CHNC - National Nurses CHNC - National Nurses

History of the CHNC 

 
Since its inaugural meeting in 1987, CHNC (formerly CHNAC) has been actively working to support community health nurses in their practice and undertaken work towards building a healthy Canada.

2024
16th National CHNC Conference - Community Health Nursing: Health for All; Toronto, Ontario; April 22-24, 2024
Work underway to revise the Home Health Nursing Competencies document.
 
2023 
CHNC Professional Development Series launched April 10, 2023 
Awards of Merit:  to be awarded at June 2024 AGM
Home Health competencies update work started
CHNC celebrates 35th anniversary.

2022
CHNC webinar series was successfully launched from January 2022 to June 2022
15th National CHNC Conference held virtually June 8-10, 2022; 300+ delegates from all over Canada (and presenters from Brazil)
Awards of Merit awarded at 2023 AGM:
oSandy Zidner
oRachael Markovsky
oAmy Leung
AGM held Wednesday, June 22, 2022

2021
Award of Merit: Aliyah Dosani
AGM held virtually May 12, 2021

2019
Article published in Nursing Leadership 31(4) December 2018 titled "Three Decades of Professional Nursing Leadership: The Impact of the Community Health Nurses of Canada” by Morag Granger, Ruth Schofield, Joyce Fox, Katie E. Dilworth, Nora Whyte, Kate Thompson, Claire Betker, Anne Clarotto and Evelyn C. Butler.
14th National Community Health Nursing Conference held May 27 to 29th, 2019 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The revised 2019 Canadian Community Health Nursing Professional Practice Model & Standards of Practice were officially released at the National Conference 
A new CHNC Standing Committee on the Leadership Institute was created (as an offshoot of the Standards and Competencies Standing Committee.
Placeholder: establishment of Canadian Journal of Community Health Nursing
Had to cancel the face to face National Conference scheduled in Richmond/Vancouver, British Columbia due to the global pandemic
 
2018
In partnership with CNA, CHNC offered two free leadership webinars to members
13th National Community Health Nursing Conference held in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 26-28, 2018: "Caring, Connecting and Leading for a Healthy Canada”
Collaboration agreement signed by Canadian Indigenous Nurse Association of Canada and Community Health Nurses of Canada
Joint workshop and reception at the National Conference with Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association in response to the 2017 AGM Resolution and to acknowledge and recognize the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Standards review process begun, led by an advisory group representing CHNs from across Canada. Community Health Nurses of Canada engaging in a Delphi process for community health nurses to come to consensus on the revision of the Canadian Community Health Nursing (CCHN) Standards of Practice (2011).
CHNC becoming more active in area of health policy e.g.  endorsement of a Canadian Public Health Association position statement Decriminalization of Personal Use of Psychoactive Substances
CHNC updated their constitutional bylaws for the organization
CHNC participated in the Canadian Public Health Association Careers Seminar to represent the role of a public health nurse ("A Day In The Life Of”)
All Provinces and Territories in Canada had representation on the CHNC Board
CHNC began talks with University of Ottawa and Mount Royal University to establish a Canadian Community Health Nursing Journal. 

2017
CHNC celebrates 30 year anniversary - Celebrating the Past - Building the Future.
12th National Community Health Nursing Conference held in Niagara Fall, Ontario in June 2017
Resolution Action on Health Equity for Indigenous People passed by members at AGM leading  to partnership development with Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association.
30th anniversary occurred with festivities all year especially at the conference. 
Caring and Connecting: Touching the Lives of Canadians through Community Health Nursing  -  A compilation of stories of the experiences of community health nurses in Canada. Published in June 2017 in recognition of CHNC’s 30th anniversary.
Member survey received a wonderful 40% response rate
CHNC endorsed Childhood Obesity Foundation position statement on adding a levy on sugary drinks
CHNC provided expert representation to the Expert Commission of MAID
CHNC involved in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Project
CHNC sent a congratulatory letter to the incoming Federal Minister of Health
CHNC sent a letter to Dr. Theresa Tam to welcome consultation with CHNC on public health planning
CHNC supported the Canadian Student Nurses Association campaign to promote all age bicycle helmet legislation

2016
Strategic Plan 2016-2019 officially launched at the CHNC AGM on May 30, 2016 in St. John’s, NL
Development & design of new CHNC website
11th National CHNC Conference, Blueprint for Action: Making Connections, May 30 – June 1, 2016, St. John’s, NL
Centre of Excellence Standing Committee continues transition to Research & Health Policy Standing Committee
CHNManitoba was the first province to make use of CHNC website to create a provincial/territorial webpage
CHNC Policy Manual was finalized and posted on CHNC website
Public Health Leadership Competencies Network continues to implement work plan for dissemination and utilization of the Leadership Competencies for Public Health Practice in Canada under CHNC leadership
CHNC endorsed the Stop Marketing to Kids campaign to restrict all food and beverage marketing to Canadian children age 16 and younger;
CHNC endorsed the Oral-Systemic Health Education for Non-Dental Healthcare Providers curriculum developed by the International Centre for Oral-Systemic Health at the University of Manitoba as an important educational resource for community health nurses.

