that whose time has come,” said Jacqollyne Keath, Chair. “We see this trend continuing across Canada, as more and more organizations and professions recognize that we are always stronger when we work together for the good of our members and the patients who rely on us.”

NNPBC has been formed with the hard work of the professional associations that previously represented nursing in the province – the Association of Registered Nurses (ARNBC), the Association of Registered Psychiatric Nurses (ARPNBC) and the BC Nurse Practitioner Association (BCNPA). Licensed Practical Nurses will be represented by elected members from within the LPN community. All designations have overwhelmingly expressed an interest and desire in moving forward towards one collective voice to speak to government and stakeholders on behalf of the profession, according to a press statement.

The new organization will also serve as B.C.’s representative to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the International Council of Nurses. NNPBC played a key role in the CNA’s recent decision to include all designations of nursing within their membership.

“This amalgamation will provide a single, unified voice for the nursing profession,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “People throughout the province will benefit from this historic change to the way nurses and nurse practitioners support their patients and I look forward to working with the new association as we improve services people count on, together.”

The new organization brings together nearly 55,000 Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who work in hospitals, clinics, care homes, schools, communities, prisons and countless other health and health focused organizations across the province. Nurses are the largest workforce in healthcare, and one of the world’s most respected and valued professions. Every single nurse in British Columbia will have opportunity to benefit from the programs and services offered by NNPBC, said the statement.