Professional Practice Diana Smith MN, RN, CNCC Nursing Practice Consultant CRNNS SFX School of Nursing February 17, 2010

Self-Regulation – Purpose of the College The College exists to serve and protect the public interest, preserve the integrity of the nursing profession, and maintain public confidence in the ability of the nursing profession to regulate itself. RN Act, 2006

Principles of Self-Regulation Promoting Good Practice Preventing Poor Practice Intervening when practice is unacceptable

Overview Standards Code of Ethics Entry Level Competencies Professional Conduct Process Promote best practices via position statements, guidelines, resource guides As registered nurses we establish how nursing should be practised

What does it mean to be a member of a self-regulating profession?

Overview Unregulated Regulated Self-Regulated What’s the difference?

Overview Regulated professionals have a scope of practice defined in their legislation. Unregulated workers have a scope of employment defined by their job description. Personal Scope

Scope of Practice is… …those activities that you are educated, authorized, and competent to perform.

Collaborative Practice Working as members of the health care team by respecting and acknowledging the roles of all those within the healthcare system in contributing to safe, competent and ethical care. Fostering partnerships Decision making re: most appropriate care provider is focused on the needs of the client.

“Practice of nursing” means the application of specialized and evidence-based knowledge of nursing theory, health and human sciences, inclusive of principles of primary health care, in the provision of professional services to a broad array of clients ranging from stable or predictable to unstable or unpredictable… ~RN Act, 2006

RN Scope LPN Scope

Today’s Nurses Brochure  RNs  LPNs  NPs

Competence is…. The ability to integrate and apply the knowledge, skill, and judgment required to practise safely and ethically in a designated role and practice setting and includes both entry-level and continuing competencies. RN Act, 2006

Entry Level Competencies Behavioural statements that reflect the integrated knowledge, skills, and judgment required of an entry- level registered nurse.

Entry Level Competencies… Are broad in nature and reflect diverse practice settings. Are baseline practice requirements for the newly-graduated registered nurse. Inform the public and employers of realistic expectations for new nursing graduates.

RN Standards & Competence

“The nurse administrator (manager) promotes a learning environment that supports continuous professional development for competent nursing practice.”

What is my obligation if I see incompetence?

How do you know when you’re competent?

Your Accountabilities Communicate if unable to perform Assess your own level of competence Attain & maintain relevant competencies Recognize that authority to perform does not equate to competence to perform Realize that continuing education programs and clinical experience enhance competence

What are some barriers to maintaining competence?

A continuing competence program focuses on promoting the maintenance and enhancement of continuing competence of registered nurses throughout their careers.

Continuing Competence Requirements 1. Maintenance of practice hours 2. Participation in the CRNNS Continuing Competence Program

Self-Reflection “One of the hallmarks of professionals is their ability to use their experiences... James et al, 1993, p. 5 They do this by continually thinking about and reviewing their experiences, and by changing their actions and practice in light of those reflections.”

Enhancing Reflection… Journal Discuss Think Revise

A Code of Ethics is… …a statement of ethical values of nurses and of their commitments to persons with healthcare needs and persons receiving care. Applies to nurses in all contexts.

Appendix D – Ethical Considerations in Relationships with Nursing Students Nurses treat each other, colleagues, students, and other healthcare workers in a respectful manner, recognizing power differentials…

Nurses share their knowledge and provide feedback, mentorship, and guidance for the professional development of nursing students, novice nurses, and other healthcare team members. ~Appendix D

Person- Centred Care

CRNNS Resources

 Telehealth ™  Education Sessions  Practice Consultations  Publications – guidelines, reports, & position statements to support best practices  Mentor Match™  Professional Conduct Review

Web Resources (best practice guidelines) Dr. Judy Boychuk Duchscher (new grads)

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mohandas Gandhi