The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) is the regulatory body for nursing in Nova Scotia.
The Nursing Act gives NSCN the privilege and responsibility to serve the public by regulating all nurses in Nova Scotia.
We help to protect the public and maintain their trust by ensuring that nurses meet expected standards of learning, competence, health and conduct. This includes:
- Licensing qualified nurses to practise in Nova Scotia
- Setting standards for nursing practice and ethics
- Approving nursing education programs
- Supporting nurses in their continuous learning
- Addressing concerns about nursing practice
Our regulatory approach is grounded in a commitment to a safe, ethical, competent and compassionate nursing profession. We strive to engage in regulation that is relevant to our communities’ needs and the practical reality of nursing practice.
Your Voice Helps Us Regulate
We believe in the importance of understanding the needs of the public we serve. Your input helps shape our work—keeping us focused on new and better ways to regulate nursing.
Who We Work With
As partners in the healthcare community, we collaborate with many groups to keep Nova Scotians safe. We work with the public, nurses, employers, educators, unions, government, regulators, associations, and nursing groups.
We value the experience each of you brings. And we believe that by working together, we can meet our goals in a way that benefits everyone.
Our Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values
Purpose
We lead to inspire excellence to uphold public confidence.
Vision
To be the leader in regulatory excellence.
Mission
We protect the public of Nova Scotia by regulating nursing services. Here are some of the ways we do our work:
- We set practice standards
- We register and license those qualified to practice nursing
- We approve nursing education programs
- We intervene to preserve safe practice
- We govern and operate with the highest integrity
Values
Accountability
- We are courageous and committed to making evidence-informed decisions.
- We are accountable and responsible for the decisions we make.
Transparency
- We engage in a participatory, collaborative and respectful way.
- We disseminate clear, relevant and useful information and guidelines.
Integrity
- We will be truthful, honest and engage in respectful dialogue.
- We perform all activities in a fair and consistent way, precluding bias against anyone.
Agility
- We will anticipate and respond with an open mind.
- We foster a mindset of collaboration, openness, and innovation.
Relational
- We are committed to cultivating and sustaining relationships by being respectful, inclusive, genuine and consistent.
- We will behave in a manner that encompasses diversity and reflects professionalism.