Revised RPN entry-level competencies took effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Context
The Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Entry-Level Competencies are revised every five to seven years at a national level to ensure they are relevant to RPN practice, consistent among the jurisdictions, and support workforce mobility requirements of the Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade.
In February 2024, the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Regulators of Canada (RPNRC)
began the process to update the RPN Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs), including consultation with each of the regulatory bodies that regulate RPNs, as well as with RPNs from a variety of practice settings, psychiatric nursing faculty and clinical educators, and employers.
The revised Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry-Level Competencies reflect the foundational knowledge, skills, judgments and attitudes required of Registered Psychiatric Nurses to provide safe, competent, ethical and compassionate care. Registered Psychiatric Nurses are expected to provide culturally safe care and actively embrace cultural humility.