2015
Centre of Excellence Standing Committee reforms as Research & Policy Standing Committee
10th National CHNC Conference, Blueprint for Action: Challenge the Status Quo, June 22-24, 2015, Winnipeg, MB
Leadership Competencies for Public Health Practice in Canada: Leadership Competency Statements Version 1 launched at the CHNC conference in Winnipeg
Public Health Agency of Canada contribution agreement concludes with the development of Leadership Competencies for Public Health Practice in Canada: Knowledge Translation Plan, Organizational Readiness Tool & Final Evaluation Report.

2014
Political Action & Advocacy Standing Committee disbanded with the intent to incorporate this focus into the work of other Standing Committees.
CHNC members contributed to the development of Entry-to-Practice Public Health Nursing Competencies for Undergraduate Nursing Education, a 2014 publication of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) 
9th National CHNC Conference, Blueprint for Action, June 2-4, 2014 Ottawa, ON
Produced Leadership Competencies for Public Health Practice in Canada: Environmental Scan
Development of 1st CHNC Position Statement – Community Health Nursing Education

2013
Developed Canadian Community Health Nursing Professional Practice Model Graphic
Established a new Standing Committee for a Centre of Excellence
Received  Public Health Agency of Canada contribution funding through the Public Health Workforce Tools & Products Contribution program for a 3 year grant to develop Pan Canadian leadership competencies for Public Health
7th National Community Health Nurses Conference, Blueprint for Action: Influence, Inform, Inspire, June 17-19, 2013, Kelowna
Completed PHN Leadership Development in Canada: Report to the National Collaborating Centre on the Determinants of Health (NCCDH), a literature review on public health leadership on the determinants of health to address health inequities
Successfully received CIHR funds to strengthen our national conference focus on First Nations, Inuit and Metis Health

2012
Recognized the 25th Anniversary of Community Health Nurses of Canada
Completed Public Health Nursing: Primary Prevention of Chronic Diseases Report
CHNC member advocacy to MPS on healthy public housing policy
6th National Community Health Nurses Conference, Wisdom to Action: The Power to Shape Change, May 14-16, 2012, Toronto
Worked with provincial & territorial regulators related to the new US based national exam for registered nurses
Sent letter to Canadian Council of Nurse  Regulators, expressing concern for the  NCLEX exam  and developed sample letter for members to send to their respective regulatory body
First Honorary Lifetime Membership Award awarded to retiring Executive Director, Evelyn Butler

2011
Released Great Big News our national newsletter
Prepared and submitted a CHNC Brief to CNA National Expert Commission: Creating a System for Community Health
Revised Canadian Community Health Nursing: Professional Practice Model & Standards of Practice
Developed A Blueprint for Action for Community Health Nursing in Canada
5th National Community Health Nurses Conference, The Time is Now: Influences, Impacts, Outcomes, May 16-18, 2011, Halifax
Began development of a CHNC Board of Directors Policy Manual
Established a Community Health Nurse Educators Forum on the Website

2010
Community Health Nurses Association of Canada (CHNAC) becomes Community Health Nurses of Canada (CHNC)
New CHNC logo and colors developed
Developed CHNC Bylaws & Constitution and became incorporated
Launched the new CHNC website with increased ability to offer services in both official languages
Published Home Health Nursing Competencies
Completed an Environmental Scan: CHNs Speak Out! In partnership with University of Saskatchewan 
Completed An Evaluation of the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards Toolkit
Collaborated with CPHA to produce the revised Public Health Community Health Nursing in Canada Roles and Activities
Assessment of current CHNC programs, policies and products using the CNA Social Justice Gauge
Developed Power Point Presentations Equality, Equity & Social Justice: A Primer for Community Health Nurses
Completed A Synthesis of Canadian Community Health Nursing Key Reports
4th National Community Health Nursing Conference: Knowledge to Action: Engage, Enable and Inspire, June 16-18, 2010, Toronto
Meeting held with CHNC Board of Directors and National Partners including CASN, CNA, CPHA, NCCDH, NCCMT & PHAC to outline current and potential activities and collaborative opportunities
Participated in the development of CASN Guideline for Quality Community Health Nursing Clinical Placements for Baccalaureate Students
Developed a report on the Influence of Certification on Community Health Nurses
Developed a CHNC Sustainability Plan
Developed a report on Migration of membership Services & Management/Distribution of Products
Developed a CHNC Dissemination Strategy for dissemination of CHNC products
Published article in Western Journal of Nursing Research, Community Health Nursing Vision for 2020: Shaping the Future
Submitted commentary to Canadian Nurse, Has our Diversity become a Stumbling Block?

