Registered nurses (RNs) practise in all of Canada’s provinces and territories across the five domains: administration, clinical care, education, policy and research.
Provincial/territorial legislation and regulations are used to grant qualified nurses the legal authority to use the title “registered nurse” or “RN”.
Framework for the Practice of Registered Nurses in Canada
The 2015 update to the Framework for the Practice of Registered Nurses in Canada, originally published in 2007, promotes a common understanding of RN practice among nurses, students and stakeholders (including other health professionals, employers, educators, policy-makers and the public). Given the large number of regulated and unregulated care providers in Canada, it is essential for policy-makers, decision-makers and employers to clearly understand RN competencies and contributions as well as to know when RN care is the most appropriate.
Created through a national advisory group and consultation process, the framework is a resource for RNs as they work with others in planning a health-care system that is responsive to the needs and priorities of Canadians.
Key elements include:
- Definition of the RN
- Theoretical foundation of RN practice
- Professional practice
- RN careers
- The impact of RNs
- Looking to the future