Nurse Resources

Looking for more information about the colleges, associations and other organizations that assist nurses in Ontario? Below is list, along with brief explanations about each organization.

Ontario

College of Nurses of Ontario	Certifies registered practical nurses (RPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to practise in Ontario.
Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO)	Provides a professional support group for nurse practitioners, offering advice, expertise and continuing education to its members.
Ontario Nurses’ Association	Assists members in matters of contract interpretations, contract enforcement and patient care concerns.
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)	Represents registered nurses in Ontario. Aims to influence and promote healthy public policy.
The Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario	Provides financial support for nurses and nursing students for education and research.
Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO)	Advocates for registered practical nurses in diverse settings, resulting in optimum client health services.

National

Canadian Association of Advanced Practice Nurses	Develops practice standards for advanced practice nurses, advocates for them, and provides continuing education.
Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators	Collaborates with provincial/territorial regulatory organizations regarding the regulation of licensed/registered practical nurses.
Canadian Nurses Association	Sets education and practice standards, and advocates to change health policy on behalf of its 11-member provincial and territorial nurses associations.
Canadian Nurses Protective Society	Offers legal liability protection relating to the nursing practice.
Practical Nurses Canada	Advocates and promotes practical nursing in Canada.