Education Registered Nurse Education

Standards of RN Nursing Education

Through the Registered Nurses Act, the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) has the statutory responsibility to set the standards of education for entry into the nursing profession in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and to assess and approve all basic nursing education programs offered in this province. Through these responsibilities, ARNNL achieves its primary mandate for public protection by ensuring newly licensed RNs in NL are able to provide safe, competent and ethical registered nursing care to the people they serve. A baccalaureate degree in nursing (BN or BScN) is required for entry to nursing and initial licensure as a Registered Nurse in this province. Basic nursing education programs offered in other jurisdictions (provinces/territories) must be equivalent to nursing programs approved by ARNNL. The Association recognizes the approval status as determined by other regulatory bodies in all Canadian jurisdictions and many countries in the developed world.

ARNNL Approved RN Nursing Education Program

The Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) Program offered through Memorial University School of Nursing in St. John’s, the Centre for Nursing Studies in St. John’s, and Western Regional School of Nursing in Corner Brook received a seven-year ARNNL approval rating in April 2008. A seven-year approval rating is the highest level achievable in this province and is an assurance to the public that the schools of nursing are preparing students to practice as safe, competent and ethical entry-level registered nurses. This program underwent a full approval review in March 2008.