“COMPETENT, CARING NURSING FOR THE PEOPLE OF SASKATCHEWAN”

On April 11. 2003 Saskatchewan RN(NPJs were given the authority to “diagnose and treat common medical disorders” (RN Act. 1988). Since that time, the most frequently asked question in relation to the practice of the RN(NP) is “what are common medical disorders?”

The SRNA RN(NP) Standards and Core Competencies, 2003. defines “common as “conditions, diseases or disorders that RN(NPJs see regularly within the particular context of their own practices” (p. 23).

After consultation with stakeholders and SRNA legal council, the need to further interpret the phrase ‘common medical disorders became apparent. Therefore. SRNA Council passed an interpretation on September 15. 2005 which describes the RN(NP) scope of practice in relation to common medical disorders.

This interpretation includes the original definition of common and then expands upon that definition by referencing the approved program curriculum as a guideline for the determination of appropriate problems, conditions, diseases or disorders assessed, diagnosed and/or treated by the RN(NP). RN(NPJs will also only practice within their chosen area of practice and may only assess, diagnose or treat common medical disorders for which they are currently competent.

The following are situations that are not within the RN(NP) independent (versus collaborative) scope of practice.

1. Independently initiate and manage treatment of atypical or complex health problems (examples only: Diabetes TYPE 1, Hypertension. Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s) and any suspected carcinoma diagnosis

2. Any health problem requiring diagnostic contrast medium radiography

3. Health problem that may require imminent surgical intervention

4. Health problem that becomes unstable requiring further consultation (i.e. hospitalization required)

5. Perform an internal biopsy

Included within the RN(NP) scope of practice is the provision for a collaborative based practice. This collaborative practice is outside the independent RN(NP) scope of practice, therefore the RN(NP) also has the ability to collaborate with health care team members to manage the health care of patients experiencing other medical disorders that are not included within the common medical disorders interpretation.

RN(NP)s are encouraged to follow evidence based peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines. When clinical practice guidelines are approved by the RN(NP) collaborative care team, the RN(NP) is able to independently manage patient care according to those same approved clinical practice guidelines.

SRNA has developed a Q and A document related to SRNA’s common medical disorders interpretation. You can access the original interpretation of common medical disorders and the Q and A document on the SRNA website www.srna.org. You will find this document under the Nurse Practitioner heading. If you have any further questions or comments related to this document or any RN(NP) issue please contact:

Maureen Klenk RN(NP). Nurse Practitioner Coordinator * Ph: Toll Free: 1-800-667-9945. ext 237 * 359-4225 (Regina) * E-mail: mklenk@snra.org

Important Points to Remember:

* If you are seeking RN(NP) licensure via the Competency Assessment Process your completed portfolio should be submitted to SRNA by February. 28. 2006 to meet the April 11. 2006 deadline

* It is mandatory for all RN(NP)s to complete the continuing competence workbook yearly. If you need copies of the Continuing Competence Workbook working pages you can download these pages from our website- www.srna.org. Follow the links - Nurse Practitioner > RN(NP) Continuing Competence Workbook > Extract Pages

* All RN(NPJs should have received the July 2005 June 2006 Saskatchewan Health Formulary and its regular updates. If you have not received this book please contact Lorna Billang, Saskatchewan Drug Plan-1-306-787-1511