Nurse Practitioner Entry- Level Competencies
Introduction
The Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs) for Nurse Practitioners reflect the foundational knowledge, skills, and judgement required of Nurse Practitioners to provide safe, competent, ethical, and compassionate care. While Nurse Practitioners’ roles and responsibilities may vary by context and client population, this document outlines the competencies that all Nurse Practitioners must possess to be competent when they begin practice.
Profile of the Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses with additional experience and nursing education at the Masters level, which enables them to autonomously diagnose and manage care across the life span in all practice settings. As advanced practice nurses, they use their in-depth knowledge and experience to analyze, synthesize, and apply evidence to make decisions. They apply theory and knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to provide a comprehensive range of essential services grounded in professional, ethical, and legal standards within a holistic model of care. Nurse Practitioners work across all domains of practice. They provide leadership and collaborate within and across communities, organizations, and populations to improve health and system outcomes. In some settings, Nurse Practitioners assume the role as the most responsible provider.
Background
The Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (CCRNR) first published ELCs for Nurse Practitioners in Canada in 2016. In 2020, CCRNR initiated a process to update the ELCs, which are revised periodically to reflect evolving population needs, health system, and Nurse Practitioner practice. The current revisions were informed by an environmental scan, literature reviews, and stakeholder consultation, and also reflect inter-jurisdictional consistency to support workforce mobility requirements of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Purpose of the Entry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioner ELCs reflect the knowledge, skills, and judgement required of Nurse Practitioners to practice safely and ethically. They are used by regulatory bodies for a number of purposes, including but not limited to:
- Academic program approval/recognition
- Assessment of internationally educated applicants
- Assessment of applicants for the purpose of re-entry into the profession
- Practice advice/guidance to clinicians
- Reference for professional conduct matters
- Public and employer awareness of the practice expectations of Nurse Practitioners
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