Transformation of the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing

The purpose of this historical research was to analyze the 1967 restructuring of the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing (CAUSN) from a powerless, loose affiliation of individual nurse academics into a potentially powerful association of deans and directors. After its 1967 restructuring, CAUSN became active nationally and collaborated with the Canadian Nurses Association on doctoral education, accreditation for nursing education programs, and baccalaureate entry to practice. It also successfully implemented a national program of voluntary accreditation of baccalaureate education. The transformation of CAUSN was analyzed using primary data located in the Queen's University Archives, Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nurses Association Archives, Ottawa, Ontario, and from selected interviews. Secondary data was used to augment and corroborate interpretation of primary data.