Submitting a Complaint

Preparing and Submitting a Complaint

Overseeing complaints is an important part of how we ensure that Nova Scotians have confidence in the nurses who care for them.

Filing a complaint is a serious matter. To ensure a fair process for all involved, you must provide specific details so we can conduct a thorough investigation. 

If an investigation is opened, both the nurse named in the complaint and the person who made the complaint will be notified.

You can prepare your complaint in 1 of 2 ways:

You can prepare your complaint in 1 of 2 ways:

To avoid delays, we recommend using the Complaint Form instead of submitting a written document. The form ensures you provide all the necessary information for processing your complaint efficiently.

If you choose to prepare a written document, review the Submitting a Complaint: Information Sheet on pages 5 and 6 of the Complaint Form (PDF) before submitting your complaint.

Important: If you are making a complaint about the care provided to someone else, you must also submit an Authorization to Submit Complaint Form (PDF).

Learn more about submitting a claim on behalf of another person.

Your complaint must include:

  • Your full name and contact information (email, mailing address, phone, fax)
  • Full name of the nurse(s) involved
  • Description of the actions or behaviours that caused concern
  • If submitting a written document, clearly state that you are making a formal complaint about a nurse
  • If you are not an employer or co-worker, and your complaint is about care provided to someone else, you must provide proof that you have permission to file the complaint by submitting an Authorization to Submit Complain Form (PDF).
  • Date or timeframe of the incident
  • Location where the incident occurred
  • Names and contact details of witnesses or those with relevant information
  • Details of any steps taken to address the concerns, including the names and contact information of those you have spoken with
  • Copies of any relevant documents
  • A description of how you think the concerns could be resolved

If you are an employer filing a complaint, you must also include:

  • The nurse's registration number
  • Employment history, including start and end dates
  • A summary of actions taken by you and others following the incident
  • The nurse's response to those actions

Send your completed form or written document along with supporting documentation by email, fax, or mail. Please address it to Professional Conduct Services, Intake.

Email: conduct@nscn.ca
Fax: 902.377.5188
Mail:
Nova Scotia College of Nursing
Professional Conduct Services – Intake
300-120 Western Parkway, Bedford, NS B4B 0V2

We will contact you within 7 business days to confirm receipt of your complaint. If you have any questions, email conduct@nscn.ca.

We uphold public trust by being accountable and transparent. One way we do this is by providing a clear overview of our conduct processes.

These processes can be complex, and many factors influence the best action to serve the public interest.

The information on this website is general guidance and not legal advice. If there is any inconsistency between this material and the Nursing Act, regulations, or bylaws, the legislation is the final word.

For a full understanding of the complaint investigation process, you can contact:

If you have any questions, email us at conduct@nscn.ca. 

As an organization, we uphold public trust by being accountable and transparent. One of the ways we do this is by sharing a general overview of our conduct processes in a way that everyone can understand. Due to the nature of this work however, these processes can be complex and there are ultimately a number of factors that determine the best course of action to promote the public interest. The material presented in this website is general information only, and is not legal advice. If there is any inconsistency between this information and the Nursing Act, regulations and bylaws, the legislation prevails. As a result, it is best to contact a member of our team, your legal counsel or a union representative to ensure you fully understand the information presented on our website and within the Nursing Act, regulations, and bylaws.