Nursing roles are continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of client populations and the health care system and to reflect changes in legislation, regulation and educational advancements.

Confirming Nursing Practice (CNP) is a regulatory process whereby the registrant confirms the activity or service that they provide meets all of the legislative requirements and definitions of RN or NP practice.

Nursing roles are continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of client populations and the health care system and to reflect changes in legislation, regulation and educational advancements.

 In Saskatchewan, the scope of practice of the profession is defined by:

• The Registered Nurses Act, 1988, the CRNS Bylaws and other relevant federal and provincial legislation;
• Practice Standards, Entry-Level Competencies, relevant College documents and ethical code; and,
• other standards (e.g., specialty standards).

Individual RN/NP scope of practice is influenced by:

• individual competency shaped by continuing education and experience;
• specific competencies required of the RN or NP;
• employer authorization to perform specific nursing competencies provided through employer policies, role/job descriptions and/or care directives, RNSPs, etc.;
• practice settings; and,
• needs and health goals of the client(s).

The Registered Nurses Act, 1988, section 2, states that the “practice of registered nursing” means the performance or co-ordination of health care services including but not limited to:

(i) observing and assessing the health status of clients and planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care; and,

(ii) the counselling, teaching, supervision, administration and research that is required to implement or complement health care services; for the purpose of promoting, maintaining or restoring health, preventing illness and alleviating suffering... (p. 3).

Most RNs and NPs work as employees in roles that requires them to perform nursing services in accordance with the CRNS Legislated Scope of Practice Self-Assessment Tool. In these cases, their nursing services count toward required practice hours for licensure. However, a number of nurses are now working in non-traditional roles or settings. In these cases, it can be harder to determine whether their work qualifies as RN or NP practice and whether the hours can be used for licensure renewal.

To further support professional practice, the CRNS has created the following resources:

• Reflect on Your Practice: Cosmetic Injectables 
• Aesthetic Nursing, 2025
• Self-Employed Practice Guideline CRNS, 2024 (under review)
• Medication Management Guideline CRNS, 2021
• RN Specialty Practices Guideline CRNS, 2025

What is the Confirming Nursing Practice (CNP) process?

Confirming Nursing Practice (CNP) is a regulatory process whereby the registrant confirms the activity or service they provide meets legislative requirements and the definition of RN or NP practice.

CNP is meant for RNs or NPs who are or who will be working in non-traditional roles or settings, providing new or innovative treatment or procedures, in a role that does not specifically require the knowledge and competency of an RN or NP, or if unsure whether it falls within their scope of practice. Activities and services that fall within the realm of aesthetic nursing currently require the RN or NP to go through the CNP process for the activity/service they provide.

The CNP process promotes registrant accountability and professional judgement by relying on the registrant, as the practice expert, to reflect on their role, activities, and responsibilities in relation to relevant legislation, scope of practice, standards, and competencies.

Completing the CNP process includes the RN or NP submitting the CNP form, confirming they are:

• meeting the legislative definition and requirements of RN or NP practice in Saskatchewan;
• complying with CRNS Practice Standards, Code of Conduct, and all other regulatory guidance and updates;
• using nursing knowledge, skills, and judgment;
• actively and consistently using the nursing process;
• meeting key requirements such as authorization mechanisms, liability protection, documentation, privacy, conflict of interest, advertising, and policy needs;
• identifying risks and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the public, such as having referral systems, emergency equipment, and clear role descriptions and protocols;
• practicing within their scope, individual competence and practice setting supports.

In turn, this enables registrants to:

• include the RN or NP practice hours worked in the role towards licensure;
• use the title Registered Nurse or RN, Reg.N, Nurse Practitioner or NP; and,
• secure liability protection through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) while providing those nursing services.

To complete the CNP Process:

• review the CRNS Legislated Scope of Practice Self-Assessment Tool;
• watch the CNP educational video; and,
• log into your Alinity account to submit the CNP form on your dashboard.

You will receive an email from the CRNS notifying you the form has been received, and another email to alert you when it has been confirmed. You can also check the status anytime by simply logging into your Alinity account and reviewing the status of the form as shown on your dashboard.