Frequently Asked Questions about NNPBC

How will I join NNPBC in 2024?

NNPBC membership for the 2024 membership year (2024 membership year runs April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025) can be purchased either at the time of registration/renewal through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, or directly through our website. If you purchase NNPBC membership through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, you do NOT need to purchase it again through our website.
 

NNPBC is a voluntary professional association. RNs, RPNs, NPs and ESNs have the option to select the preferential group ('bundled') rate at the time of their registration/renewal through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. This preferential group rate includes the required CNPS fee along with NNPBC membership.
 

What is the 2024 membership year?

NNPBC's 2024 membership year aligns with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives registration/renewal cycle. The 2024 membership year runs from April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025.

How much does NNPBC membership cost?

NNPBC membership is $51.00 for the entire membership year for practicing RN, RPN, LPN and NP members; and $25.50 for the entire membership year for non-practicing RN, RPN, LPN and NP members, employed student nurse (ESN) members, retired members, nursing student members, and internationally educated nurse (IEN) members. Learn more.
 

NNPBC membership is optional. While fees for registration to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, professional liability protection through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, and any union dues are mandatory, NNPBC fees are not.

What if I purchased NNPBC membership later in the year
(Oct 2023 - Jan 31, 2024)?

NNPBC offered a 2023 partial year membership rate for those who purchased membership later in 2023 (i.e. between October 2023-January 2024). This partial year rate was a reduced rate and also ends March 31, 2024. To continue being a member after March 31, 2024, a 2024 membership must be purchased.
 

NNPBC’s 2024 membership year begins on April 1, 2024. All RNs, RPNs, LPNs, NPs and ESNs will be able to purchase NNPBC 2024 membership through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives during the registration/renewal period between February 1-March 31, 2024.

What does NNPBC do for me?

NNPBC advocates for healthy public policy, promotes excellence in nursing practice, increases nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influences decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. Learn more about NNPBC and our benefits.

Why is NNPBC the member for CNPS?

NNPBC is the only organization within the province that can represent all BC nurses (as many nurses are not members of unions). It is also very commo for professional associations (in BC and across Canada) to administer liability protection to the profession.
 

Below is a table that highlights several key pieces of information including licensing fees, association fees and PLP fees for some of the BC's regulated health professions. In each of the cases below, the professional association administers PLP. This list is not exhaustive. Some information may have changed since the time of writing but is meant to provide an overall baseline comparison.
 

Can retired and student nurses be part of NNPBC?

Absolutely! Learn more about Associate membership here.

How are the regulatory college, union(s), and the professional association different?

A professional association fulfills a role quite distinct from the other nursing organizations that exist in BC. The mandates of each of the organizations is as follows:

  • The regulatory college, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) in BC, acts on behalf of the public to ensure safe care and public safety.
  • Union(s) acts on behalf of workers primarily to secure salary, benefits and working conditions.
  • The professional association, NNPBC in BC, acts on behalf of nursing to advance the profession and influence health and social policy.
How do I login to the membership section of the website?

To login to the members only pages, click on the "Member Login" button located on the top banner of the website, underneath the Search bar. Login with your email address. If this is your first login, please sign in with the time-limited temporary password you would have received when you first purchased your membership. Upon signing in you will be able to change your password. If you did not receive the temporary password email or missed the time limitation to change your password, please contact webmaster@nnpbc.com.

How can I get access to membership perks?

NNPBC's Perks for Members offer great savings on a variety of products and services. The savings are so great that your yearly NNPBC membership is paid just through using a few perks deals!
 

To access the perks, visit our Perks for Members page.

Why does BC have a single nursing association when other provinces do not?

BC's four nursing designations, RNs, LPNs, NPs and RPNs, have been collaborating closely since 2013 on the BC Coalition of Nursing Associations (BCCNA or the Coalition). This collaboration has been ground-breaking in demonstrating the importance of collaboration and nursing unity to strengthen the profession. BC is leading this change and in fact inspired our Canadian Nurses Association colleagues to change their bylaws to allow for all nursing designations.

How does a single professional association benefit the profession?

There are approximately 55,000 nurses in the province right now. This represents the largest group of health care providers in the province (and in fact nurses represent the largest health care workforce in the world). Working together, nurses can achieve systemic change and NNPBC is in the best position to ensure this happens. Working collaboratively, with integrity and transparency, NNPBC focuses on making sure that the nursing voice is heard in all matters of health and public policy. Because we represent the interests and needs of all nurses, NNPBC ensures that a united nursing voice is presented.

Why do each of the four organizations have equal representation on the Board of Directors when the numbers of nurses in each designation are so different? Why not proportional representation?

Equal representation, regardless of the numbers of nurses working in each designation, is a very important part of an effective and fair Board and is based on having a strong voice. Whether there are 500 NPs or 40,000 RNs, it is so important to the smooth running of the organization, that each designation has an equal and valued voice at the table and in our decision-making processes.
 

