We acknowledge that Manitoba is on the original lands of the Dakota, Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dené, Inuit and Métis Nation. We acknowledge that the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba is located on Treaty One territory. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, and we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

Scope of Practice

Scope of practice refers to the range of activities that members of our profession are educated in and legally authorized to provide.

In legal terms, the practice of psychiatric nursing is defined in the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act as:

[…] the application of psychiatric nursing knowledge, skill and judgment to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, minimize the effects of mental illness and developmental challenges and assist individuals, families, groups and communities to achieve an optimal state of health. The practice includes education, administration and research related to psychiatric nursing.

The actual scope of practice of an individual RPN may be more focused. It is shaped by experience, professional development, opportunities to develop specific competencies, and opportunities for continuing competence.

This means that in actual practice, the type of care that RPNs provide in our community can vary a great deal. This variety is one of the strengths of our profession. The flexibility of the RPN scope of practice allows us to serve specific needs in a wide range of settings – in the private and public sector, in health care and industry, and beyond.

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba

1854 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3J 0G9

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