About Us

Introduction

The Nursing Directorate was created in 2001 to address nursing priorities in BC's health care system.

Our Mission

The mission of the Nursing Directorate is to positively influence the health of British Columbians by optimizing the contribution of nursing knowledge and nursing practice to:

• Support the Ministy of Health in its mission to guide and enhance the Province’s health services to ensure British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and improve health.
• Support the provincial health goals to enhance the quality of life and minimize inequalities in the health status of British Columbians.
• Support the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care for all British Columbians.
• Support healthy workplace environments that create professional growth and development opportunities for nurses to maximize optimal patient outcomes.

Our Responsibilities

The Nursing Directorate is responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of nursing priorities and initiatives with the Ministry of Health, other government bodies, nurses, educators, employers, unions and regulatory bodies.
• Providing leadership, strategic planning, and policy advice to the Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Executive Committee.
• Representing the Ministry of Health in building and maintaining strong partnerships with health employers and health organizations.
• Representing the Ministry of Health in discussions with nurses, employers, professional associations, unions and educational institutions to address policy and planning relevant to nursing and health services delivery.
• Ensuring there is timely communication within the Ministry of Health and with BC nurses.
• Setting directions for evidence-based nursing policy development, implementation and evaluation within the Ministry of Health mandate.
• Strategic planning for a coordinated, integrated provincial nursing plan within the ministry service plans
• Providing leadership and advice on nursing within the provincial government.
• Consulting with BC's health authorities, health employers, agencies, the federal government and other Canadian jurisdictions.

Our Priorities

Priority will be given to the following areas of nursing. These nursing priorities may change during the year as new needs and priorities are identified. Accomplishing these objectives will require working with other ministries and health care partners. The current priorities of the Nursing Directorate in BC are:

• Establish three year Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in British Columbia that will permit nurses to gain their degree a year sooner with significant 'on the job training'.
• Nurses will be trained and authorized to deliver a broader range of health services such as suturing, ultrasounds, allergy testing, ordering x-rays, lab tests, blood tests, pain medication at triage, local anesthesia and cardiac stress testing.
• Expedite registration and effective integration of internationally educated nurses in the workforce.
• Support aboriginal and non-aboriginal nurses to provide quality care in aboriginal communities.