Competence: Practice Advice for Nurse Practitioners

This practice advice provides guidance to nurse practitioners (NPs), neonatal NPs, graduate nurse practitioners(GNPs), and neonatal GNPs herein referred to as registrants in assessing, developing, and maintaining their professional competence.  

It is a supporting document to the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners specifically the 
sections related to competence and significant changes in practice. It applies when registrants are determining their readiness to provide care, entering new or evolving areas of practice, or responding to changes in clinical roles, environments, or patient populations. It may also inform employers about expectations related to safe registrant practice. 

 This document complements existing CRNA standards and guidance. It does not replace regulatory requirements or create additional obligations. Registrants remain responsible for meeting all applicable CRNA standards and legislative requirements.  

The purpose of this document is to support registrants in making informed decisions about their competence by identifying gaps, using appropriate supports, and taking reasonable, proportionate steps to ensure safe, ethical and competent care.