The British Columbia Experience Reimagining the nursing association; what we can learn from those who have travelled this road ahead of us…. Prepared by Margaret Rauliuk MN, NP for discussion on the formation of a Manitoba Nursing Association on March 4, 2014.

Source Materials available at es/arnbc-publications.php es/arnbc-publications.php  Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia. (2012). ARNBC 2012 Consultations Report. Vancouver: Author.  Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia. (2013a). ARNBC Annual Report. Vancouver: Author.  Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia. (2013b). ARNBC Network Leads Project: Evaluation of the Pilot Phase. Vancouver: Author.  Duncan, S., Thorne, S., & Rodney, P. (2012). Understanding the Implications of the Changing Regulatory Environment in Nursing: Insights from the BC Experience. Vancouver: Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia.

A Brief History  2005 – 2011 – College evolved in mandate from professional body and regulator to regulator only.  – The recognition that there was no longer a way to engage with the government on issues of concern or to advocate for health or public policy elicited a grassroots response and discussion of how to regain voice. The ‘RN Network of BC” began as a forum to try to interpret events and to identify options going forward. The group recognized that many nurses were feeling the loss of an association presence.  2010 – April -- College made the decision to withdraw from CNA despite findings of a CRNBC commissioned consultative report that strongly supported finding a way to ensure BC nurses sustained a relationship with CNA.  Duncan, Thorne & Rodney, 2012

A Brief History  2010 – May – Board of the RN Network of BC called a province wide meeting using an insert in Canadian Nurse as this was their only method by which they could communicate with BC RNs.  At this meeting, the formation of the new association took place, and the inaugural board was named. The new board subsequently incorporated the ARNBC under the Society’s Act.  Duncan, Thorne & Rodney, 2012

Redefining CNA Jurisdictional Membership  2010 – June. Motion to withdraw from CNA soundly defeated at CRNBC AGM, but the board moved ahead to serve notice of withdrawal based on the understanding that AGM resolutions were simply advisory.  April CRNBC Board concluded that it was not feasible to assign jurisdictional membership to another BC organization at that time.  May- August Negotiations continued between CRNBC and CNA resulting in:  September ARNBC and CNA being able to enter a memorandum of understanding by which the organizations would work together for the next year to determine how to build an organization that would best serve the needs of the nursing profession as well as the health and health care of British Columbia.  Duncan, Thorne & Rodney, 2012

Building the future (onward from 2011)  September – CNA and ARNBC meet to launch a consultation process to discuss the future of nursing in BC.  Key findings from report, October 2012: 1. Nurses want to be heard 2. Nurses want to be involved in the policy that affects them 3. Professional image and identity are important 4. Nurses want professional networks 5. Nurses want workplace connections 6. Nurses need to feel part of the wider nursing conversation 7. Nurses expect ARNBC to negotiate with the college on behalf of all BC nurses

Building the Future (Onward from 2011)  Nurses reported that they wanted ARNBC to negotiate, come to agreement and update BC nurses on:  CRNBC Fees  CRNBC Building  Liability insurance  BC Nursing mailing list  ARNBC, 2012

Network Project: Engagement  “In order to be relevant, it would need to engage with [nurses] through effective, two way communication that built trust, demonstrated transparency and facilitated networking.” (ARNBC, 2013b, p.3)

Nursing Networks  Where we work, live, go to school, volunteer or participate in a specialty nursing group or a specific community of practice.  Utilize existing networks rather than developing a new infrastructure.  Nursing Network Leads– non-hierarchical – anyone welcome to become a network lead as long as they supported the project goal, connected formally or informally with a group of 6-10 nurses and willing to commit the time.

A Network Lead Nurse  Acts as an ambassador for the association  Helps identify and/or establish practical, relevant, accessible nursing networks that facilitate two-way communication between the association and members  Leads association related discussion groups in local settings, supported by the association  Has a say in how the network lead evolves and helping to evaluate it as it develops…

A Network lead  Gains leadership experience  Develops a stronger nursing policy and practice ‘voice’ capable of speaking to local nursing and healthcare issues and experiences  Has opportunities to get involved in nursing professional work provincially and nationally  Representatives from specialty groups have met twice yearly to network, connect, share and plan

Running an Organization: Annual Report 2012/2013  Strategic planning session September 2012 following three goals  Sustainability – to build an effective and affordable professional nursing association;  Partnerships – Develop strong influential partnerships with government, nursing and professional organizations – provincially, nationally and internationally;  Engagement – Engagement – continue to engage nurses’ active participation in professional issues. (p. 5)

Committees:  Sustainability – establish a sustainable business model including financial security, membership, governance structure and engagement capacity to enact the vision of the organization.  Partnerships – develop collaborative relationships with government, health organizations, and nursing groups.  Engagement – engage with registered nurses in a manner that builds trust and transparency in creating a voice for the nursing profession. This comes as a direct result of the consultation project (ARNBC, 2012).  Nominations – To guide the association in identifying potential Board Members who are interested in taking an active role in establishing a vibrant and sustainable Association for RNs

The Money

The Budget