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Recognition of Nursing Practice and Self-Employed Practice Toolkit

Nursing practice is constantly evolving to meet the changing healthcare landscapes and needs of the population. As a result, it is difficult to identify all the roles and responsibilities that fall within the definition of active practice of nursing[1]. For the purpose of registration renewal, only practice in a role that both a) meets the legal definition of nursing practice and b) requires nursing knowledge and education, meets the legal definition of active practice of nursing. Consequently, only when involved in active practice of nursing, can the nurse count those hours for registration renewal, use the protected titles of RN or NP, and qualify for liability protection.

This toolkit will assist the nurse in determining if an assessment of nursing practice application is needed. It also provides further information and resources related to self-employed practice.

[1] Active practice of nursing is defined in Appendix A of the Guideline for Recognition of Nursing Practice.

Recognition of Nursing Practice

You may have asked yourself if the following is considered nursing practice, or should be counted as nursing practice:

  • practice ”on the side” (in addition to your primary nursing position)
  • occasional practice/employment
  • practice outside of a clinical setting
  • non-clinical or new and emerging practice
  • practice not specifically requiring a nurse or nursing credentials
  • self-employed practice

If these considerations resonate with your practice, you are likely engaged in a non-clinical role, an emerging field of nursing practice, or self-employed and you must complete the Assessment of Nursing Practice Application. When completing the application please provide detailed information and any supporting documents as requested. The completed package can be returned at: nanbregistration@nanb.nb.ca or via regular mail at NANB at:

Nurses Association of New Brunswick
165 Regent Street
Fredericton (N.-B.)
E3B 7B4
Canada

Please note that a minimum of 4-6 weeks is required to process nursing practice assessment requests. Questions in relation to the assessment of practice can be sent to: nanbregistration@nanb.nb.ca.

Self-Employed Practice

Nurses in self-employed practice provide a variety of services to clients. Self-employed practice is a growing area of nursing practice. NANB currently requires all nurses involved in self-employed practice to submit an assessment of practice to determine if the proposed practice is considered active practice of nursing, and if those hours of practice are eligible to be counted as hours of nursing practice for annual renewal, if the professional title can be used, and to determine eligibility for professional liability insurance through the Canadian Nurse Protective Society (CNPS). Nurses in self‐employed practice should contact CNPS at www.cnps.ca or at 1-800-267-3390 to discuss professional liability coverage and other forms of insurance.

The following tool can help identify whether you are self-employed or an independent contractor. Reflect on your current or proposed practice and answer Yes or No to each statement.

Criteria Response
I own the business or practice from which I am claiming active nursing (RN or NP) practice hours. Yes/ No
I am financially invested in the business or practice from which I am claiming active practice of nursing hours. Yes/ No
I profit from the business or practice and/or I am at risk of personal financial loss. Yes/ No
I control the business or practice activities. Yes/ No
I hire my own employees for the business or practice. Yes/ No
I submit invoices for services I provide. Yes/ No
I am the custodian of the client record. Yes/ No

 

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are considered self-employed or an independent contractor and will need to complete the Assessment of Nursing Practice Application. Please refer to the “Recognition of Nursing Practice” section above. If you are still unsure, please contact a nurse consultant at practiceconsultation@nanb.nb.ca.

This content is adapted from the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Practice Direction: Self-Employed Practice.  

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