Foundational Documents
Certain documents are foundational to a nurse’s practice and help guide safe, respectful, and professional care.
The Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Code of Professional Conduct set out what is expected of nurses in their day-to-day work, support good decision-making, and promote accountability. Together, they help ensure high-quality care and give the public confidence in what they can expect from the nursing profession. These resources are known as Professional Resources.
Standards of Practice for LPNs
The Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Newfoundland and Labrador are clear, authoritative expectations. They describe how LPNs must practice safely, competently, and ethically. They outline that LPNs are accountable for their own actions, must work within their scope of practice and level of competence, use evidence to guide care, and maintain professional and ethical relationships with clients and colleagues.
The standards also emphasize the LPN’s responsibility to continuously improve their knowledge, follow legislation and workplace policies, and contribute to safe, high-quality care for the public.
View the Standards of Practice for LPNs (PDF)
Code of Ethics for LPNs
The Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Newfoundland and Labrador sets out the core values and ethical responsibilities that guide how LPNs provide care and make decisions. It emphasizes that LPNs must treat all clients with respect and dignity, provide safe and compassionate care, maintain honesty and integrity, protect client privacy, and advocate for the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Code also makes clear that LPNs are accountable for their actions, must recognize and address their own biases, and are responsible for making ethical decisions in all areas of practice to uphold public trust.
View the Code of Ethics for LPNs (PDF)
Code of Professional Conduct for RNs and NPs
The Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Newfoundland and Labrador sets out the core expectations for safe, ethical, and professional nursing practice. It describes the accountabilities nurses have to clients, the public, employers, and the profession, and outlines how they must act with integrity, maintain competence, and use professional judgment in all areas of practice.
Organized around key principles that guide behaviour and decision-making, the Code applies across all roles and settings. It replaces the former Standards of Practice (for RNs) and Code of Ethics (for RNs and NPs) by bringing all expectations for conduct, ethics, and accountability into one clear, comprehensive framework.
View the Code of Professional Conduct for RNs and NPs (PDF)
Standards of Practice for NPs
The Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Newfoundland and Labrador outline the expectations for safe, competent, and autonomous practice. They describe the advanced responsibilities of NPs in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing, and managing client care, while emphasizing accountability, clinical judgment, and the use of evidence to guide decisions.
The standards also highlight the importance of collaboration, leadership, and ongoing learning to support high-quality care and positive health outcomes for individuals and communities.
View the NP Standards of Practice (PDF)
Standards of Practice for RPNs
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) in Newfoundland and Labrador are guided in their practice by the Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics. The Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice outline the minimum expectations for safe, competent, and ethical care, describing what RPNs are expected to know and do in their professional roles. These standards support consistent practice across a range of settings and help ensure that care provided to clients meets established regulatory requirements.
View the Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice (PDF)
Code of Ethics for Registered Psychiatric Nurses
The Code of Ethics sets out the professional values and ethical responsibilities that guide RPN decision-making and conduct. It supports RPNs in navigating complex situations by promoting accountability, respect, and integrity in all aspects of practice. Together, the Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics form the foundation for professional practice and are key tools used by the NL College of Nurses to assess and support safe, ethical care in the public interest.