Amendments Create New Nursing Designation
Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) will soon be able to practise in Nova Scotia.
The Province has amended the Nursing Regulations under the Nursing Act to enable registration and licensing and establish the framework and scope of practice for these specialized healthcare professionals.
“This is about expanding the roles that can support mental healthcare for Nova Scotians, and we’re proud to support our partners to bring registered psychiatric nurses into our healthcare system,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “Moving forward, these nurses will be recognized for their unique skill and supported to work to their full scope of practice so they can make the intended impact.”
RPNs have specialized education and training that prepare them to work in a variety of mental health and addictions settings with diverse populations.
They will be regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. Nine other provinces and territories regulate RPNs or soon will.
The amendment takes effect today, December 1, and Nova Scotia Health will begin recruitment in January.
Quotes:
“Introducing registered psychiatric nurses as a new nursing designation in Nova Scotia is an important step toward improving access to mental health care for everyone. As the regulator, our responsibility is to ensure that every nurse we license — including RPNs — is qualified and prepared to provide safe, competent care. This change reinforces the vital role nurses play in the health system to support the health and well-being of Nova Scotians.”
— Douglas Bungay, CEO and Registrar, Nova Scotia College of Nursing
“We are very pleased that registered psychiatric nurses will soon be able to practise in Nova Scotia, helping strengthen the nursing profession in the province. We at Nova Scotia Health look forward to beginning the recruitment process and onboarding these nurses, whose skills and expertise will help improve mental health care for Nova Scotians.”
— Annette Elliott Rose, Chief Nurse Executive and Vice-President, Clinical Performance and Professional Practice, Nova Scotia Health
Quick Facts:
- the Province is recruiting and retaining the talented professionals and collaborative healthcare teams needed to deliver universal mental health and addictions care
Additional Resources:
Amendments to Nursing Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2025-253.pdf
Nursing Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/nunursing.htm
Nursing Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/nursing.pdf