The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) has the duty to regulate the registered nursing profession in a manner that serves and protects the public of Saskatchewan. The CRNS does not advocate on behalf of or in the interests of its RN and NP members.
How does the CRNS protect the public?
We protect the public by:
- Setting requirements for the entry to the profession.
- Approving nursing education programs.
- Establishing standards of practice for RNs, NPs and RN(AAP)s.
- Supporting registrants to meet practice standards through consultation and education.
- Promoting continuous learning and professional development as a standard for safe practice through a continuing competence program, as a requirement for ongoing licensure.
- Intervening when a registrant’s practice does not meet the standards.
- Using an evidence-informed approach to continuously innovate towards best practice in regulatory policy.
What is the role and responsibility of the CRNS?
Legislation determines the scope of practice for RNs in Saskatchewan.
RNs are accountable to the RN Practice Standards CRNS, 2024, the RN Entry-Level Competencies CRNS, 2024 and nursing values outlined in the CNA Code of Ethics.
The over-arching expectations for Nurse Practitioners (NP)s practicing in Saskatchewan are further outlined in the NP Entry-level Competencies (ELC)s CRNS, 2023, and the NP Practice Standards CRNS, 2024.
In collaboration with the public, our registrants, the government, employers and other professional agencies, the CRNS consults with and incorporates the perspectives of each when setting standards and in the administration of The Registered Nurses Act, 1988.
The Registered Nurses Act, 1988 also mandates the CRNS to have an independent, fair and unbiased investigation and discipline process. The CRNS promotes good practice with access to practice advisors and practice resources. When necessary, the CRNS intervenes through our investigations and discipline process. More information about this process is available here: Complaints and Investigation.