Registration FAQs
What steps do I have to take to become initially “registered” and “licensed” to practice as a registered psychiatric nurse?
The Act and Bylaws of the CRPNS require that you produce satisfactory evidence of the following that:
- You have successfully completed an approved psychiatric nursing education program within the last four years.
- You have passed the registration examination (RPNCE) within a two-year period following program completion.
- You have provided a current criminal record check with vulnerable sector search.
- You have complied with the registration bylaws which require that you complete the forms, pay the required fees and provide the required documentation.
What does the term “licensed” mean?
A person has been issued a license to practise psychiatric nursing, in accordance with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act, 1993. The title of “psychiatric nurse”, “registered psychiatric nurse”, and “graduate psychiatric nurse” and the abbreviations PN, RPN and GPN are protected titles. Anyone using the in Saskatchewan who is not licensed with the CRPNS is subject to legal action.
How does the CRPNS “regulate” the practice of psychiatric nursing in Saskatchewan?
By:
- registering members;
- issuing licenses;
- approving the psychiatric nursing education program;
- setting standards of practice;
- adopting a code of ethics;
- investigating professional conduct complaints; and
- disciplining its members.
What responsibilities accompany my licence to practise psychiatric nursing?
To adhere to requirements as layed out in the Act, bylaws, Code of Ethics and Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice, in addition to CRPNS policies.
For more information about regulatory requirements and maintaining your license please see the Regulatory Requirements page in the member’s section.
Can I practise psychiatric nursing outside of Saskatchewan?
Other Canadian provinces and territoriess have legislation that regulates psychiatric nursing. Your license in Saskatchewan does not extend beyond the provincial borders, however if you maintain eligibility with CRPNS you may become licensed as an RPN in the other provinces and territories.
How do I go about establishing registration/licensure in another jurisdiction?
Contact the licensing body in the jurisdiction you wish to apply in and request the appropriate forms and directions.
What if I work in a jurisdiction that does not license Registered Psychiatric Nurses and wish to license with the CRPNS upon return to Saskatchewan?
Upon return to Saskatchewan you may apply for licensure with the CRPNS if you:
- Were eligible to license with the CRPNS prior to leaving Saskatchewan.
- Provide evidence of your employment record and activities in that jurisdiction during the time period as required by the College,
- Provide proof of having worked in psychiatric nursing activities approved by the College for at least 1400 hours in the five-year period, or 560 hours in the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for the year in which licensure is sought.
- Provide evidence of good standing in that jurisdiction, if you were registered as another health practitioner.