CATHY SUMMERS
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
I am a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). The CNO holds its members to high professional standards and members are accountable not only to the professional body, but to the public. Any member of the public can search a nurse’s name on the CNO website to determine eligibility to work, disciplinary actions, place of employment, submit a concern/compliant, and any restrictions to their practice. We must pay yearly membership fees and review our Quality Assurance plan to ensure we are continually learning, self-reflecting and keeping up to date on current practice. The CNO provides its members with standards and guidelines to guide their practice and requires its members to pass a national exam to obtain membership and work as a nurse and use the title ‘Registered Nurse’ or ‘Registered Practical Nurse’ within Ontario. The RNAO requires a yearly membership fee and offers its members education, professional guidance, and legal support. The RNAO has done extensive work in creating Best Practice Guidelines to shape and guide patient care.
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