NSCN has been monitoring the ongoing public discussions and public gatherings with respect to the issue of the COVID-19 vaccination across Canada and here in Nova Scotia. While all Canadians enjoy the right of free speech, NSCN would like to take the opportunity to remind all NSCN registrants that as a nurse, you are a trusted health care professional and leader in Nova Scotia. Views and statements by nurses on important health matters that share or support misinformation have the potential to negatively impact the health and safety of the public.
Throughout history, nurses have stepped into times of crisis providing care and innovation that has saved lives and reduced suffering. As the largest group of health professionals in Nova Scotia, nurses play a vital role in contributing to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Obligations to Provide Safe, Competent, Ethical and Compassionate Care
Nurses have a duty, as outlined in their respective standards of practice, to provide clients with safe, competent, ethical and compassionate care, including protecting them from the risk of infection. Nurses abide by this duty by following Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act Order, adhering to their standards of practice, and following organizational policies and guidelines with respect to infection control. Infection control measures complement the public health protection measures and protocols measures already in place.
As of October 6, 2021, the Order of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Public Health’s mandatory vaccination protocol requires nurses working in high-risk settings to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 30, 2021. More information about the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Protocol in High-Risk Settings can be found here.
Immunization
Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is based on scientific evidence, expert advice and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Widespread vaccination shortens the duration of disease outbreaks, maintains public safety, reduces the burden on the health care system and keeps health care providers safe to care for clients in need. For more information about NSCN’s COVID-19 Vaccine Regulatory Update, click here.
Use of title
NSCN reminds members of the public and all stakeholders, including registrants, that the titles: nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and nurse practitioner are protected titles. This means that only those individuals who are registered with NSCN have the right and privilege to use these titles in Nova Scotia.
As public health measures continue to evolve to mitigate the spread and impacts of COVID-19, it is essential that all nurses understand their professional responsibilities when responding to public health orders or making public statements on this important topic. It is important that NSCN registrants are cautious in how they use their protected title in public forums. We have all witnessed ongoing debates in the news, in the workplace, and on social media platforms about vaccines and the best way to deal with COVID-19. While you are free to voice your own opinions in a lawful manner, you are not entitled to use your protected title to spread misinformation. NSCN can and will take action against registrants whose use of title could negatively impact the public’s trust in the nursing profession. For more information, please see NSCN’s Protected Titles and Designations Position Statement.
Revised November 2021
