What is a Nursing Standard?

A nursing standard is a statement that describes how a member of the nursing profession must conduct their nursing practice. Standards of professional nursing practice are based on common assumptions about nursing.

What is the purpose of a nursing standard?

• they provide a foundation for evaluation of individual performance. This would include both self evaluation and performance appraisal at work.


• they guide professional efforts directed toward improving the profession


• education programs use the standards of professional nursing practice as a guide in designing and implementing curriculum. All nursing education programs must be able to prove that they are preparing graduates to meet the standards of professional nursing practice in that province.


• they provide the public with an understanding of what should be expected as a minimal level of performance from members of the nursing profession.


• provides the foundation for disciplinary investigations. A nurse can be disciplined if a complaint investigation proves that the nurse did not practice in accordance with the required nursing standards of practice in that province.

What is a Nursing Standard? - The purpose and foundational assumptions of nursing standards of practice in Canada.

Nursing Standards of Practice- Established under a regulatory mandate, standards of professional nursing practice are established and enforced by the regulatory nursing organizations in each province. Common nursing standard categories are explained.

Standards of Professional Nursing Practice- Links to each of the provincial nursing organizations official document for standards of professional nursing practice.