What we do

Important note

CARNA regulates only RNs and NPs. In Alberta, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, midwives, physicians or surgeons and all other types of health professions are regulated by other authorities. To work as one of these other types of health professionals you’ll need to contact their regulatory body.

CARNA endeavours to ensure that all Alberta RNs and NPs provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care by:

  • setting the qualifications for entering the profession
  • approving nursing education programs in the province that prepare individuals to enter the profession
  • issuing practice permits only to those who meet the legislated and regulatory requirements
  • developing and enforcing professional and ethical standards for the desired and achievable level of performance against which nursing practice can be measured
  • developing and enforcing a continuing competence program to ensure that practicing members are maintaining competence in their practice
  • taking action when a member of the public, an employer or a CARNA member submits a complaint about the practice of a regulated member
  • advocating for a high quality, cost-efficient health-care system that makes the best use of the knowledge and skills of RNs
  • providing progressive, innovative leadership that encourages professional excellence and influences health policy