College publications on this website are PDF documents and free to download. Any questions? Contact the College at info@crnns.ca.

There are several options to find publications:

1. If you know the title of a publication, enter this title in the website search box located at the top of the website.
2. Browse titles alphabetcially through the list provided below.
3. Browse by category (see list below) and select from the list the publication of your choice.

Click on a category to view current publications:

• Legislative Documents
  Legislation is law which has been enacted by a legislature or other governing body.  In Nova Scotia, the RN Act and the Regulations are the legislation and form the basis for all College policies. The College By-Laws are brought about or enforced by legislation.
   
• Policy Statements
  A policy statement is a written document in a variety of formats that directs professional practice by outlining the accountabilities, responsibilities and circumstances with which a registered nurse in Nova Scotia must comply in order to adhere to nursing legislation, regulations or bylaws and be consistent with the mandate/ends of the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
  
  A policy statement:
  - Directs professional practice
  - Is non-negotiable
  - Prescribes limits and assigns responsibilities
  - Is realistic and achievable
  - Is clear/concise
  - Is based on evidence, best practice and/or bench-marking
  - Includes references or bibliography
   
• Position Statements
  A position statement is a document reflecting the position taken by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia that highlights the College's interpretation, stand or view on a particular nursing or health care issue or trend and/or external stakeholder policy. A position paper is used to influence nursing, health policy or the health of Nova Scotians, may be future oriented and may or may not include recommendations.
  
  A position statement:
  - Reflects the vision, mission and values of the College
  - Reflects the College's stand on a particular issue, trend, health/public policy
  - May contain recommendations
  - Is based on evidence or best practice
  - Provides background information
  - May include facts, figures
  - May include views of the nursing community, if applicable
  - Includes references/bibliography
   
• Discussion Papers
  A discussion paper is a comprehensive paper used to analyze an issue in nursing or health care with the aim to inform future direction and next steps
  
  A discussion paper:
  - Is broad
  - Presents a balanced view, if possible
  - Describes stakeholder input, if applicable
  - Provides a comprehensive review of stakeholder documents and the related academic literature
   
• Professional Practice Guidelines 
  Guidelines are information intended to provide guidance, instruction and direction to make informed decisions. Guidelines support professional judgment and permit flexible decision-making in practice.
  
  A guideline:
  - Provides advice, instructions, directions
  - Contains written principles that guide actions
  - Supports professional judgment
  - Permits flexible decision-making
  - Encourages professional judgment
  - May provide direction for policy development
   

• Reports
  Reports are documents that provide an opinion and are characterized by information or specific, focused content that is reflective of inquiry or investigation, and that is tailored to a specifice audience.
  
  A report:
  - Presents specific, focused content
  - Persuades a specific audience to undertake an action
  - Often uses persuasive elements, such as graphics, images, voice, or specialized vocabulary
   
• Brochures & Posters
   
• Fact Sheets
   
• Questions & Answers from the College
   
• Newsletters
   
• Nurse Practitioners

PDF files listed on this website require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To download the free Reader, click on the icon to reach the Adobe Acrobat website.   


NOTE: Please be aware that some of these files may require a few minutes to download depending on your connection speed