Certified Nurse Competencies

Competencies are “statements about the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments required to perform safely and ethically within an individual’s nursing practice or in a designated role or setting” (British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives [BCCNM], 2021). Certified practice allows:

• Registered nurses (RNs) who have completed a BCCNM-approved certified practice course to work in an expanded scope to manage, diagnose and treat clients autonomously for certain diseases, disorders, conditions, and/or intended client outcomes according to their certified practice designation.
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) who have completed a BCCNM-approved certified practice course to work in an expanded scope to manage, diagnose, and treat clients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

These competencies outline what is expected of Certified Practice Registered Nurses [RN(C)] and Certified Practice Registered Psychiatric Nurses [RPN(C)] to provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care within their certified practice designations.