Members of the BCCNM QA team are available to assist nurses with all aspects of quality assurance. They can support nurses in their self-assessment, help set PD goals, navigate feedback from colleagues—they are a resource for all nurses participating in BCCNM’s QA program.
Advisors are available via email, and also offer telephone support.
FAQs
- I did not practice as a nurse last year (i.e., MAT leave, did not renew registration), how do I answer the Self-Assessment Questionnaire?
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Base your answers on the last time you practiced. If something does not seem relevant, choose the "not applicable" option. You can also enter comments stating why you chose a specific answer. For example, ‘on leave’, etc.
- I am a new grad, how do I answer the Quality Assurance questions?
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As a new grad, you can still meet the quality assurance requirements even if you're not yet working. Complete the self-assessment and base it on your last clinical placement. If something does not seem relevant, choose the not applicable option.
Think back on your nursing program: did you debrief with your instructor or other students, or discuss client care while maintaining privacy and confidentiality? Debriefing is an excellent way to get feedback on your practice.
Use your self-assessment to help identify learning goals for a professional development plan. This will help you in your new or future employment.
- Do my answers to the self-assessment questionnaire affect my ability to renew my registration?
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The self-assessment questionnaire is a tool to assist you to reflect on your practice, relative to the Professional Standards, and identify opportunities for professional development. Your responses are for your personal use and will not impact your BCCNM status. We do ask that you take the time to carefully consider the questions and apply them in a meaningful way to your area of practice.
- Does debriefing count as feedback?
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Yes, provided confidentiality of client information is maintained, debriefing is an excellent way to get feedback on your practice. Feedback doesn't always have to be formal to be a benefit. We often wonder if how we acted in certain circumstances was OK, and feedback helps us assess and learn.
- Do I need to complete CME or CEU hours to meet my quality assurance requirements? Do I need to count these hours and let the college know?
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RNs are required to complete professional development activities every year to maintain their registration with the college. Whether an activity is labelled as continuing medical education (CME), continuing education (CE), continuing education unit (CEU), or something else, BCCNM refers to all these continuing education activities as professional development (PD).
Let’s clarify a few misconceptions about RN Quality Assurance requirements:
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RNs are not required to do a specific number of hours of CME (continuing medication education) as part of their quality assurance requirements. RNs can choose to do some or no CME to meet their QA requirements.
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RNs do not have to ‘count’ the number of hours of continuing education (CEU/CE) they have completed. At BCCNM we do not have an annual CE hours requirement. There are, however, certain
requirements that need to be met each year to maintain your registration.
Educational activities you undertake should align with the learning goals you have set in your Professional Development Plan. You must record your PD activities each year and keep records for at least three years after the end of each calendar year.
As a healthcare professional, continuing education is an ongoing requirement to keep current on updates in your field and to maintain your registration.