RN Tasks & Nursing Activities: Where's the List?

I am a relatively new manager and I’d like a list of all the nursing activities or tasks that RNs can perform. Where can I find this list?

• Registered nursing practice is very complex and dynamic in nature and is performed in a multitude of care settings. It cannot be reduced to a list of tasks or nursing activities.
• RNs have the foundational knowledge to provide and coordinate care for all levels of complexity; in situations of health and illness; with all people across the lifespan; with all recipients of care: individuals, families, groups, communities and populations; across diverse practice settings; and using evidence-informed practice (1).
• Personal competence is unique and specific to each RN (2). As a manager, understanding the RNs’ skillset, past nursing experience, future goals and supports required are all ways that RNs can be optimized in their role and may lead to retention of nursing staff within the unit or setting.
• RN practice in a specific setting is based on client need and is supported through employer policies and procedures which describe the RN role in a particular activity (3).
• The Registered Nurse Specialty Practice (RNSP) model applies to RNs who are licensed to practice in Saskatchewan and provides the opportunity for all RNs to safely and competently optimize their scope of practice in the interest of the individual client or client population (4).

If there is no list of nursing activities or tasks for me to refer to, what can I access to help me understand what RNs can and should do in our practice settings?

The CRNS has documents that help managers and others understand the scope of practice, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of registered nurses. Please refer to the chart below to determine which documents are available and how to use them

In my orientation to the manager role, I learned a bit about RN Specialty Practices. I was told that RNSPs are necessary in most practice areas. If there isn’t a list of these specialized nursing activities, how can I learn more?

Most work settings may require RNs to perform RN Specialty Practices (RNSPs) to meet the care needs of the client population they care for. RNSPs impact the majority of CRNS registrants because nursing care is changing and evolving to integrate best practice and technologic advancements that are beyond entry level RN practice. The chart and link below outline a CRNS resource that may help you expand your knowledge of RNSPs.

Is there any other legislation that authorizes registered nurse practice?

Yes, as the care of complex clients evolve, opportunities arise for the inclusion of additional RN delegated medical activities and services. These activities are limited in number and are clearly identified in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan Bylaws and re-stated in the CRNS Nursing Practice Update that is focused on Physician to RN Delegation (5).

If I have questions about the scope of RN practice in Saskatchewan, how can I find out more?

Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to guide and support you in your manager role. Please contact an advisor by phone at 1-800-667-9945 or by email at

practiceadvice@crns.ca.