The College Connection Podcast

Merger Update & The Role of Governance in Regulation (Season 5 Finale)

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:14:54 GMT

⭐️ Season 5 Finale: Merger Update & The Role of Governance in Regulation

This special season finale of The College Connection Podcast brings together two influential voices in nursing regulation: Tonya Ryan, Chair of CRNNL Council, and Chris Janes, Chair of the CLPNNL Board. Join hosts Kelly Kean and Wanda Squires as they explore how governance shapes the profession—and what nurses can expect as the CRNNL and CLPNNL officially move toward one unified college.

Hear exclusive updates on:

• The progress of the merger

• Key leadership announcements

• What the governance of the NL College of Nurses will look like in 2026

Don’t miss this important conversation as we wrap up Season 5 with insight, clarity, and a look ahead at what’s next for nurses across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Documentation: Your Best Defence as an RN

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:55:45 GMT

In this episode of The College Connection Podcast, we chat with Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review at the College of Registered Nurses, to discuss one of the most critical aspects of nursing practice: documentation.

Brenda offers insights into why clear, timely, and accurate documentation is not just a professional obligation—but also a nurse’s strongest protection in the event of a complaint or investigation. From real-world examples to common documentation pitfalls, this episode empowers RNs with practical advice to ensure their records reflect safe, ethical, and competent care.

Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned RN, this is a must-listen episode that reinforces a fundamental truth: if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

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The Retention of NL Nurses in NLHS

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Honest, Open, and Transparent. In our latest episode, our hosts sit down with Collette Smith, Senior Director of Recruitment & Retention at NL Health Services, to discuss the pressing issue of nursing retention in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this timely conversation we dive deep into:

• The frontline reality, how NLHS acknowledges heavy patient loads, frequent overtime, burnout, and moral distress are affecting nurses.

• The shift from recruitment to retention: Rather than relying solely on travel nurses, NLHS is investing in keeping its current workforce engaged and supported .

• Innovative strategies: Learning about flexible scheduling, mentorship programs, compassionate leadership training (including the EXTRA Fellow initiatives), and capacity management tools NLHS is implementing to enhance work–life balance .

• Empowering nurses’ voices: how NLHS is actively listening to frontline nurses—through moral community-building, inclusion in decision-making, and formal leadership development—to shape policies that support their wellbeing .

Tune in to hear how NLHS is tackling nurse retention from multiple angles—emotional, ethical, and operational. Whether you’re a healthcare leader, practitioner, or advocator, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating a sustainable and supportive nursing environment in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Recruitment of Nurses in NL

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:30:56 GMT

The College Connection Podcast sits down with Collette Smith, a Registered Nurse and the Senior Director of Recruitment, Retention, Education and Culture with NLHS. Collette answers our questions and explains what NLHS is doing to recruit RNs and address the workforce challenges that many nurses in NL experience. Don't miss it.

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A New Code of Professional Conduct

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:09:00 GMT

In this special episode of The College Connection Podcast, we sit down with guest and cohost Kelly Kean to explore the newly released Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador, which takes effect on June 1, 2025. Kelly shares the background behind this important regulatory document, offers key highlights from the new Code, and underscores what it means for safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice.

Tune in as we break down the six guiding principles, how they support professional decision-making, and the resources available to help nurses across the province integrate the Code into everyday practice.

Whether you’re a frontline nurse, educator, policy leader, or health partner, this episode offers essential information on this fundamental regulatory document.

For more information, visit CRNNL.ca or contact the Practice Team at practice@crnnl.ca.

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The Profile of a Public Representative

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Glyn George, a dedicated public representative on the Council of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL). With a background in engineering and a passion for public service, Dr. George brings a unique perspective to the regulatory landscape of nursing. Whether you’re a nurse or a member of the public, this conversation offers insight into the importance of public representation in professional regulation. If you or someone you know is interested in opportunities to serve as a public representative, visit https://www.iacnl.ca/opportunities/

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The Evolution of Virtual Nursing Practice Part 2

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:41:45 GMT

Part 2! Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the health care system and the people of our province, but one area in particular that has seen exponential growth is in virtual nursing. Our guests for this 2-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed, a NL healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much, much more! If you've ever been interested in virtual nursing practice you won't want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation

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The Evolution of Virtual Nursing Practice Part 1

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare system and the people of our province. One area in particular that has seen exponential growth is virtual nursing. Our guests for this two-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed, a Newfoundland healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much more. If you’ve ever been interested in virtual nursing practice, you won’t want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation.

