The College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) has responded to a letter from the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) which includes recommendations for an improved notification system for employers when a status change occurs for any registered nurses.
The original letter was sent by the BCCPA on Nov. 18 – with a similar version sent to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and the College of Psychiatric Nurses. It recommends changes to the BC Care Aide Registry as well as several efficient and cost-effective ways that the CRNBC can improve their existing notification system:
- Allow all employers who employ registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and/or licensed practical nurses to sign up for a free electronic e-bulletin that would automatically alert them to the status change of registrants.
- Ensure the e-bulletin also includes information regarding registrants who have had a restriction placed on their practice.
- Set up a working committee comprised of representatives from the College of Registered Nurses, College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses, and the BC Care Providers Association. The committee would meet to provide the College with suggestions and recommendations on how to improve the safety and well-being of seniors in care.
The CRNBC has since responded with a letter of their own. According to Registrar Cynthia Johansen, they have been working to improve the communication channels between themselves and the employers.
“We are… exploring ways to create consistency in how this information is provided to employers amongst the three nursing regulators,” said Cynthia Johansen, CEO for the CRNBC. “Our collective hope is to reduce confusion and create consistency in branding that equates to consistency in messaging and information.”
CRNBC Supports Establishment of a National Nurse Verification Tool
The letter also indicates that the CRNBC have taken early steps toward a national nurse verification tool with several other nursing organizations across the country.
“In collaboration with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and nursing regulators across the country,” said Johansen. “We are working towards the launch of a Canadian equivalent to nursys.com. A Canadian-wide solution similar to Nursys would provide a number of important benefits.”
The BCCPA also noted in its letter to the College:
As you may know, we have already been advocating for a number of years to remove significant loopholes in the flawed BC Care Aide Registry. There have been numerous documented cases where someone who has abused a senior is simply allowed to continue working as a care aide without any ramifications. In that regard, we have recommended to the Minister that the Registry be reformed and managed by one of the nursing colleges in order to help improve its effectiveness. However, this transfer of power should be done in association with regulatory colleges doing everything possible to significantly reduce the risk posed by potentially abusive care givers.
