CNO Role and Purpose in Nursing Practice

CNO Role and Purpose

• The CNO is a governing body that regulates nursing practice in Ontario, ensuring nurses have self-regulating practice.
• The CNO's role is to keep nursing education requirements up to date and standards, preventing the loss of self-regulating practice.
• The CNO is accountable for public protection by ensuring nurses in Ontario practice safely, competently, and ethically.

Practice Standards and Guidelines

• Practice standards outline expectations for nurses that contribute to public protection.
• These standards inform nurses of their accountabilities and the public of what to expect of nurses.
• Practice standards apply to all nurses regardless of their role, job description, or area of practice.
• Practice guidelines address specific practice-related issues, helping nurses understand their responsibilities and make safe and ethical decisions.

Accountability

• Accountability is an assurance that an individual or organization is evaluated on its performance or behavior related to something for which it is responsible.
• Related concepts include answerability, culpability, and liability.

Quality Assurance Program

• The Quality Assurance Program requires all nurses to engage in daily practice reflection and participate in continuous learning activities throughout their careers.
• The program has two parts: QA Every Day and QA Assessment.
• QA Every Day is an annual requirement for all nurses to regularly reflect on their practice, identify learning needs, and complete a learning plan.
• QA Assessment is a requirement for randomly selected nurses, involving a knowledge assessment and a practice assessment.

QA Assessment

• Part A: Knowledge Assessment involves completing a set of learning modules focused on standards of practice and nursing accountability, followed by a knowledge check.
• Part B: Practice Assessment involves submitting a learning plan and other activities for review, with feedback provided by a CNO-trained QA Peer Coach.

SMART Goals

• SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.
• SMART goals allow for effective planning, measurement, and accomplishment within a certain time frame.

CNO Regulatory Functions

• The CNO's regulatory functions include establishing requirements for entry to practice.
• The CNO enforces standards of practice and conduct.

CNO Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Registered Practical Nurse

• Competency 1: Professional Practice involves responsible and accountable safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice.
• Competency 2: Legal Practice involves adhering to applicable legislation, regulations, professional standards, and employer policies that direct practice.