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Professional Practice

Professional Practice

For Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners

The CNNB establishes, maintains and promotes professional conduct, standards of practice, guidelines and other resources to support registered nurses and nurse practitioners (RNs/NPs) in practising safely, competently, compassionately and ethically while protecting the public.

Code of Conduct  (In effect as of June 1st 2026)

The Code of Conduct describes the behavior and conduct that RNs/NPs are required to uphold when practicing in New Brunswick (N.B.) or providing services to clients in N.B. It defines the expected level of performance for safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical nursing practice, and applies to all registrants of the CNNB. All RNs/NPs are responsible for understanding the principles and behaviours outlined in the Code of Conduct and are accountable for applying them to their nursing practice, regardless of their role, title, responsibility, or domain of practice.

Entry-level Competencies

Entry-level competencies define the essential knowledge, skills, and judgment required for safe, competent, compassionate and ethical nursing practice upon entry into the profession. RNs/NPs are accountable for meeting these competencies throughout their careers in relation to their specific practice context.

Standards of Practice

Standards of practice support public protection by outlining the expectations for nursing practice and providing detailed guidance in specific area of practice. The standards inform RNs/NPs of their accountabilities and help the public understand what they can expect from them. The standards apply to all RNs/NPs regardless of their role, job description or area of practice.

Standards of Practice for RNs & NPs

Standards of Practice for NPs

Practice Guidelines

Practice guidelines address specific practice-related issues by identifying principles, offering instructions, providing information or direction, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and/or outlining a framework for decision-making. The guidelines support RNs/NPs in applying the standards to their practice.

Fact Sheets

Fact sheets provide clear, factual information regarding nursing regulation or facts that impact the practice of nursing.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regroup series of common questions and answers related to RN and NP practice.

Toolkits

Toolkits provide consolidated resources on specific aspects of nursing practice, supporting RNs/NPs in upholding professional conduct and meeting the standards of practice for safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical nursing practice.

Webinars

Webinars provide education to help RNs/NPs understand standards and apply them their practice.

Quizzes

Quizzes support learning on specific aspects of nursing practice by providing feedback that corrects misunderstandings, reinforces accurate knowledge and addresses gaps in understanding.