Our 36th newsletter issue was released on November 26th. The newsletter includes highlights on:
New LPN Standards of Practice and Entry-Level Competencies Coming Soon
On January 1, 2022, new Standards of Practice and Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs) for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Canada will come into effect in Nova Scotia. They will replace the current 2013 versions of the Entry-to-Practice Competencies (ETPCs) and Standards of Practice.
The documents coming into effect on January 1, 2022, are modernized reflecting key considerations like language, clarity, consistency and concept. Each document underwent a literature search, environmental scan and was validated by the LPN community and key stakeholders across Canada.
Stay tuned for more information and the new Standards of Practice and ELCs in our December newsletter.
Other Highlights:
- Immunizations have a significant and positive impact on the health of our population. Review our updated COVID-19 Vaccine Regulatory Update for key regulatory facts, Public Health guidance and helpful resources.
- Read our Support of Public Health Measures statement and review your obligations as a self-regulated health care professional when it comes to participating in public discussions.
- Review our consultation summary and the feedback we received on our proposed new Quality Assurance Program that will replace the current Continuing Competence Program (CCP) for nurses and the Nurse Practitioner Quality Monitoring Program (NP-QMP).
- Pharmacies continue to play a vital role in the delivery of vaccines and testing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and they often rely on nurses to support these functions. Learn more about the role and responsibilities of nurses administering COVID-19 vaccines and testing in pharmacies.
RN Prescribing is coming soon. RN Prescribing will enable RNs with specialized education and skills to prescribe medications within their specific area of expertise, practice setting and for client conditions as identified by their employer. The goal of RN prescribing is to improve access to health care services for Nova Scotians. Stay tuned for more information!
- Check out our new professional practice bulletin which helps NPs understand their accountabilities related to seeing clients in person.
- Have you visited our Online Education Library? Convenient practice support on a range of topics is available for all nurses.
- The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia is looking for nurses who may be interested in providing COVID-19 immunizations in pharmacies.
- November's practice support tool is Assignment and Delegation. The tool plays an important role for nurses in enabling all team members to practice to their optimal scope of practice.
Missed the renewal deadline? All nurses practicing as of November 1, 2021, should have a current 2021-2022 licence. Working without a current licence is illegal.
