From time to time, Canadian rural nurses have discussed the possibility of creating a national interest group for rural and remote nurses. In 2002, a group of Canadian nurses with an interest in rural and remote nursing determined that work needed to be done to make this possibility a reality. It was proposed that a logical way to organize would be through the emerging group membership structure of the Canadian Nurses Association. Over the course of two years, the small group of nurses implemented a variety of strategies to connect with rural and remote nurses across Canada to assess and generate interest with nurse colleagues for a national group that would connect nurses practicing in rural and remote settings.

In 2003, the Canadian Association for Rural and Remote Nursing (CARRN) achieved emerging group status under the auspices of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and held the first general meeting in June 2004. CARRN has a membership of over 100 nurses from across the country - from sea to sea. A listserve has been initiated for nurses to connect with each other on issues of policy and practice and a regular newsletter will be provided for members.

Objectives of CARRN include:

• To promote the development and dissemination of standards of practice
  

• To facilitate communication and networking
  

• To present the views of the CARRN to government, educational, professional and other appropriate bodies.
  

• To explicate the evolving roles and functions of rural and remote nurses
  

• To identify and promote educational opportunities
  

• To promote the conduct and dissemination of research
  

• To collaborate with the key stakeholders on the development of sound health policy for those living in rural and remote Canada.