It's also important to note that the representatives from each of the councils (RN Council, RPN Council, LPN Council, NP Council) who hold seats on the NNPBC Board of Directors bring forward issues and ideas from their respective councils. The Board hears all issues that impact the nursing profession and ensures that the response is based on a united nursing voice. This in turn strengthens the position of the designation that brought the issue forward and allows all of nursing to provide a collective response.

Why do we need a professional association if the BC Nurses' Union effectively represents all nurses and advocates for us?

Although there is some overlap, professional associations differ from unions in that they provide guidance to the professional members and to government on issues relevant to the profession such as use of evidence-based initiatives, policies and advancement of the profession as a whole.
 

It is important to note that not all nurses are represented by BCNU. For example, nurse practitioners, most nurses in management, administration, education, and government, nurses who belong to other unions (e.g., RPNs in the Health Sciences Association) and independent business owners (e.g., foot care nurses) are not BCNU members.

What role do the Councils play in comparison to the role of the NNPBC Board of Directors?

Each of the four Councils plays an important role in supporting, advocating, and setting strategic policy direction for their designations. Councils consist of elected representatives from their relevant designations and have autonomy over how many elected representatives sit on the council and which regions/areas they represent. The Councils communicate and work with each of the other Councils on a routine basis around shared issues and opportunities through the NNPBC Board of Directors and staff. The four Councils will also work together, with the NNPBC Board and staff to address issues and support their designation through NNPBC initiatives, programs, and services.

Has there been any consideration to adding Care Aides to the organization?

This has absolutely been considered and is on our radar. Discussions will continue.

How do I become part of my designation's Council or the NNPBC Board?

Elections are held every spring for open Council positions. Positions are staggered by year to ensure overlap and continuation of information and initiatives. Each Council term is for a two-year period. The call for nominations typically goes out in the early spring and we welcome all nurses, of every designation, to run for a position on their respective Council.
 

Each Council may also decide to include additional Councillors, such as public representatives, students, etc. (up to a maximum 15 per Council). Keep your eye open for the election call and be sure to submit your nomination. Every single Councillor is welcome to seek appointment to the Board (two per Council), following the terms of reference of their Council.

Do I get CNA membership with my NNPBC membership?

As of January 2021, NNPBC membership no longer includes membership to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA).
 

We deeply value our historic and important connection to CNA and both organizations remain fully committed to working together to maintain a strong CNA presence and member base in BC.
 

We encourage every nurse in BC to join the CNA which in turn will also allow you to maintain your connection to the International Council of Nurses.


How do nursing fees compare to other professions?
X The table below highlights several key pieces of information including licensing fees, association fees and PLP fees for some of the BC's regulated health professions. In each of the cases noted, the professional association administers PLP. This is not an exhaustive list, rather it is a list of those easily searched online by going to websites and using google. Some information may have changed since the time of writing but is meant to provide an overall baseline comparison.
 
Regulated Profession Annual Registration Fee Association Fee PLP Fee (administered by the Professional Association) Total
RNs, RPNs, NPs Ranges from $521.95 RNs, RPNs to $751.90 for NPs $41.99 inclusive of GST through NNPBC $71.40 inclusive of GST as part of the group rate for RNs, RPNs.
$167.47 inclusive of GST for NPs
$635.34 (RNs, RPNs)
$951.35 (NPs)
LPNs LPNs $521.95 $41.99 inclusive of GST Currently paid through BCCNM $563.94 (LPNs)
Audiologists $750.00 $165.00 $50.00 $965.00
Dental Hygienists $515.00 $399 (includes provincial & national association membership - also includes Basic PL insurance) $17 (higher per-claim amount than basic) $914.00 - $931.00
Dental Technicians $775.00 $299.00 $85.00 $1,159.00
Dietitians $600.00 $350.00 $72.00 $1,022.00
Massage Therapists $600.00 $425.00 $169.00 $1,194.00
Midwives $740.95 2.9% of MSP billings $1,800.00 over $3,000.00
Naturopathic Physicians (naturopaths) $1,810.00 $1,432 (includes provincial/nat'l association) $50.00 $3,292.00
Occupational Therapists $525.00 $57 - 228 (depending on how many years practicing) $64 - $106 $643.00 - $859.00
Optometrists $1,390.00 $2,815 (includes Canadian Association of Optometrists membership) $3M per claim / $5M aggreg: $472;
$5M per claim / $5M aggreg: $587;
$10M per claim / $10M aggreg: $932
$4,677.00 - $5,137.00
Pharmacists $778.00 $320.00 $165.00 $1,263.00
Pharmacy Technicians $518.00 $200.00 Included in $200 fee $718.00
Physical Therapists (physiotherapists) $500.00 $319.82 $235 - $298 $1,054.32 - $1,117.82
Physicians and Surgeons $1,715.00 $1,571.85 (excluding CMA) $240 to $3,600 depending on specialty $3,526.85 - $6,886.85
Psychologists $1,200.00 $372.75 $275 - $350+ $1,847.75 - $1,922.75+