Canadian Standards for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Psychiatric nursing is a branch of the nursing profession serving individuals, families and groups who have mental, physical and developmental health needs. Published by the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada (RPNC), a national regulatory organization, the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice govern all psychiatric nurses in Canada.

Regulation

• Psychiatric nursing is a regulated profession in Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Yukon Territory. Each of these provinces has its own regulatory body which acts under the umbrella of the national RPNC.

Behavioral Guidelines

• The Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines that details acceptable sets of behaviors for psychiatric nurses. It promotes a practice of ethical standards and gives a framework for professional responsibility and accountability. The code covers ethical practice, respect for all clients, health, mental health and well-being, and quality practice.

Evaluation Criteria

• The standards of practice provide a basis for evaluating the performance of psychiatric nurses in four areas: therapeutic interpersonal relationships, use of theory-based knowledge, professional responsibility and professional ethics.