Roles and Responsibilities of an RN and NP

The practice of registered nursing in Saskatchewan is defined and enabled through The Registered Nurses Act, 1988, and is commonly referred to as legislated scope of practice.

The legislation and bylaws, practice standards, entry-level competencies and code of ethics provide the foundation for Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Nurses with Additional Authorized Practice (RN(AAP)) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) to practice in Saskatchewan.

RNs, RN(AAP)s and NPs must practice within their legislated scope of practice and personal competence, as well as work within the policies, procedures and processes outlined by the employer.

RNs, RN(AAP)s and NPs recognize that the employer can limit but cannot expand their legislated scope of practice. It is also recognized that as evidence emerges, registered nursing practice evolves to meet the dynamic and changing needs of the clients. RNs, RN(AAP)s and NPs play a key role in shaping employer policies, procedures and processes in meeting the needs of the public.

Legislation & Scope of Practice

Legislated Scope of Practice Self-Assessment Tool

The self-assessment tool will help determine if a procedure or activity is within the CRNS registrant’s legislated scope of practice. Begin with the first question, if you answer “Yes” then proceed through all three questions to determine if you should engage in the practice.

Legislated Scope of Practice Self-Assessment Tool

Legislation to Support Nursing Practice

We've gathered key provincial and federal laws, bylaws and resources that apply to your nursing practice in Saskatchewan.

Explore the legislation that supports your role as a CRNS registrant.

Recognition of Practice

The CRNS recognizes that RNs and NPs are engaged in a multitude of services and activities. The Recognition of Practice process assists registrants in determining if the service or activity they are planning to provide falls within the definition of registered nursing practice in accordance with The Registered Nurses Act, 1988.

What is the Recognition of Practice Process?

RNs and NPs seeking to incorporate new and innovative services or activities into their practice must consult with the CRNS before engaging in the activities to ensure they fall within the definition of registered nursing practice.

Through the Recognition of Practice process, the registrant submits information to the CRNS regarding the services or activities they are asking to be approved. Each request for Recognition of Practice is reviewed individually. If the CRNS approves the request, the registrant may use the title RN or NP, can count the hours engaged in the service or activity towards their annual license renewal and has liability protection through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS).

RNs and NPs must comply with the current practice standards and Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses as a foundation for their practice. RNs and NPs must be licensed and in good standing for the review to be considered.

Although the activities that an RN or NP may perform through the Recognition of Practice framework may be in new and innovative settings, they must have the appropriate support to practice safely and competently.

Recognition of Practice Checklist