Context for Practice: Nurses are committed to upholding high standards of care, services and/or supports. Nurses assess their level of competence on an ongoing basis to determine if they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care. Nurses ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide competent and evidence-informed care to clients, which includes updating skills and remaining current with advancements relating to their area of practice.
| Ethical Responsibilities: Nurses assess their learning needs and maintain their nursing knowledge by |
| 6.1.1 |
engaging in meaningful reflective practice within the context of professional experiences and nurse-client therapeutic relationships; |
| 6.1.2 |
participating in formal and informal education such as courses, workshops and conferences to stay updated on best practices; |
| 6.1.3 |
practising using the highest level of evidence available, including evidence-informed practice with diverse client population groups and communities; |
| 6.1.4 |
engaging in professional development to advance knowledge and skills, including in working with diverse clients with individualized needs and circumstances; |
| 6.1.5 |
seeking feedback from clients, peers and supervisors to identify strengths and areas for performance improvement and engaging in quality assurance activities as per provincial/territorial regulatory standards and practice guidelines; |
| 6.1.6 |
collaborating with colleagues and members of the intra- and interprofessional team to exchange ideas, knowledge, theories and opportunities to enhance professional expertise; and |
| 6.1.7 |
promoting ethical reflection through discussions on ethical issues to enhance their own and others’ awareness of ethics across all practice domains. |
In addition, nurses in formal and informal leadership (e.g., administration, clinical care, education, policy and research) roles support nurses’ ongoing education by
| 6.1.8 |
facilitating equitable access to ongoing training and professional education for staff under their direct supervision and advocating for adequate resources to meet staff development needs. |