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.

Continuing Competence Program

All RPNs in Manitoba are required to continuously enhance their skills and knowledge.  Through the Continuing Competence Program, RPNs ensure that their knowledge, judgment and skills remain current and reflective of best practices. The CCP requires that RPNs do the following:

  • Engage in an annual process of self-assessment
  • Develop, implement and evaluate a learning plan for themselves
  • Maintain a professional portfolio to document their participation in the program

Audit Process Frequently Asked Questions

Why are RPNs audited?

 

The mandate of the CRPNM is to protect the public. As such, the Regulated Health Professions Act states that the CRPNM must have a Continuing Competence Program (CCP). The main purpose of the CCP is to ensure that RPNs continually assess their learning needs, find ways to fill these needs and put them into practice to ensure that clients are receiving safe and competent care.

How are RPNs selected for auditing?

A random selection is made each year. Every RPN is eligible for selection except those who entered the register in the current year.

Is it true that I can only be audited once every 5 years?

No. The random selection of 25% of eligible RPNs will continue through 2023 making it possible to be audited more than once in 5 years.

Who does the audit?

Volunteer RPNs work in pairs to review the audit forms and apply criteria that are established by the Continuing Competence Committee. The auditors then make recommendations to the CRPNM Practice Consultant.

Are the audits anonymous?

Yes, the CRPNM has established policies and processes to ensure RPNs remain anonymous to the auditors.

Are audits mandatory?

Yes. Participation in the CCP and the audit process is a requirement to renew your Certificate of Practice.

What is required if I am selected for the audit?

You will be required to complete the audit survey link that is sent to you by email. This requires all RPNs to have a valid email address on file and it is your responsibility to check your email to ensure you do not miss any communications from the CRPNM. Those selected for the audit will be alerted in early April that they have been selected and will have thirty (30) days to submit a response to the CRPNM.

How long does the audit take to complete?

The audit will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete and can be saved as you move along through the survey. If you leave the survey link, the survey will pick up at the last question you completed.

How does the audit work?

RPNs who are selected are asked a series of questions to which they must respond. The audit is divided into four (4) parts. You can find a sample of a completed audit here.

How many learning objectives do I need to identify?

RPNs are required to identify a minimum of two (2) learning objectives for the purposes of the audit. RPNs are required to integrate knowledge of the Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice into one of their learning objectives. As per the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), RPNs are required to not only maintain but enhance their competencies as a regulated health professional.

How do I know if the CRPNM has received my response?

At the conclusion of the survey, you will receive notification that you have submitted your audit. The CRPNM will collect responses for thirty (30) days before they are provided to the auditors for evaluation. If the CRPNM has not received a completed response, you will be contacted by email as a reminder.

What happens if I do not submit a completed response?

You are required to submit and complete the audit in order to be eligible to renew your certificate of practice for the next year.

Is there a pass mark for the audit? How will I know if I meet the requirements?

There is no pass mark for the audit, however, the auditors will evaluate your audit submission based on pre-determined criteria. Every audit is evaluated by the auditors and the CRPNM will notify you by email as to whether or not you have met the audit requirements for that year. Your audit will either be “met” or “not met” based on how you responded to the questions and whether there are gaps in your responses.

What happens if my audit fails?

If the auditors determine that you have “not met” the requirements, you will be contacted by the CRPNM by email for further revisions to your audit submission. You will have fifteen (15) days to resubmit your revised audit to the CRPNM. The CRPNM will outline instructions for how to resubmit your response. Once you have submitted your revised audit response, they will be evaluated, and you will be contacted by the CRPNM once the audit requirements have been met.

If you are interested in a presentation at your workplace about the CRPNM Continuing Competence Program and the audit process please contact the CRPNM office.

The CRPNM Continuing Competence Program © is the sole property of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. Contents of the CRPNM Continuing Competence Program © may be reproduced in whole or in part by any member of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba for personal use.

All other requests to reproduce these documents, in whole or in part are to be submitted in writing to the CRPNM.

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba

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

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