Aug. 24, 2026
Method: survey
Summer 2026
BCCNM asked licensees how they use its Professional Standards and Code of Ethics in practice.
Licensed Practical Nurses: Professional Standards
Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners: Professional Standards
Registered Psychiatric Nurses: Professional Standards
Registered Psychiatric Nurses: Code of Ethics.
We thank the more than 360 licensees who responded. This feedback will help shape future professional and ethical expectations for nursing practice in B.C.
What we heard
Professional standards are important practice resources
Respondents said they use standards and ethical guidance to:
Overall, respondents described these resources as important tools for safe, ethical, and accountable practice.
Clarity and practical application matter
Respondents asked for standards that are easier to understand, navigate, and apply.
Understanding the regulatory framework
Some respondents used standards to answer scope of practice questions, showing a need for clearer links between standards, scope of practice resources, limits and conditions, and other regulatory documents.
Professional standards support learning and growth
Respondents also use standards for orientation, student supervision, reflective practice, continuing competence, leadership, and professional development.
Employer policies frequently serve as a primary source of guidance
Respondents often cited employer policies and procedures as a main source of practice guidance.
This aligns with the controls on practice that determine what activities a nurse may perform in a specific role and setting.
Workplace realities shape how standards are experienced
Respondents said workplace conditions, including staffing, workload, and access to supports, can affect their ability to meet professional expectations.
Consistency across nursing designations
Respondents supported more consistent language, structure, and ethical guidance across nursing designations.
A more consistent framework could improve understanding while recognizing the unique contributions of different nursing roles.
What happens next
BCCNM will use the survey results to support its broader review of professional nursing standards and codes of ethics. The goal is to make expectations clear, evidence-informed, aligned across designations, and responsive to current nursing practice.