Standards of Practice

All registrants in Nova Scotia must follow professional standards of practice. These standards define legal and professional responsibilities and outline what the public can expect from any nurse or midwife.

Flexibility of Standards of Practice

Standards of practice are broad and flexible. You are expected to meet them consistently, but how you do this may depend on your work setting.

If concerns or complaints about your practice arise, they are always evaluated carefully. With full consideration of the circumstances in which you are practising.

If a registrant is unable to meet the standards of practice, our complaints process is in place to protect the public.

Licensed Practical Nurses Standards of Practice

Read the complete standards of practice for LPNs (PDF).

Registered Nurses Standards of Practice 

Read the complete standards of practice for RNs (PDF).

Registered Psychiatric Nurses Standards of Practice

Read the complete standards of practice for RPNs (PDF).

RN Prescribers Standards of Practice

Read the complete standards of practice for RN prescribers (PDF).

Nurse Practitioner Standards of Practice

Read the complete standards of practice for NPs (PDF).

Midwifery Standards of Practice

Read the complete Standards of Midwifery Practice (PDF)

Sexual Misconduct Standard of Practice

All registrants are responsible for following the sexual misconduct standards in addition to their respective standards.

• Registrants must not engage in sexual misconduct
• Registrants are required to report sexual misconduct

Read the complete sexual misconduct standards of practice for nuses (PDF).

Read the complete standards for the prevention of sexual misconduct for Midwives (PDF).

Have questions?

You can email us at practice@nsnmr.ca.