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The College Connection Podcast Presents...A Conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey (Part 2)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:30:00 GMT

In Part 2 of this 2-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey. Don't miss this honest and open discussion with the CEO of NL Health Services on matters such as travel nurses, elements for an efficient and effective health care system, incivility amongst health care providers, the importance of health regulation. Check it out today!

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The College Connection Podcast Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:31:00 GMT

The College Connection Podcast Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services.

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services, for a conversation which highlights a career spanning medicine, research, and public policy. We dive into how his journey led him to the helm of the province’s largest public organizations, NLHS. Dr. Parfrey brings a wealth of insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our health care system today and shares his thoughts on the evolving role of NLHS, the impacts of the social determinants of health, and how the NL Health Accord can reimagine the future of health care in our province.

Stay tuned to this platform for Part 2 on Tuesday, April 22nd, where we go deeper into a strategic vision for lasting change.

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MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: The Merger of CRNNL & CLPNNL

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:30:00 GMT

SEASON 5 PREMIERE !! MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:

In December of 2024, the Nursing Act was passed in the House of Assembly. This legislation paves the way for The College of Registered Nurses and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to merge into one entity. The NL College of Nurses, will soon become the largest health care regulator in the province. Our guests for the Season 5 are Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses and Wanda Wadman, the CEO and Registrar of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to discuss this major announcement.

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The College Connection Podcast S4 E6: Renewing your Licence in Alinity

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:45:48 GMT

This special episode of the podcast is all about renewal!

Get first hand answers and commentary related to renewing your license in Alinity. Podcast host and nursing consultant Kelly Kean chats with Brad Walsh and Julie Wells as they navigate the Alinity platform and cover a wide-range of topics and FAQs that all RNs and NPs will need to know. Audiences who listen to audio only are encouraged to visit the College YouTube channel for step-by-step video instructions.

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What is Regulation ?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:30:00 GMT

The College of Registered Nurses (as with most regulatory bodies) can sometimes get confused with an association, advocacy group, or even a union, but the College (regulator) has a role that is vitally important to professionals and the public! In this episode, we speak with Ms. Melanie Venables with the Professional Standards Authority in the United Kingdom to discuss: What is Regulation? For more info on the Professional Standards Authority visit https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us

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The College Connection Podcast S4 E4: Ask Practice Part III

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:30:02 GMT

PART III (finale): You Ask, We Answer! The College Connection Podcast Presents: ASK PRACTICE!

All New! Ask Practice is series of three episodes which features our College practice consultants, Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter answering various questions submitted from RNs and NPs. In Part I, II, and III you’ll get to hear a wide variety of questions on a multitude of different topics that have been submitted to communications@crnnl.ca

Find out what NPs and RNs want to know and the answers to questions which may surprise you. If you have questions or would like to submit a question for any future Ask Practice episodes, email communications@crnnl.ca. The College will not publish the name of the individual submitting the question and makes every attempt to answer all questions submitted.

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The College Connection Podcast S4 E3: Ask Practice PART II

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:30:40 GMT

PART II: You Ask, We Answer! The College Connection Podcast Presents: ASK PRACTICE!

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College Connection Podcast S4 E2: Ask Practice! PART I

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:30:36 GMT

You Ask, We Answer! The College Connection Podcast Presents: ASK PRACTICE!

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A Conversation with Michael Morris, NP

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 20:45:56 GMT

The College Connection Podcast is BACK for season 4! This all new episode features a conversation with Michael Morris, an NP in specialized practice. Our practice team chats with Michael about his background, his role as a Nurse Practitioner, and his work on the Council of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Engaging in Social Media

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:20:20 GMT

Social media is prevalent in today’s society and can be an exciting and valuable tool when used wisely. In availing of the opportunities social media provides, RNs and NPs are required to adhere to standards related to communication, professionalism, and the code of ethics regardless of whether social media use is of a personal or professional nature. Maintaining privacy, confidentiality, therapeutic relationships, professional boundaries, and public trust are required of the RN and NP and may be at risk where social media is in use. Our Director of Professional Conduct Review, Brenda Carroll, joins the College Consultants to answer common questions and highlights some key considerations for RNs and NPs to think about when engaging with social media platforms.

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Conduct Deserving of Sanction – What Does it Really Mean?

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:53:31 GMT

The RN Act defines “conduct deserving of sanction” to include:

Professional misconduct
Professional incompetence
Conduct unbecoming a Registered Nurse
Incapacity
Unfitness to engage in the practice of nursing
Acting in breach of the Act, the Regulations, or the Code of Ethics

The spectrum of what the term encompasses is wide-ranging and covers many different scenarios, all which are dependent on the Conduct in question.

