2008 COLLABORATIVE NURSING PRACTICE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
This Position Statement was approved by ARNNL Council in 2008.
Collaborative Nursing Practice Guiding Principles Developed by The Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) and The College for Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland & Labrador (CLPNNL) Goal The professional bodies representing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are committed to fostering the development of a collaborative working environment for nursing team members based on the values of working together, mutual respect, and an enhanced working environment for the benefit of our clients, our system, and ourselves. The professional bodies representing LPNs and RNs are committed to establishing and maintaining open and ongoing communication between the professional bodies and among front line practitioners. Specific aspects of this communication would therefore include information regarding each other s educational preparation and scope of practice as well as the legislative and regulatory role of each organization. This is an essential first step in the development of respect for, and confidence in, the contribution of each practitioner. To facilitate a collaborative practice environment, the following GUIDING PRINCIPLES have been developed: 1) RNs and LPNs provide care directed first and foremost toward the health and well being of the client. Practitioners will work collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, families, each other, and other care providers in order to provide safe, quality care that maximizes benefits to the client. 2) LPNs and RNs act in a manner consistent with professional responsibilities, ethical and legal guidelines, and standards of practice. Practitioners recognize that within the nursing team there are areas of shared competencies and overlapping roles and that scopes of practice evolve over time in response to changing health care needs. 3) RNs and LPNs practice within their own individual level of competence. They seek additional information and/or guidance of a competent practitioner when aspects of the care required are beyond their current skill level or competence. 4) LPNs and RNs believe that in order to maintain competence, life long learning is essential. Thus practitioners are expected to build on their basic education through strategies such as self-directed study, nursing rounds, journal reading, in-service sessions, and workshops and/or by obtaining additional education credentials/certification. 5) RNs and LPNs advocate for Quality Professional Practice Environments that have the human, physical, and financial resources necessary for the provision of safe, competent, ethical, cost-effective, and cost efficient care. 6) LPNs and RNs believe that decision-making is enhanced when the following criteria are met: input and participation in decision-making is sought from all those impacted by the decision; where possible, the decision is supported by research and/or informed evidence; the impact of the decision in relation to quality care and nursing services is evaluated; and where applicable, decisions should promote, and not detract from, a spirit of cooperation and team work among care providers. 7) In determining whether or not it is appropriate for a practitioner to carry out specific nursing competencies, the following variables must be considered in collaboration with the employing agency and appropriate caregivers: the complexity of the client s health status and care needs; the context of practice, i.e. agency policies, available resources (including clinical practice supports), and the nature of the practice setting; and the competency of the individual practitioner (education and expertise). 1 55 Military Road St. John s NL Canada A1C2C5 Tel: (709) 753-6040 1 (800) 563-3200 Fax: (709) 753-4940 info@arnnl.ca ARNNL.CA
Association of Registered Nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador 8) Agencies who employ RNs and LPNs play an important leadership role in creating and maintaining practice environments that foster: professional practice; collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to client care; shared decision making; and participation by all employees in the development and implementation of strategic plans. 9) Working in collaboration through their respective professional bodies and putting the needs of the clients first, LPNs and RNs will work to influence decision makers in development of public policy that fosters a health promoting environment and excellence in nursing practice. 2 ARNNL.CA 55 Military Road St. John s NL Canada A1C2C5 Tel: (709) 753-6040 1 (800) 563-3200 Fax: (709) 753-4940 info@arnnl.ca
55 Military Road St. John's NL Canada A1C 2C5 Tel (709) 753-6040 1 (800) 563-3200 (NL only) Fax (709) 753-4940 info@arnnl.ca arnnl.ca