Standards and learning
The scope of practice that nurses provide is shaped by the standards, guidelines, and legislation we are mandated to enforce. These resources will help RNs and NPs in Alberta understand what is expected in their practice regarding safe, competent, ethical nursing care.
Document library
CARNA's standards, guidelines and position statements support RNs and NPs in providing safe, competent ethical nursing care.
Legislation
Is your practice compliant with legislation? Find out how government acts, laws, and policy shape the nursing care you provide.
Practice guidance
These resources will help you advance your nursing practice and keep current with changes in practice, health care, and technology.
Practice consultations
Do you have questions or concerns about your nursing practice? Find out how a policy and practice consultant can help.
Aesthetic nursing
Learn about the professional responsibilities and accountabilities related to aesthetic nursing practice in Alberta, the provision of specialized procedures for the purpose of cosmetic treatment.
Cannabis for medical purposes
The following frequently asked questions provide guidance for RNs and NPs in administering cannabis for medical purposes in their practice.
Collaborative practice in nursing
Clarification on intra-collaborative nursing practice in Alberta and the collaborative practice principles that support nurses to practice collaboratively in any setting.
Cervical cancer screening
Registered Nurses (RNs) play an essential role in cervical cancer screening. Learn more about the requirements for RNs in cervical cancer screening.
Harm reduction
With the dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths and growing evidence of the benefits of harm reduction in supporting individuals living with, and families impacted by, substance use, we recognize the need to reaffirm our support for integrating harm reduction into the care RNs and NPs provide.
Immunization
Immunizations protect individuals and communities through the prevention of disease and illness. These resources help standardize the immunization process and assist the registered nurse regarding the administration of vaccines and vaccine programs.
Infection prevention and control
The Infection Prevention and Control Team at Alberta Health provides strategic direction and leadership in the development of provincial infection prevention and control policies, strategies and standards.
Medical assistance in dying
The page is currently under review. Please contact us at 780.451.0043 (toll-free 1.800.252.9392) ext. 504 or email practice@nurses.ab.ca if you have further questions.
Prescribing CDS for nurse practitioners
CARNA authorizes NPs and GNPs to prescribe controlled drugs and substances (CDS).
Restraints
Nurses play an essential role in providing safe care to people in all care settings. Learn more about your responsibilities related to restraints.
Responsibilities for distributing Take Home Naloxone Kits and Narcan® Nasal Spray (naloxone)
CARNA and Alberta Health recognize the skill and experience of registered nurses and have been actively collaborating with stakeholders on behalf of Albertans to increase RN access to resources such as take-home Naloxone kits.
RN prescribing and ordering diagnostic tests
Registered nurses who meet certain requirements can become authorized to prescribe common medications and order diagnostic tests within a specific clinical practice setting.
Social media and e-professionalism
The following resource provides information to help nurses better understand the importance of maintaining professionalism when using any electronic form of communication.
Telepractice and virtual care
Telepractice connects patients and health-care providers who provide health services over the phone, computer or any other form of information and communication technologies. Until consistent procedures are in place, please follow these guidelines before providing telepractice.