From a minor infraction to the most serious situation, Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter speak with Director of Professional Conduct Review, Brenda Carroll about what Conduct Deserving of Sanction really means.

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Professionalism, Privacy, & Confidentiality …A Conversation with the Commissioner

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:30:21 GMT

In the second part of our conversation with the Information & Privacy Commissioner, a wide range of topics are covered from RNs/NPs using smartphones and recording devices in practice, the ransomware attack on Newfoundland and Labrador’s public health system, obligations for self-employed RNs/NPs, aspects to consider when RNs/NPs engage in virtual care, and a number of situations which outline the principles of privacy and professionalism.

Join Consultants and Podcast hosts, Michelle Carpenter and Kelley Kean for this episode of the podcast: Professionalism, Privacy, & Confidentiality …A Conversation with the Commissioner. Postproduction note: this episode of the College Connection was recorded on March 23, 2024. On April 11th it was announced that Mr. Harvey would be resigning from his position as Information and Privacy Commissioner in Newfoundland and Labrador after having accepted the position of Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia. To learn more about the OIPC visit https://www.oipc.nl.ca/ The PHIA toolkit discussed in this episode can be found here https://www.oipc.nl.ca/files/PHIAToolkitSmallCustodians.pdf

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A Duty to Report - Your Obligations as a Registered Nurse

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:30:03 GMT

All RNs and NPs are responsible to act when they witness unsafe and unethical situations that adversely impact the quality of client care. Questions often arise from RNs & NPs about their Duty to Report and when to contact the College. Our Director of Professional Conduct Review Brenda Carroll joins the College Consultants to answer common questions regarding Duty to Report and much more. For more information on the Duty to Report, click HERE

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Privacy & Confidentiality

Tue, 07 May 2024 14:30:46 GMT

In episode 2, Podcast hosts (and College Consultants) Michelle Carpenter and Kelly Kean speak with special guest, Michael Harvey, Information & Privacy Commissioner Newfoundland and Labrador for an in-depth discussion about patient privacy and confidentiality. This episode highlights information which RNs and NPs should know about the PHIA (Personal Health Information Act) and includes answers to common questions about health information and privacy. Post production note: this episode of the College Connection was recorded on March 23, 2024. On April 11th it was announced that Mr. Harvey would be resigning from his position as Information and Privacy Commissioner in Newfoundland and Labrador after having accepted the position of Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia. To learn more about the OIPC click here.

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A Conversation with Canada's Chief Nursing Officer

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:30:37 GMT

Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of the College Connection Podcast episode 1: a Conversation with Canada's Chief Nursing Officer.

In this episode Dr. Leigh Chapman speaks with podcast hosts and College consultants Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter about the role of the Chief Nursing Officer, the importance of nursing regulation, and the Nursing Retention Toolkit made available via Health Canada.

Like, subscribe, leave a rating and review. Visit the College YouTube channel to check out this episode in video format.

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Tips for Renewal

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 17:05:54 GMT

The final episode of 2023 will provide RNs and NPs in NL with an overview of how Alinity works for annual licensing renewal, logging your CCP, and why it’s important to keep your profile up to date. Please note for video demonstrations it it may be helpful to visit the College Website or visit our YouTube Channel .

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New Graduate Nurses’ Mental Health and Well-being

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:25:51 GMT

Dr. Robin Devey-Burry, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador joins Kelly and Michelle and provides an overview of an on-going research study focused on new graduate nurses’ mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and the supportive resources they require.

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RNs & Disciplinary Actions: How it Works

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:51:52 GMT

This podcast/education event will provide listeners with an overview of the process that occurs when the College receives an allegation related to a registrant’s practice or conduct that is alleged to be unacceptable and deserving of sanction. The Director of Professional Conduct Review (PCR) will discuss the College’s authorization, in the interest of public protection, to intervene when practice is unacceptable and the responsibilities of RNs and NPs to report professional misconduct to the College.

Guest: Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review at the College of RNs

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A Conversation with the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer of NLHS

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:44:28 GMT

Join College staff for a Conversation with the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer NLHS Joanne Pelley. Ms. Pelley provides insight into her role of Provincial Chief Nursing Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) and how the role functions in the newly established provincial health authority.

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The Importance of Alinity

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:46:53 GMT

Please Note: to view the slides/presentation which accompany this episode, visit the College of Registered Nurses YouTube page. Join staff and practice consultants as we discuss The Importance of Alinity: A Guide to the new licensing and registration software used by the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador. This important education event and Podcast recording will provide RNs and NPs in NL with an overview of how Alinity works for annual licensing renewal, logging your CCP, and why it's important to keep your profile up to date.

