The Practice of Nursing
Framework for the Practice of
Registered Nurses in Canada
Registered Nurses (RNs) receive legal authority to use the title “registered nurse” or “RN” through provincial and territorial legislation and regulation. RNs practise in all provinces and territories in Canada and across the full range of clinical care, education, administration, research and policy settings.
The CNA Framework for the Practice of Registered Nurses in Canada promotes acommon understanding of the current practice of RNs in Canada. Given the large number of regulated and unregulated care providers, it is important for policy- and decision-makers and employers to clearly understand the competencies and contributions of RNs and to know in what situations an RN is most appropriate.
Created through a national working group and consultation process, the framework is a resource for RNs as they work with others in planning a health-care system that is responsive to the needs and priorities of Canadians.
Key Elements include:
- Definition of RN
- Theoretical foundation of the practice of RNs
- Professional practice
- RN careers
- The impact of RNs
The framework was created through a national working group and consultation process.
A profession’s scope of practice encompasses the activities its practitioners are educated and authorized to perform. The overall scope of practice for the profession sets the outer limits of practice for all practitioners. The actual scope of practice of individual practitioners is influenced by the settings in which they practice, the requirements of the employer and the needs of their patients or clients. Although it can be difficult to define precisely, scope of practice is important because it is the base from which governing bodies prepare standards of practice, educational institutions prepare curricula, and employers prepare job descriptions. Consumers, too, need at least a general understanding of scope of practice to know who is qualified to provide different kinds of services.
- An Evaluation Framework was developed by representatives from the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Canadian Practical Nurses Association (CPNA), the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR) and the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada (RPNC) to determine the impact of nursing staff mix decisions. The framework was based upon a literature review and was finalized after incorporating feedback from a national consultation (CNA, 2005). Evaluation Framework to Determine the Impact of Nursing Staff Mix Decisions
- This literature review examines the evidence and research related to nursing staff mix decisions based on licensed or regulated care providers (RNs and LPNs) and the impacts on patient outcomes. Nursing Staff Mix: A Literature Review
- This paper presents an overview of the situation and emerging directions regarding nursing scope of practice in Canada. Information is also included to help place the Canadian situation within the international context. The Scope of Nursing Practice: A Review of Issues and Trends
