National Nursing Week recognizes the invaluable contributions nurses make to the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities across Canada. This year's theme, "Changing lives. Shaping tomorrow," highlights the pivotal role nurses play in our health-care system.
As a health regulator, BCCNM sets standards for nurses and midwives in B.C., in service of our public protection mandate. We would like to take this moment to thank the nursing community for everything you do to uphold practice standards and provide safe, timely, competent, and culturally appropriate care for all.
We would also like to take this moment to recognize our staff and all our key partners including associations, agencies, and the government for acknowledging the past and working to shape the future of healthcare in B.C.
We are honoured to share three of the many ways we are supporting the community as a health-care regulator, partner, and changemaker.
Acknowledge. Practice. Share. Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism Practice Standard: Two years ago, BCCNM introduced the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism practice standard in collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). This standard continues our mandate to protect the safety of Indigenous patients and clients in B.C. by enabling and ensuring nurses and midwives meet expected standards of practice and conduct. Learn more.
Nurse prescribing. Optimizing scope of practice for RN certified practice: Registered nurses (certified) are now able to prescribe medications associated with their certified practice area within their autonomous scope of practice. This collaborative initiative between the Nursing Policy Secretariat (NPS), Ministry of Post-Secondary and Future Skills, Ministry of Health, and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) helps to optimize the role and scope of practice for registered nurses with certified practice, and improve access to health services for British Columbians (as aligned with the Provincial HHR Strategy). Learn more.
Supporting the mobility of IENs: In January 2023, with support from the B.C. Ministry of Health, BCCNM and Inspire Global Assessments (formerly NCAS) launched a pilot pathway for internationally educated nurses (IENs) aimed at eliminating months—or even years—from the application journey, without compromising safety and practice standards. In the ensuing 11 months, the number of decisions provided to applicants increased by 340%, and the number of IENs to be approved for registration in 2023 increased by 179% over 2022. We are continuing to identify opportunities to further improve registration processes for IENs. In the meantime, we appreciate the ongoing investments by the provincial government, as well as the dedication of our staff who are advancing this important initiative to make it easier for IENs to enter B.C.'s health workforce in the role best suited to their current level of competence. Read our latest announcement here.
Visit the B.C. Nursing Week page for information, resources, and messages of support from our health-system partners.