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Scope of Practice of RNs & LPNs

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:25:36 GMT

Original Presentation Date: 30 October 2023

Re-released due to technical issues

This collaborative presentation between the College of Registered Nurses of NL (CRNNL) and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of NL (CLPNNL) outlines the similarities and differences between RNs and LPNs scope of practice. The presenters speak about regulatory expectations, professional accountability, self-reflections on individual scope of practice, client predictability, assignment, and they conclude the presentation with a practice scenario.

Original Presentation Date: 30 October 2023

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Lessons Learned

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:18:35 GMT

Original Presentation Date: 26 September 2023 and edited

In this education event, we will review lessons learned from the 2023 audit of the new CCP via the CCP Portal.

This education event will also offer tips for success to allow RNs & NPs to log into “My Learning” in Alinity and make any necessary changes to their current learning to meet CCP requirements for licensure renewal.

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Scope of Practice of RNs & LPNs

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:47:42 GMT

This collaborative presentation between the College of Registered Nurses of NL (CRNNL) and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of NL (CLPNNL) outlines the similarities and differences between RNs and LPNs scope of practice. The presenters speak about regulatory expectations, professional accountability, self-reflections on individual scope of practice, client predictability, assignment, and they conclude the presentation with a practice scenario.

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Non-Traditional Environments: RNs working in Corrections

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:10:48 GMT

The College presents: Non-Traditional Environments: RNs working in Corrections with guest Crystal Northcott. Crystal is an experienced Registered Nurse who has a diverse background. She has experience working as a staff nurse in adults and pediatrics, in nursing education, and in management. Crystal is a former member of the College Council, and is presently the Provincial Operations Manager for Correctional Health Services. In this role, she implements health care delivery to individuals who are incarcerated at either of the 6 provincial prisons or 2 lock ups within Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Rural and Remote Continuing Education

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:54:51 GMT

Rural and remote nurses frequently face substantial barriers to obtaining continuing education and enhancement to their skill set, including: professional isolation, competing demands, lack of sustainable continuing educational initiatives, and lack of organizational support. While in the post-pandemic landscape, many previously unavailable technological advances have become increasingly more accessible, that fact does not hold true in rural and remote communities. Original Presentation Date: October 3, 2023

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Lessons Learned (edited 10.20.23)

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:02:52 GMT

Please note: Season 2 Episode 1 replaces a previous unedited version.

In this education event, we will review lessons learned from the 2023 audit of the new CCP via the CCP Portal.

This is an important event that we recommend all RNs and NPs review. We will explore common missteps from last year and instances where RNs and NPs failed to correctly capture learning hours, impact statements, and summative evaluations. The education event will also offer tips for success to allow RNs & NPs to log into “My Learning” in Alinity and make any necessary changes to their current learning to meet CCP requirements for licensure renewal.

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RN Prescribing: The Framework & Practice Guidelines

Tue, 16 May 2023 18:50:16 GMT

The College of Registered Nurses presents RN Prescribing: The Framework & Practice Guidelines

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The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:36:41 GMT

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Independent Statutory Office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador that is responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of all children and youth in the province and providing public oversight of government programs and services. The Office advocates to ensure children and youth have access to services they are entitled to, that their issues receive appropriate attention, and their voices are heard in matters affecting them.

In this session, there will be a specific focus on the mandate, legislation, investigative authority, as well as the role of the OCYA in terms of individual and systemic advocacy, reviews and investigation, and public education. There will also be discussion about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the rights-based approach to the work, with examples used from investigative and systemic reports that the Office has published. It is essential for health care professionals working with children and youth to have a clear understanding of the role of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate and of their rights.

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Virtual Care in Emergency and Primary Health - Regulatory Tips for RNs & NPs in Virtual Care

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:32:11 GMT

The College presents: An education session on Virtual Care in Emergency and Primary Health Care, featuring Ashley Dinn, Provincial Program Manager of Virtual Care, NLCHI.

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A Presentation to RNs from The Office of the Seniors Advocate

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:22:24 GMT

The College of Registered Nurses is pleased to present an education session with Ms. Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Personal Health Information Act

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:16:09 GMT

Join the College of Registered Nurses and special guests from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador for an education session on the Personal Health Information Act.

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The Top 10 Disciplinary Issues for RNs & NPs of 2022

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:32:10 GMT

Join Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review at the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador as we walk through the Top Ten Discipline Issues for Nurses in 2022. Find out what issues made the list and discuss tips and suggestions to protect your practice.

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