During the SRNA Annual Meeting last week (May 6), Registered Nurses – including frontline RNs, Nurse Educators, academics and managers - from across the province rose to the microphones to discuss the current practice environment and the erosion of the RN scope of practice.
As a direct reflection of the current practice environment, two (2) major resolutions were brought forward to the SRNA Annual Meeting by the frontline nurses – and passed by the SRNA members.
RESOLUTION: Education by RNs of Other Providers
WHEREAS RNs in Saskatchewan as directed by employers are willingly and unwillingly educating other care providers to skills, competencies and tasks outside of their legislated scope of practice;
AND WHEREAS the SRNA has been working with the Ministry of Health, RPNAS and SALPN to provide role clarity regarding scope of practice;
AND WHEREAS Employers continue to have other providers provide care and perform competencies despite objection of the SRNA, and RNs regarding risks to patient safety, best practice and objective research and evidence. Examples include but are not limited to IV push, cardiac monitoring, Triage, Immunizations, phlebotomy, dialysis, peritoneal dialysis, conscious sedation and care of pics, ports and central lines.
BE IT RESOLVED that as a means of creating clarity of RN roles and responsibilities and upholding the legislated authority of the Registered Nursing Act (1988).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the SRNA direct all RNs to only provide education that builds on the foundational education of other care providers.
WHEREAS there has been significant progress over the past several months in developing bylaws that respect the distinctive education and roles of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses.
RESOLUTION: Practice Changes
AND WHEREAS important work remains to be done to ensure that practice guidelines and a decision-making framework are developed to interpret any changes and translate them into practice in an appropriate and safe manner, and to ensure that any practice changes are appropriate and put role clarity and safe patient care at the centre.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (SRNA) publicly call on Minister Duncan to direct health regions to ensure that no practice changes will be implemented until evidence-based interpretive practice documents and a detailed decision-making framework have been finalized and agreed to by stakeholders, and that all practice changes must be guided by this framework and interpretive documents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the SRNA call on Minister Duncan to direct health regions to ensure that all practice guidelines and activities with limits that impact the delivery of nursing care are based on academic research and evidence.
