Association vs. Union vs. Regulatory College
Overview
The layers of nursing organizations in Alberta, and what each of them do, can be confusing.
Let’s break it down.
Alberta has four nursing disciplines (licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses): all together, they create the nursing profession. Each discipline has a regulatory college that exists to protect the public. Many nurses are members of a nursing union, which bargains to provide safe and equitable workplaces. Nurses can also choose to be a member of a professional nursing association that advocates for the nursing profession.
Each organization has a specific purpose and role in supporting nurses.
The Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) is the only association that represents and unites the voices of all nurses in Alberta, including retirees and students.
Association - Alberta Association of Nurses
Purpose: advocate for nursing
- Enhance, promote, and advocate on behalf of nurses and the nursing profession both to the government and to the public.
- Connect members and provide services, supports, and resources to help members achieve professional excellence.
How does it support you? Associations offer professional development opportunities and activities, advocate on behalf of nurses, and promote the interests of its members to government and the public. They also provide networking and social events, host nurse recognition awards, and advance the nursing profession.
Union
Purpose: safe and equitable workplace
- Ensure safe and equitable workplaces for nurses in unionized positions.
- Unions resolve workplace issues and represent members at bargaining.
How does it support you? Unions support conditions of employment such as wage and health benefits, schedules, and better working conditions for unionized employees.
Regulatory college
Purpose: protect the public
- Develop, maintain, and enforce professional regulations, standards of practice, licensing, and codes of ethics to protect the public.
How does it support you? Regulatory colleges provide entry to practice requirements, determine continuing competence requirements, define scope of practice, and address professional conduct concerns.
