The use of professional nursing practice standards in nursing labour arbitrations in British Columbia, 1987-1994

This study examined the use of nursing practice standards in British Columbia in labour arbitrations related to patient care for the years 1987-1994. Retrospective secondary content analysis was the method used to analyse the cases. Although practice standards were referred to in some of the cases, the nature and clarity of these standards were not always evident. In addition, corporate and industrial precedents, rather than health care precedents, formed the basis for much of the arbitration deliberations. The perspectives of nurses, patients, and families were not significantly represented. Many of the arbitration hearings did not get beyond procedural matters, and so did not address substantive patient care situations. Clearly, the visibility and importance of nursing standards need to be raised among nurses and non-nurses alike. Implications and recommendations for nursing practice, administration, education and research, as well as for nursing professional associations and unions are discussed. Research questions for the future are suggested.