REGINA — Effective May 15, more than 240 Saskatchewan Health Authority clinical policies will be updated to remove provisions that limited licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) and nurse practitioner (NP) scope of practice
According to a SHA press release, the changes enable qualified and appropriately trained nurses to work to their full legislated scope of practice.
There are more than 15,240 LPNs, RPNs and NPs working across hospitals, long-term care, community care and other settings within the SHA. This work will support nurses in using their full skill set to meet patient needs safely and effectively while improving access to care, the SHA states.
In addition to removing provisions, SHA is accelerating the standardization of nursing policies and clinical standards where LPNs, RPNs and NPs currently practice, through a phased approach to be completed by Sept. 30. As part of this work, examples of duties being standardized include intravenous (IV) care, pain management support and the use of devices to safely deliver medications, fluids and other treatments.
All changes are supported through education, competency validation and local leadership support, says the SHA.
"Licensed Practical Nurses are educated and regulated to provide safe, competent and ethical care across a wide range of healthcare settings throughout the system,” College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan Executive Director Lynsay Kurjata said.
“Enabling all health care providers to work to the top of their expertise strengthens access to care, supports workforce sustainability and ultimately benefits clients, residents and families across Saskatchewan."
"Patient safety and quality care delivery depends on nurses practising to their full scope, as supported by their education and professional standards," College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Saskatchewan Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Beverly Balaski said.
"Regular policy reviews help ensure that organizational policies accurately reflect each category of nursing provider's regulatory scope."
"Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan have one of the largest scopes in Canada, and SANP supports consistency in allowing NPs to work to their full scope in all health care settings," Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners President Toni Giraudier said.
"When all health care professions work together at our full scope, patients, professionals and our health care system benefit."
"In the context of growing health care demand, workforce pressures and increasing complexity of patient needs, enabling registered nurses and nurse practitioners to practice to their full scope is a critical and evidence-based strategy to improve system performance and deliver high-quality care to the public," Executive Director and Registrar Cindy Smith said.
"Removing policies that constrain practice will allow nurses to contribute their full value within interprofessional teams, enhancing efficiency, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes,” Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan Executive Director Del Essien said.
