What the College is …
- The regulatory body for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in Nova Scotia; responsible for protecting the public by ensuring that RNs and NPs practise safely, competently and ethically. (Professions such as medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, engineering, and law are also self-regulating, with their respective regulatory bodies.)
- A not-for-profit entity that operates solely on the basis of annual licensing fees paid by RNs and NPs.
What the College is not …
- A professional nursing association
- A nurses’ union
- A government department or government funded agency
- A nursing school or educational institution
What the College does …
- Sets standards for the educational preparation and qualifications required to enter the nursing profession as RNs or NPs (includes establishing standards for and approving university-based nursing education programs)
- Establishes and maintains the standards for nursing practice that RNs and NPs must meet in their day-to-day practice to ensure the delivery of safe, ethical and competent nursing care
- Issues nursing licences to qualified applicants: ensuring that those who practise as RNs or NPs are competent
- Establishes initial and ongoing competencies required to practise nursing
- Promotes and enhances the continuing competence of RNs and NPs (includes education sessions to assist registered nurses and nurse practitioners in providing safe, ethical and competent nursing care)
- Investigates all complaints related to nursing practice, and takes appropriate disciplinary action when there is evidence of misconduct, incompetence, incapacity or conduct unbecoming the profession.
How the College operates …
- An 18-member governing Council sets broad policy directions for the College. The Council is composed of 12 registered nurses who are elected by their colleagues, and six public representatives who are appointed by Council.
- A staff of approximately 25 (professional and administrative support) conducts the day-to-day work of the College, based on the direction of the Registered Nurses Act and policies established by Council.
College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
4005-7071 Bayers Road, Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Tel 491.9744 Toll-free (NS) 1.800.565.9744 Fax 491.9510
E-mail info@crnns.ca Website www.crnns.ca
Revised: April 2009 |
