The Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN) is a volunteer organization of Critical Care Nurses. CACCN is the voice for excellence in Canadian critical care nursing. Our shared goal is to promote quality patient- and family-centered care for Canadian’s experiencing life threatening illness and injury.
CACCN welcomes all registered nurses, nursing students, allied health professionals and other colleagues who are interested in advancing the science and craft of critical illness care.
We are proud of our members who practice in a wide variety of health care settings in Canada, the United States and abroad.
CACCN is a not for profit organization and is an active member of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Network of Nursing Specialties and partners with a variety of associations and educational organizations in Canada and around the world.
History of the CACCN
1975: A Canadian Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) was founded in Toronto, Ontario.
1979: A separate critical care organization emerged as the “Niagara Association of Critical Care Nurses” (NACCN).
1983: The NACCN changed their name to the “Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses” (CACCN) and incorporated under Letters Patent. Under the CACCN, local Chapters were formed in Niagara, Waterloo, Hamilton, Ottawa and Alberta.
1983: Also in 1983, the Toronto Chapter of AACN, officially became incorporated and renamed as the “National Society of Critical Care Nurses” (NSCCN). Chapters of NSCCN were formed in London, Windsor and Vancouver. The Canadian Critical Care Nursing Journal was launched by the NSCCN.
1985: The CACCN (based in Welland) and the NSCCN (based in Toronto) officially merged, marking a significant turning point in the history of critical care nursing in Canada.
- This important historical event enabled nurses from across Canada to consolidate their efforts and begin to collectively work towards a shared vision as one unified body.
- In a true spirit of unity, the name of CACCN was adopted, while the former NSCCN logo became the visual identity that was assumed.
- During the first year the new association operated with a Co-President structure consisting of the Presidents of the NSCCN and the original CACCN.
While membership began with a heavy base in Ontario, national representation took off with the merger of a strong Manitoba critical care group. As a result of this merger, CACCN introduced additional chapters across the country.
This history has been provided by Brenda L Morgan who took the time to review and document it during her Presidency with CACCN and shared the information with members on the CACCN’s 25th anniversary in 2008.
Structure
CACCN consists of seven (7) directors elected by the membership.
- Two (2) Directors from each of the three (3) Canadian regions: Eastern, Central and Western, and one (1) Director at Large (who may be from any of the three regions).
- The Board appoints three (3) Directors to offices of the Corporation known as the Executive Committee: President, Vice-President and Treasurer.
- Additionally Directors are appointed to the CACCN National Committees.
- Financial operations are the responsibility of Executive Committee – President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Directors.
- The Board of Directors is supported by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), who is the only employee and is responsible for the day to day operations of the Association.
- The COO is also a defacto member of the Board of Directors, without voting rights and the Association Parliamentarian.
Chapters
- The CACCN Chapter Leadership Teams report to the Board of Directors
- Each chapter requires a chapter leadership team of 3 members and 10 members in good standing.
General Operating Bylaw # 2, Policies and Procedures
- The Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses is incorporated under the Canada Not For Profit Corporation Act.
- The Association is governed by the regulations contained in the General Operating Bylaw # 2 and such other bylaws as from time to time may be in force.
- The Association is also governed by Policies and Procedures approved by the Board of Directors.