2009
Moved administrative services for membership, website, products and materials to CHNAC
Developed Contractor and Research Services Agreements
Developed Community Health Nursing Vision 2020: Shaping the Future
Published Public Health Nursing Discipline Specific Competencies
Completed Mapping Between the Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice & the Public Health Nursing Discipline Specific Competencies
Developed Community Health Nursing Definition and Vision Statement
3rd National Community Health Nurses Conference: Blazing Our Trail… Tools, Tactics & Taking Charge, June 17-19, 2009, Calgary
Completed report Model of Communities of Practice for Advancing Practice in Community Health in partnership with University of Ottawa
Led a national delegation of community health nursing to China
Completed an Inventory of CHNAC Website Content & Functionality with Proposed Course of Action for Upgrade Improvements & Mitigation Plan
Completed a Visual Identity Report
Completed paper on Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright Issues
Developed templates for independent contractors and research agreements

2008
Completed Public Health Nursing Practice in Canada: A Synthesis of the Literature
Completed a survey regarding CHNC member perception about the Canadian Nurses Association’s Certification Exam
Canadian Community Health Nurses Standards of Practice translated and revised version prepared for website
Prepared summary report Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice Workshops and Interviews
Strengthening the Quality of Community Health Nursing Practice: A Pan-Canadian Survey of Community Health Nurses’ Continuing Education Needs conducted Phase 2 in partnership with McMaster University
2nd National Conference for Community Health Nurses: Shaping the Future, May 29 -31, 2008, Toronto
Completed Community Health Nurses Association of Canada Business Practices Review
Completed Communications & Marketing Strategy Update
Participated in a national delegation of nurses to China

2007
Instrument Development & Pilot Phase of an Environmental Scanning Tool in partnership with University of Saskatchewan
1st National Conference for Community Health Nurses in partnership with CHNIG
Community Health Nursing Vision 2020: Wait or Shape? national qualitative study in partnership with McMaster University
Strengthening the Quality of Community Health Nursing Practice: A Pan-Canadian Survey of Community Health Nurses’ Continuing Education Needs conducted Phase 1 in partnership with McMaster University
Developed Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice TOOLKIT
Community Health Nurses Association of Canada has 20th anniversary celebrations
Hired 1st Administrative Manager who later became 1st Executive Director
Hosted a Community Health Nurses Association of Canada Planning Retreat

2006
First writing of the National CHN Certification Exam
All provinces and territories represented on the Board of Directors
Received multi-year contribution funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Workforce Development Tools & Products program to: enhance website, develop the Blueprint for Action, revise the Canadian Community Health Nursing Professional Practice Model and Standards of Practice, develop discipline specific competencies, develop a Vision Statement for Community Health Nurses, develop and implement an environmental scanning tool, a learning needs assessment tool, a Personal Health Passport and webinars
CHNC awarded the ‘Public Health Workforce Development Award” from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Public Health Association for our "significant contribution to the development of the public health workforce in Canada”
First French translation of National Headlines

2005
Established first Standing Committees of the CHNAC Board of Directors
Established Board Manual
Established Board Accountability Agreement

2004
Community Health Nursing designated a CNA Specialty Practice
Continued partnership and support for CHNC programs from the newly created Public Health Agency of Canada
Community Health Nurses Association of Canada 1st Strategic Plan
CHNAC partnered with the Dieticians of Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada to develop and publish A National Growth Statement
CHNAC participated in the development of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Training Program
The Japanese Nurses Association requested and received permission to have the Standards of Practice translated into Japanese
Community Health Nurses Association of Canada Website launched

2003
Publication of Canadian Community Health Nurses Standards of Practice
Published 1st edition of National Headlines the association newsletter
CHNAC participates in post-SARS Roundtable with Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan

2002
CHNC becomes involved with Health Canada's Surveillance Branch, Skills Online Program

2001
CHNAC website up and running
Standards development work begins nationally
National Standards Development Committee inaugurated
CHNAC partners with Health Canada’s Skills Enhancement for Health Surveillance program as an expert reviewer
ParaMed Home Health Care provides $2500.00 towards standards work
National steering committee has in-person meeting Ottawa, ON.

2000
Partnered with Community Health Nurses Interest Group, Canadian Public Health Association & the Canadian Nurses Association in the conference Health for All by the Year 2000? Primary Health Care: Meeting the Challenge
National Stakeholder Member at Large Position to the Board - PHAC appointed 

1998
Position Statement Support for Parenting
Position Statement Baccalaureate Preparation for the Practice of Community Health/Public Health Nursing
Position Statement Improved Access for Parents to Services and Resources on Parenting

1997
CHNAC membership opened to students
1st CHNAC Award of merit presented to Geraldine Cradduck

1996
CHNAC lapel pins created
Communications officer position added to Executive 

1994
CHNAC logo developed

1993
CHNAC co-sponsored the First International Conference on Community Health Nursing Research in Edmonton, Alberta
 
1989
CHNAC becomes an official interest group of CNA

1987
Inaugural meeting of the Community Health Nurses Association of Canada (CHNAC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia



Founding Board members:
Catherine Ryan, Newfoundland Labrador 
Gerry Craddock, Ontario
Nora Whyte, British Columbia
Ina Major, Nova Scotia
Lee Fredeen-Kohlert, Alberta

Dr. Marianne Lamb, Associate Representative for CNA