Is there evidence to support your practice?

An increase in client demand for nonsurgical aesthetic and wellness treatments has allowed registered nurses to expand into different fields of nursing practice. As this area of nursing gains momentum, all registrants are reminded of the legislated requirement to provide evidence-informed care.

As a registered nurse, you are required to practice evidence-informed nursing. You must be able to demonstrate that a clinical intervention is supported by evidence and science and in keeping with professional, ethical, and legal obligations. If evidence for an intervention is biased, inconsistent, or scarce, the registrant needs to reflect upon whether it is appropriate to incorporate or continue to offer the intervention as part of their nursing practice.

The registrant is responsible for identifying whether their practice is clinically indicated and evidence-informed, regardless of whether the intervention is currently performed by other healthcare providers or in other jurisdictions. For information about evidence-informed decision-making, refer to the CRNM Complementary and Alternative Health Care document.

In addition to reflecting upon whether your clinical practice is evidence-informed and/or clinically indicated, consider the following to ensure you are meeting all practice expectations and practice directions:

• Do I have the authority to perform the activity through identified nursing legislation?
• Do I possess the knowledge, skill, and judgment to practice safely and competently?
• Are clients provided with informed consent, e.g., risks, benefits, and alternatives?
• Is there a client-specific order for the care or treatment, if required? Note: Some Reserved Acts require an order and/or additional education.
• How is the nursing process integrated into the new activity, e.g. how is intervention effectiveness measured?
• As a requirement of the Regulated Health Professions Act, how is the care or treatment documented and the healthcare records maintained to reflect the nursing process?

Questions?

The Quality Practice team is here to support you. If you have concerns or questions about evidence-informed nursing practice, email practice@crnm.mb.ca.