Standards of Practice

All nurses in Nova Scotia have standards that they must follow in order to be able to work in the profession. These standards set the legal and professional responsibility of nurses and outlines what we should expect from any nurse in any workplace in this province.

Each nursing designation (LPN, RN, NP) has standards of practice that align with each designation’s distinct and separate scope of practice:

We set the standards, in collaboration with nurses, the public and others. If a nurse is unable to meet the standards of practice, we also intervene to make sure the public is protected.

More Tools Available

We offer a variety of useful practice support tools to help you better understand the standards of practice. Click here to visit this page.

Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada

All LPNs are responsible to follow the standards. This means:

Being professional, accountable and responsible
Being knowledgeable in their role, with a commitment to lifelong learning
Collaborating to provide and improve services in the best interest of clients
Upholding, promoting and adhering to the code of ethics

Open the Standards of Practice for LPNs

Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses

All RNs and NPs are responsible to follow the standards. This means:

Being responsible and accountable
Using knowledge to provide care
Establishing a professional and therapeutic relationship
Being a leader and establishing professional relationships
Being accountable to self-regulate

Open the Standards of Practice for RNs

Nurse Practitioner Standards of Practice

All NPs are responsible to follow the standards, in addition to the RN standards. This means:

Being responsible and accountable
Being a leader and advocating to enhance quality of care
Assessing and diagnosing clients
Managing client care using evidence
Collaborating, referring and consulting with clients and other health professionals