Latest review shows rise in calls related to nursing practice standards

Questions and concerns related to nursing practice standards increased to 28 percent from 18 percent of all consultations in the latest review of consultations by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA). Consultations were initiated by phone, e-mail, fax or in person by registered nurses (RNs), employers or others who sought assistance with issues that directly or indirectly affected the delivery of safe, competent and ethical nursing care. Increases were also noted in the categories related to health-care reform and scope of practice, showing an increase to 12 percent from seven and to 17 percent from 15 respectively. These increases were offset by a decrease in calls related to legal/ethical issues to six percent of all calls from 22 percent in the previous review period.