Supervised Practice Experience (SPE)
To support registrants who do not meet the bylaw requirements for licensure renewal, the CRNS introduced the Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) as an alternative pathway.
This initiative is designed to help registrants regain entry-level competence and prepare for a safe return to general practice. Upon successful completion of the SPE, registrants are considered to have met the necessary requirements for license renewal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an SPE you must:
- have been in good standing (have no conditions/restrictions on your license) when you last were licensed;
- have an employer (in Saskatchewan) that is willing to support you in a paid RN position performing RN roles and duties during the SPE;
- be able to complete the required minimum 240 hours supervised practice, excluding orientation, within a three-month period; and,
- agree to sign a voluntary non-practice agreement which will come into force and effect if you are unable to successfully complete the SPE.
Upon successful completion of the SPE, you satisfy the practice hour requirement for maintaining eligibility for licensure for a period of five (5) years.
If you are unable to successfully complete the SPE, you will be required to complete one of the following options to be eligible for licensure:
- Successful completion of an RN re-entry program; or,
- Completion of a competence assessment and any assigned remediation.
The SPE supports eligible registrants to regain entry level competence and prepare them for general practice and employment. It offers a way to demonstrate competence for those who have not met the hourly bylaw requirement to maintain their eligibility to practice.
Registrants hold a practicing license with the CRNS during the SPE.
Registrants must complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practice in a paid RN position, excluding orientation, with an employer selected supervising RN. The CRNS will determine the level of supervision on a case-by-case basis.
Direct supervision means that a Registered Nurse must be with the registrant at all times during the provision of duties as a Registered Nurse.
Indirect supervision means that a Registered Nurse must be available to the registrant at all times for consultation during the provision of duties as a Registered Nurse.
The registrant shall not be in charge or work independently.
Once started, the SPE must be completed without interruption. The SPE should be completed as soon as possible, however must be completed no longer than three months from the start date.
The Registrar has the discretion to lower the minimum number of hours and level of supervision required on a case-by-case basis or to add additional hours when necessary.
- A declaration that they have reviewed the applicable current CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, 2017 and RN Practice Standards, 2024;
- A self-assessment of their competencies and a learning plan. The learning plan will be shared with their preceptor; and,
- A Voluntary Non-Practicing (VNP) Agreement must be signed as a condition of the SPE being granted. Should the participant fail to meet the requirements of the SPE, by signing the VNP, the participant agrees to cease practicing until such time as the requirements for licensure are met.
The employer is responsible to:
- Ensure the onboarding requirements have been met;
- Hire, develop and implement a site-specific orientation;
- Select the supervising RN;
- Determine the suitability of the practice setting for the participant; and,
- Submit an evaluation at the mid-point and end of the SPE.
How can you reach us?
Contact a CRNS Registration Services Advisor by email at regulation@crns.ca.