Advancing Excellence in Community Health Nursing Through Evidence-Based National Standards of Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Public Health

Background:

• Current standards of practice are essential for safe nursing care in Canada and globally.
• This article details the review process for updating the 2011 Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and present findings from the rigorous review process for updating the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive revision process was employed.
• Methods included a scoping review of relevant literature, focus groups with nurses, and a modified Delphi method for consensus building.

Main Results:

• An inclusive consultation process involved 495 community health nurses.
• The updated standards incorporate significant enhancements in cultural safety, cultural humility, Indigenous health and ways of knowing, health equity, and evidence-informed practice.

Conclusions:

• The revised Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice reflect contemporary issues and best practices.
• This revision process offers a valuable model for other nursing specialty groups undertaking the development or revision of specialized practice standards internationally.