RN Practice
- RNs are held accountable to the current CRNS Registered Nurse Practice Standards and the CNA Code of Ethicsfor Registered Nurses. The Registered Nurse Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs) assists RNs and others to understand the actions that demonstrate competence at an entry-level. Therefore, it is essential that all managers of RNs are familiar with these documents. You can find these foundational documents, guidelines and other resources on the CRNS website.
- The Registered Nurses Act, 1988 contains a mandatory reporting requirement indicating that if you terminate a Graduate Nurse (GN), RN, Registered Nurse (Additional Authorized Practice) [RN(AAP)], Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Graduate Nurse Practitioner (GNP) for professional incompetence or misconduct, you must report this to professionalconduct@crns.ca.
- The RN Scope of Practice is evolving. There are many well-established processes that optimize RN practice such as RN Specialty Practices (RNSP), RN(AAP), and others. RNs can utilize the Legislated Scope of Practice toolto determine what is within or outside of their current scope of nursing practice in Saskatchewan.
- Evidence-informed staffing models provide the basis for staffing decisions. However, client complexity as well as individual scope of practice for all members of the health care team should be considered when determining client assignments in a dynamic care environment. Building awareness and supporting knowledge development increases the likelihood of achieving desired client outcomes. The Toolkit for Managers of RNs Coordination of Care document provides key information about RN expectations when assigning and coordinating care.
- The CRNS conducts an annual survey of all registrants to determine the top five nursing issues they would like to learn more about. The most recent requests focused on documentation, ethics, workplace relationships, professionalism and boundaries and the Continuing Competence Program (CCP). A variety of learning resources are available about these and other nursing topics on the CRNS Nursing Resources page.
NP Practice
- The Prescription Review Program (PRP) monitors prescribing by physicians, pharmacists and NPs in the province. If you are an employer of NPs, an understanding of the purpose and functioning of this program is essential.
- As authorized prescribers, NPs can sign directives for RNSP when the NP has the knowledge and authority from their employer (if applicable) to do so.
Licensing
- RNs must hold a valid license with the CRNS and renew annually for the period of December 1 to November 30. As a manager, upon initial hire of an RN, annually prior to December 1, and prior to an RN’s return from a leave of absence, you are responsible to verify all RNs working on your unit, in your program and/or department hold an active licence with the CRNS. You can do this by accessing the Nurse License Check.
- Practicing registrants must report to the Registrar, as soon as is reasonably practical, a charge for any criminal offense under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or any similar legislation in any province, territory, state or country or any offence in relation to the practice of nursing or another profession in any jurisdiction.
- Practicing registrants must immediately report to the Registrar if they have obtained a conviction or finding of guilt for any criminal offense under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or any similar legislation in any province, territory, state or country or any offence in relation to the practice of nursing or another profession in any jurisdiction.
- New nursing graduates are eligible for a GN license with the CRNS. A GN license is a four-month temporary license and can be renewed for a maximum of two four-month periods. When the new graduate successfully completes the RN licensure exam- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meets the requirements for licensure, they can apply for an RN Licence. The GN licence requires that the individual be supervised by an RN. It is important to know that nursing graduates cannot work without a GN licence. For more information about this, please visit: crns.ca.
Continuing Competence Program (CCP)
- Participation in the CRNS CCP is mandatory for all RNs. We encourage you to discuss your RN staff’s CCP learning plans with them. There may be wonderful opportunities for them to share knowledge with peers and others, and to positively impact client outcomes while completing their CCP.
Resources
- Managers of RNs are encouraged to read the CRNS News Bulletin to keep current regarding RN matters. Keep informed about the most recent business of the CRNS by accessing the CRNS News Bulletin online, Nursing Practice Updates, or the CRNS homepage.
- Managers of RNs (whether they are RNs themselves or non-RNs) are invited to attend the CRNS Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting occurs in the spring each year and the timing is shared with all registrants through a variety of communications and posted on the website.
- The CRNS has Workplace Liaison and Workplace Mentor programs to foster ongoing communication and engagement between the CRNS and registrants. As a manager, you may wish to explore whether the unit/department/facility has a Liaison and encourage RNs to apply for the Liaison program.
- CRNS registrants are invited to join the CRNS Connects Facebook group to connect with other RNs on important nursing topics, follow us @the_crns on Instagram or find us on LinkedIn by searching the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan.
CRNS staff are available as a resource for managers of RNs should they have questions about registered nursing practice.