Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
“Advancing nursing for better health.”
About the CNA (Canadian Nurses Association)
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is the national and global professional voice of registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), licensed/registered practical nurses (LPNs/RPNs), and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) across Canada. CNA represents nearly 460,000 regulated nurses and works to strengthen nursing leadership, advance policy, and improve health for all.
CNA’s work covers areas that directly impact nursing students and the future of the profession, including:
Advocacy & Policy – Leading national advocacy on health policy, scope of practice, and equity in healthcare.
Professional Standards – Setting the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses and supporting excellence in practice.
Certification & Career Development – Offering nationally recognized specialty certifications and resources to support lifelong learning.
Global Leadership – Representing Canadian nursing on the international stage through the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
Equity & Inclusion – Advancing Indigenous health, cultural safety, anti-racism, and inclusivity in the nursing profession.
The Student Connection: CNA Representation
Within the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA), the Director of Communications holds a seat on the CNA Board of Directors as the official student representative. This ensures that the voices of nursing students are included in national-level conversations about nursing leadership, health policy, and the future of the profession.
This partnership creates a bridge between students and professional leaders, helping future nurses develop advocacy and communication skills while amplifying student perspectives within CNA decision-making.
