Below are some questions we often get. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Drop us a line at
practice@bccnm.ca.
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Does being remote certified by BCCNM prepare me to work in remote settings?
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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.
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.
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).
- I'm certified in contraceptive management. Can I use my MSP practitioner number to order tests to screen for STIs?
- Check with the Ministry of Health—they are best able to answer this question. Check the
Information for RNs (Certified) on their website or call the MSP toll-free 1.866.456.6950 or 604.456.6950 for information about using your MSP practitioner number.
- Is diagnosing or treating asthma part of BCCNM-certified practice?
- Diagnosing asthma is outside a registered nurse's scope of practice. Nurse practitioners are the only nurses who may diagnose asthma. Treating respiratory distress in known asthmatics with a Schedule I medication (e.g., salbutamol or ipratropium bromide) is within the
scope of practice for all RNs. If you’re carrying out this activity, you’ll need to meet the
Standards for Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice including completing additional education and following an established decision support tool.
- Can BCCNM-certified practice nurses prescribe?
- No. Prescribing is outside the scope of BCCNM-certified practice nurses.
- My employer recently certified me to provide procedural sedation. Is this BCCNM-certified practice?
- No. Administering procedural sedation is within the scope of practice for all RNs. You’ll need to meet the
Standards for Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice, including having the necessary competencies.
- I have Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification in gerontology. Does this mean I'm BCCNM-certified?
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No. BCCNM-certified practice and CNA certification are different.
A BCCNM-certified practice designation allows you to autonomously diagnose and treat some diseases and disorders, following the Certified Practice decision support tools. This includes activities that otherwise require an order, such as administering, compounding or dispensing Schedule I (prescription level) medications.
Your CNA certification indicates you’ve met specific nursing practice, continuous learning and exam requirements. You can find more information about CNA certification on the
CNA website.