RPNRC updating the 2014 Entry-Level Competencies for Registered Psychiatric Nurses
Psychiatric nursing regulatory bodies are accountable for public protection by ensuring that registered psychiatric nurses can provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care. One of the regulatory mechanisms that psychiatric nursing regulatory bodies use to fulfill their mandate is the development and approval of entry-level registered psychiatric nurse competencies. The entry-level competencies are a guide for curriculum development, the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE), and a way to assess international psychiatric nursing education programs. The entry-level competencies also increase public and employer awareness of the practice expectations of entry-level RPNs. Increased awareness provides role clarity and assists with improving the utilization of the psychiatric nursing workforce.
RPNRC is defining a new and improved regulatory approach and reviewing and updating the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry-Level Competencies. The last edition of the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry-Level Competencies was completed in 2014 with participation from RPNRC members and subject-matter experts. RPNRC is committed to having revised entry-level competencies by 2024.
A steering committee consisting of the regulatory bodies that currently regulate Registered Psychiatric Nurses are working with Meazure Learning who has been retained to complete the update of the entry level competencies. The draft entry level competencies will be validated with Registered Psychiatric Nurses across Canada, educators of psychiatric nursing programs, and employers. The validation survey will be online throughout August and early September. The final English updated entry level competencies for Registered Psychiatric Nurses are expected to be available in early 2025. A French version will follow.
