A Message from the Board Chair

Newfoundland & Labrador Nurses,

I am so delighted to introduce a project that the Board and the College have been working on for many months. What It Takes is the NL College of Nurses’ new public awareness campaign. I cannot overstate how excited we are to see this campaign bring the role of nursing regulation into clearer view for people across Newfoundland and Labrador, including nurses themselves.

The “What It Takes” campaign carries a powerful message: “ It takes someone special to be a nurse. We make sure of it.”

As nurses, people see the care you provide each day, but they may be less familiar with the work of the regulator. This campaign aims to close that gap by explaining the College’s role: Licensing and Registration, Development and Enforcement of Professional Standards, Education Program Approval, and helping the public understand where to turn if they have concerns about a nurse’s practice.

For nurses, this campaign not only acknowledges the work you do each and every day; it helps Newfoundlanders and Labradorians understand how your professional responsibilities are directly connected to the College’s public protection role.

Watch for our campaign on broadcast television, streaming platforms, social media, online, and digital outdoor displays. Take a look at the campaign videos featuring Hey Rosetta and Amelia Curran and feel free to share on social media and with colleagues, family, and friends to help bring nursing regulation into focus.

I also want to take a moment and highlight opportunities to get involved with the College. As professionals, we must acknowledge that self-regulation is a privilege, and as such, I encourage all nurses who are interested to check out the opportunities to join the NL College of Nurses Board or join the Quality Assurance Committee. Further details can be found below in this edition of Regulation Matters. Thank you,

Tonya Ryan
Chair, Board of Directors,
NL College of Nurses

In this issue

Board Highlights

As a newly established organization with a commitment to transparency and accountability, minutes from the board meeting will be published to the College website following the Board’s approval. The following is a brief summary of the matters that were discussed at the most recent meeting of the NL College of Nurses Board during its October 15, 2026 meeting.

Read on for a closer look at these decisions.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Join the Board of the NL College of Nurses

Want to help shape nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador? Nominations are now open for four Board positions for RNs, NPs, and LPNs, (one position must be filled by an NP). The term runs from 2027 to 2030.

The Board sets direction and oversees the College’s work in the public interest. Bring your perspective, review the eligibility requirements, and consider putting your name forward. You can nominate yourself. Review the requirements and submit your nomination by November 17, 2026

Join the Quality Assurance Committee

Help shape how the NL College of Nurses supports continuing competence and quality nursing practice. We’re inviting LPNs, RNs, NPs, and RPNs in good standing with the College to apply to join our Quality Assurance Committee.

Bring your experience to discussions about continuous learning, professional accountability, and safe, ethical care. You’ll help guide the College’s Quality Assurance Program while developing your leadership skills and gaining experience in nursing regulation.

We welcome applicants from different communities, practice settings, and career stages. Previous committee experience is an asset, and members receive orientation and ongoing support. Submit a letter of interest to engage@nlcn.ca by November 30th to apply.

Setting Expectations for Nurses Entering Practice

What should a nurse know and be able to do when they first enter the profession? Entry-level competencies help set those expectations.

The Board approved the entry-level competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses.

These competencies provide a foundation for the knowledge, skills, and judgment expected at the beginning of a nurse’s career. They also help make expectations clear for nursing education programs, learners, and those supporting new nurses as they enter practice.

A New NP Licensure Exam

The Board approved the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Licensure Exam (CNPLE) as the licensure exam for:

For nurses pursuing NP registration, the decision identifies the exam that will apply to these applicant groups as the new model moves forward. This change will take effect in May 2027.

A Clear Timeline for Exam Candidates

The Board approved a maximum of three years for an approved exam candidate to remain on the Exam Candidate Register, counted from the date they enter the register. Under the approved approach, candidates must successfully complete the applicable licensure exam and meet all remaining registration and licensure requirements within that period.

College staff will prepare all the necessary by-law amendments and bring them back to the Board for approval.

Supporting the Education and Research Trust Through Sponsorship

The Board approved an amendment to the College’s contract with TD Meloche Monnex Inc. so that annual sponsorship proceeds will be paid directly to the Trust. This decision establishes a way for the sponsorship proceeds to support the Trust directly, subject to conditions.

Quality Assurance: Protecting the Public Through Early Action

Addressing nursing practice concerns early is an important part of protecting the public. The Board approved the College’s Quality Assurance Program and the terms of reference for its Quality Assurance Committee, strengthening the College’s ability to resolve concerns and promote safe, competent and ethical care.

Required by legislation, the program provides a structured way to review practice concerns and take action to improve care. Its focus is on prevention, improvement and early intervention.

The committee will guide the program, recommend improvements to policies and processes, advise on the College’s Continuing Competency Program and conduct quality assurance reviews as required by legislation. Together, the program and committee help the College hold nurses accountable for their practice and protect the people who rely on their care.

For more information please visit:

Quality Assurance Program

Join the Quality Assurance Committee by submitting a letter of interest to engage@nlcn.ca by November 30th

Approved Amendments to the Professional Conduct Review By-Laws

The Board passed a motion to amend By-Laws in an effort to provide examples which further illustrate each of the categories of conduct deserving of sanction including: Professional Misconduct, Professional Incompetence, Conduct Unbecoming a Registrant, Incapacity or unfitness to engage in the practice of nursing, and Acting in Breach of the Act, Regulations, By-laws or Standards.

Looking Ahead to 2027–2028

The Board approved priority areas in the 2027–2028 Operational Plan, confirming that they provide a reasonable path toward the College’s strategic pillars. The Operational Plan connects the College’s longer-term direction with the work it plans to carry out. Board oversight helps keep that work focused on the College’s mandate to regulate nursing in the public interest.

Stay Connected to your Board

Board decisions help guide the College’s work on behalf of the public. We encourage you to stay informed and learn more about the issues discussed at Board meetings.

Visit the Board of Directors page for meeting agendas and approved minutes.

Tell us what you think. Send your feedback about Regulation Matters to engage@nlcn.ca.