CNA’s Primary Care Toolkit

Build Collaborative Teams

For effective communication, it is important that each person within the primary care team has a clear understanding of their roles. The practice should have a unified and consistent message to help patients understand and appreciate the benefits of the RN’s enhanced scope of practice. Expect various reactions from patients, and discuss ways to respond to those who are hesitant, upset or angry. Patients will more readily accept the change if responses and explanations are given in an enthusiastic and positive manner. Always use the term “registered nurse” so the professional designation is clear.

Besides patients, discuss who will need the information about the RN’s primary health care role (e.g. pharmaceutical sales representatives, specialists) (Fraser Health, 2005).

These links provide information on role communication and integrating the registered nurse role into a primary care setting.

Communication Sample team discussion guide Developing policy Medical directives Documentation Electronic health records Sample patient profile SOAP documentation Planned recall of patients: Telephone care Evaluation Data collection Indicator development Model for improvement (Impact BC)

Interprofessional care Position statement on interprofessional collaboration Patient safety Patient Safety Resource Guide Registered nurse integration Sample introduction letter Sample orientation guide Team development Self-management programs Quality improvement