The Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice Toolkit

RN and NP practice is outlined by NANB in the entry-level competencies and standards of practice for both RNs and NPs. These documents inform RN and NP practice in New Brunswick and can be found on the NANB website.

You are also accountable to practice under relevant provincial and federal legislation, such as the Nurses Act and the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act. Each RN and NP is responsible for determining which legislation applies to their nursing practice.

If you have additional questions, please review NANB’s Jurisprudence Module (an online review of relevant legislation, standards and policies impacting nursing practice in New Brunswick).

Yes    No

RNs and NPs must work within the role defined by employer policy and/or job description. The roles and responsibilities of RNs and NPs are specific to the practice environment. RNs and NPs must also ensure the necessary clinical supports are available; this includes but is not limited to: guidelines, directives and/or policies to guide practice; proper equipment and/or supplies to safely perform the activity; and appropriate supervision as required. The RN or NP must know which role or activity within their practice requires direct or indirect supervision (or guidance).

• Direct means that an RN, NP, or physician is physically present at the point of care.
• Indirect means that an RN, NP or physician is available for consultation and guidance, but is not physically present at the point of care. The person providing indirect supervision is readily available and can provide assistance when needed.

The practice environment may vary based on care requirements of the clients, the delivery model of care, and staff mix. If the employer does not support the role or activity, you can advocate for and potentially assist in the development of supporting policies.

Further questions for clarification include:

• Is the procedure or activity within your documented role description?
• Do organizational policies support an RN or NP performing the procedure or activity?
• Are the necessary resources available to support the RN or NP before, during and after the procedure or activity?
• Will resources continue to be available when performing future procedures or activities?

Yes    No

Individual scope of practice is unique and specific to each RN and NP. Prior to performing any procedure or activity, nurses are accountable for reflecting on their individual scope and for considering whether they have the adequate knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the activity or procedure safely and competently. Additional competencies may be gained through experience, on-the-job training, post-basic education and/or certification. NANB provides further guidance in this decision-making process in Examining Requests for Post Entry-Level Procedures.

Self-reflecting questions will help the RN or NP determine their individual scope:

• Am I the most appropriate care provider?
• Do I have the knowledge, skill and judgment to: (a) Assess the appropriateness of performing the procedure? (b) Perform the procedure? (c) Manage the patient before, during, and after the procedure?
• How will I obtain and maintain my competence?

RNs and NPs requiring additional education and training to safely perform a role or activity within their practice environment, should discuss this limitation with their employer and seek opportunities for educational support. Questions about a competency not reflected in the documents may be directed to the NANB for further discussion.

Yes    No

By answering 'Yes' to all of the above questions, the RN or NP may perform the activity, intervention, or role in accordance with standards of safe nursing care.