June 1, 2023

Practice Expectation Spotlight

Practice Expectation Spotlight: Resource Library

One way the College supports quality registered nursing practice is through the development and sharing of various documents. If you have accessed the College resource library, you may have noticed that there are two main types of documents: practice directions and practice support documents.  There are similarities but also some differences between the two types of documents.

Purpose

Practice Direction

Practice directions are used as a benchmark for registered nursing practice and are the foundation for guiding regulatory practice. Practice directions establish additional expectations of registered nursing practice not found in legislation and set legal references for nursing.

Practice Support Document

Further explains and guides registered nurses to meet the practice expectations set out in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), regulations, and practice directions.

Creates greater clarity for the principle-based practice expectations.

Shows registered nurses “how” to meet the standards/ practice expectations.

Executive Expectations (EE)-12 Policy

The policy identifies the: global principles for regulatory process operations, quality assurance and continuing competence, registration, and the development of standards or Practice Directions for governing the practice of registered nursing.

These principles are designed to meet the legislative requirements defined in the RHPA.

Practice Direction

When developing or changing standards or Practice Directions, the CEO/Registrar shall ensure that the development is consistent with the following:

  • Practice Standards are used as the benchmarks for registered nursing practice and are the foundation for guiding regulatory practices.
  • Standards are developed to be consistent with the achievement of the Council’s strategic outcomes policy direction.
  • Issues for the development of Practice Directions are selected when:
    • the issue is of at least provincial significance.
    • it is an issue about which the registered nursing profession can speak knowledgeably.
  • The Council is advised if the standards do not represent a consensus.
  • Standards and Practice Directions are brought to the Council via consent agenda for final approval prior to release.
  • All standards and Practice Directions are kept current.
    • Review dates:  both are reviewed every 5 years

Practice Support Document

Identifies further information not specifically addressed in the policy and may use cases to demonstrate policy application.

Document Development

Practice Direction

  • College team member identifies a need for resource.
  • A worksheet is completed to determine if the resource should be a Practice Direction or Practice Support document.
  • External consultation is done as per CRNM Consultation Policy AS-7.
  • Environmental Scan.
  • Feedback is reviewed and considered.
  • Document is shared with Quality Regulatory Practice Committee at the College
  • Document is presented to Council for review and approval.
  • Once approved, the document is available on the college website Resource Library.

Practice Support Document

  • College team member identifies a need for a resource.
  • A worksheet is completed to determine if the resource should be a Practice Direction or Practice Support Document.
  • External Consultation as per CRNM Consultation Policy AS-7.
  • Environmental Scan.
  • Feedback is reviewed and considered.
  • Document is shared with Quality Regulatory Practice Committee at the College for internal review.
  • Final document is approved by the leader of the department that developed the document
  • Final document version is available on the college website Resource Library.

Co-Author

Practice Direction

At times, the College will work with other regulators to co-author a practice direction.

Practice Support Document

At times, the College will work with other regulators to co-author a practice support document.

Council Expectation

Practice Direction

Policy EE-12 identifies Council expectations for the development of Standards or Practice Directions for Governing the Practice of Registered Nursing.

These principles are designed to meet the legislative requirements defined in The Regulated Health Professions Act.

Compliance with Practice Directions is required; these expectations also serve as a legal reference to describe reasonable and prudent nursing practice.

College Council meets four times a year. Practice Direction approval occurs during regularly scheduled Council meetings.

Practice Support Document

Does not need Council approval. However, the document may be shared with Council for information only.

Review Cycle

Practice Direction

Reviewed every five years.

Practice Support Document

Reviewed every five years.

Consultation (Registrant and College Team Member)

Practice Direction

May request a consultation to assist in the interpretation of the document.

You will find which department to contact with your questions at the bottom of the document.

Practice Support Document

May request a consultation to assist in the interpretation of the document.

You will find which department to contact with your questions at the bottom of the document.

 

Now that you know more about what a practice direction and practice support document is, you will be able to find the resource most appropriate to your need.

Please feel welcome to contact the appropriate College team identified in the document if required.