What is the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia?
The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (the College) is the regulatory body for registered nurses in Nova Scotia. Self-regulation is granted to the College through the Registered Nurses Act (2006).
What does self-regulation mean?
Through the Registered Nurses Act (2006), the government of Nova Scotia has given nurses the power to make decisions about the profession of nursing, with appropriate public input, i.e., self-regulation means that nurses govern themselves, in the interest of the public. Nurses determine the criteria for: registration; the standards for nursing education and practice; the professional conduct process for complaints related to incompetence, incapacity to practise and the conduct of members.
What do the terms "registered and licensed" mean?
Registration is the process whereby the name of a graduate nurse, who has met the registration requirements stated in the RN Act (2006) and Regulations (2009), is entered in the Register and a registration number is issued. The RN must be licensed every year in which she/he intends to practice nursing in Nova Scotia.
What is the process for initial registration and licensure?
Applicants are required to complete the appropriate application package. When informed of eligibility to register, the applicant completes the Application for Licence to Practise Nursing online.
When the College receives the completed Application for Licence to Practise Nursing it is reviewed to confirm that all regulatory requirements are met and that the registration/licence fee is paid. Following review of the Application, the applicantˇs name is entered in the Register, assigned a registration number, and if applicable, entered in the active-practising roster.
How do members prove that they are "registered" and eligible to practise nursing in Nova Scotia?
The names of all nurses entered into the active-practising roster can be viewed on the College website at www.crnns.ca > Licence Status Search
Please note that:
- the College's licensure year is November 1 - October 31.
- the annual licence fee is non-refundable after November 1 of each year.
What is the College's Continuing Competence Program?
Applicants are required to meet the College's Continuing Competence Program (CCP) by completing the Building Your Profile (BYP) 劮 self-assessment tool or an equivalent tool based on the Standards of Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics (RN Regulations, 2009). Completion/non-completion of this requirement is confirmed on the Application for Licence to Practise Nursing.
If the CCP requirement is not met, a three-months licence is issued, allowing the member time to meet the requirement. Holders can practise at the RN level with no restrictions. If the CCP requirement is not met within three months, the individual will become a non-active member; therefore cannot practise as a Registered Nurse.
How is entry to the active-practising roster maintained each year?
Members must complete the Application for Licence to Practise Nursing and pay the annual fee to the College. Before processing, the application is reviewed to confirm that the regulatory criteria are met.
What are the benefits to being registered and holding an active-practising licence?
Members holding an active-practising licence:
- have the right to practise nursing in Nova Scotia in accordance with the RN Act (2006);
- are eligible to use the title "Registered Nurse", "RN", "nurse", or the initials;
- receive liability protection through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS);
- receive the College's publications On-Line, and Nursing in Focus;
- receive the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) publication Canadian Nurse through the College's affiliation with CNA;
- are eligible to run for and hold office of the College Council;
- can serve as an appointed member on any committee of the College; are eligible to act as a voting delegate at the Annual General Meeting.
What responsibilities accompany my active-practising licence?
Members are required to practise within the College's definition of nursing, adhere to the Standards for Nursing Practice and the Code of Ethics.
What is the Collegeˇs definition of nursing practice?
(al) "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, and includes
(i) assessing the client to establish the client's state of health and wellness,
(ii) identifying the nursing diagnosis based on the client assessment and analysis of all
relevant data and information,
(iii) developing and implementing the nursing component of the client's plan of care,
(iv) co-ordinating client care in collaboration with other health care disciplines,
(v) monitoring and adjusting the plan of care based on client responses,
(vi) evaluating the client's outcomes,
(vii) such other roles, functions and accountabilities within the scope of practice of
the profession that support client safety and quality care, in order to:
(A) promote, maintain or restore health,
(B) prevent illness and disease,
(C) manage acute illness,
(D) manage chronic disease,
(E) provide palliative care,
(F) provide rehabilitative care,
(G) provide guidance and counselling, and
(H) make referrals to other health care providers and community resources,
and also includes research, education, consultation, management, administration, regulation, policy or system development relevant to subclauses (i) to (vii).
How are nursing practice hours calculated to meet the criteria for entry to the active-practising roster?
Full-time practice hours are considered to be 1725 hours.
Only hours actually engaged in the practice of nursing, that is, actual hours PRACTISED per year are calculated. Hours away from work for maternity/sick leaves, long term disability, vacation/statutory holidays, travel to and from work, days off or, on call hours spent waiting for work ARE NOT included in this total.
If enrolled as a full-time student, in a nursing program approved by Council, this time is recognized as full-time hours (1725). If enrolled as a part-time student in a nursing program approved by Council, 60 practice hours per credit may be claimed.
Members are expected to obtain and maintain documents that substantiate reported practice hours. This documentation may be requested to validate reported hours.
How is your personal information protected?
The College is committed to protecting your personal information. It does not sell, barter, trade, or give your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent. If you have questions regarding the College's Privacy Policy please contact, in writing, the Dircector - Corporate Services, at the address noted below or review the College's Privacy Policy Statement at www.crnns.ca.
How can you contact the College?
Website www.crnns.ca
E-mail registration@crnns.ca
Mail
College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
Suite 4005 - 7071 Bayers Rd
Halifax NS B3l 2C2 Canada
Telephone
902-491-9744, Ext. 225 (International Applicants)
902-491-9744, Ext. 249 (Canadian Applicants)
Toll-free (NS) 1-800-565-9744
Facsimile
902-491-9510
In person
College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
Suite 4005 - 7071 Bayers Rd., Halifax, NS
Additional Resources for Internationally Educated Nurses
Registration & Licensure Flowchart
New Brunswick
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