Regulation of Nursing

Question 1

What is the health professions act?

Answer 1

Legislation that requires and gives authority to health professional colleges to follow rules for investigating complaints, setting educational standards, ensuring ethical practice, and setting practice standards for registered members

Question 2

In Alberta, who is responsible for establishing and enforcing safe, ethical, professional practice as set by HPA?

Answer 2

College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)

Question 3

What are the two duties of professional colleges?*

Answer 3

1. Govern and regulate the practice of their members in manner to protect and serve public interest
2. Protects the public from incompetent and unethical practice

Question 4

What is the difference between registration and licensing?*

Answer 4

Registration - the individual is a member of the provincial or territorial nursing college

Licensing - Once registered, and having also demonstrated that they meet all provincial or territorial requirements for RN practice, a license is issued

Question 5

Who establishes practice standards?*

Answer 5

They are established by all nursing regulatory bodies across Canada

Question 6

Who sets/establishes entry-level competencies?*

Answer 6

Set by provincial regulatory bodies

Question 7

What is the four step process regarding complaints through the CRNA?*

Answer 7

1. Complaint received in writing
2. Investigation
3. Interim investigation
4. Disciplinary committee hearing (penalties and appeals may occur afterward)

Question 8

What does self-regulation mean?*

Answer 8

A privilege granted through legislation that allows a profession to govern its own members

Question 9

What are restricted activities/controlled acts?*

Answer 9

High-risk activities performed as part of providing a health service that require specific competencies and skills to be performed safely

Question 10

What five aspects are fundamental to successful delegation?*

Answer 10

1. Assess the knowledge and skills of the delegate
2. Match tasks to the delegate’s skills
3. Communicate clearly
4. Listen attentively
5. Give feedback

Question 11

What are the 5 rights of delegation?*

Answer 11

1. Right task - appropriate to delegate for that patient
2. Right circumstances
3. Right person - nurse delegates to the right staff member
4. Right direction/communication
5. Right supervision

Question 12

What is meant by public interest in nursing?*

Answer 12

The provision of safe, competent, and ethical patient care where the interest of the public is above the profession or individual nurses

Question 13

What are the 5 elements of the nursing profession?*

Answer 13

1. Expertise
2. Autonomy
3. Accountability
4. Authority
5. Unity

Question 14

Describe the three areas of expertise in nursing*

Answer 14

Specialized knowledge, such as licensing exams, education, advanced degrees

Technical skills, such as intensive clinical practice, on-going certification

Body of knowledge, such as EBP, reflective practice, and research

Question 15

Describe autonomy in the nursing profession*

Answer 15

Nursing is a self-regulated profession - nurses are free to make their own decisions

Question 16

Describe accountability in the nursing profession*

Answer 16

Nurses are accountable by codes of ethics, scope of practice, and practice standards

Question 17

Describe authority in the nursing profession*

Answer 17

Individual nurses respond to authorities, such as the health professions act and CRNA

Question 18

What is the AAN and what do they do?*

Answer 18

Alberta Association of Nurses

Standardize services provided by its members, assist with education, perform political advisory, provide a professional hub for its members