BCCNM remote certification prepares you to carry out certain activities but working in a remote setting requires additional preparation and depends on your specific role.
BCCNM certified practice preparation focuses on an
expanded scope of practice that authorizes RNs to autonomously diagnose and treat a limited number of diseases and disorders by following
Decision Support Tools (DSTs).
However, RNs working in remote settings require other
competencies such the ability to work independently, with limited resources and to manage a broad range of practice situations, including unpredictable and complex client issues. These broader competencies may be acquired in a variety of ways such as education, experience, mentorship and employer supports.
The
Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses and the
Certified Practice page provide more information and guidance on BCCNM certified practice.
To meet BCCNM's quality assurance requirements for registration renewal with a certified practice designation, BCCNM-certified nurses (RN(C)s) must attest to having engaged in their certified practice area within the previous three years.
BCCNM does not specify the number of hours, number of clients, or specific diseases or disorders. The intent behind this requirement is to ensure that RN(C)s maintain their competence by staying current and practising in their certified practice area. Maintaining competence means having the knowledge, skills and judgement to assess, diagnose and follow the Decision Support Tools (DSTs). How RN(C)s maintain their competence can vary.
Nurses in clinical support roles (e.g., educators, managers, supervisors) may be able to maintain their competence through activities such as: reviewing the competencies and DSTs, overseeing the clinical practice of other RN(C)s, assisting them to apply the DSTs, observing and evaluating the competence of RN(C)s in clinical settings, and maintaining skills by practising in a lab, role playing, etc.
Ask yourself: Do I have current theoretical knowledge related to my certified practice area? Are my assessment skills current? Am I able to apply the DSTs? If so, then what you're doing may be considered "engaged in" certified practice for the purpose of meeting this quality assurance requirement for registration renewal.