Best Practice Guidelines

RNAO has more than 50 BPGs covering nine categories: children and youth; clinical; equity, diversity and inclusion; foundational; health system; healthy work environment; mental health and substance use; older adults; and population health.

The BPGs are freely available and organized alphabetically below.

May 2010

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to address the nursing assessment and management of stable, unstable and acute dyspnea associated with COPD.

May 2020

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses, the interprofessional team and caregivers with evidence-based recommendations for the provision of oral care for adults (18 years of age and older) that will: 

• promote an interprofessional approach to providing oral care, 
• enhance the delivery of oral care interventions, and 
• ultimately lead to positive oral health outcomes for persons.

March 2020

This best practice guideline (BPG) provides evidence-based recommendations to nurses and the interprofessional health team who support adults experiencing the last 12 months of a progressive life-limiting illness, and their families and caregivers. 

July 2014

The purposes of this best practice guideline (BPG) are to expand the awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults and to provide evidence-based recommendations for preventing and addressing abuse and neglect in all health-care settings across the continuum of care in Canada.

September 2017

This best practice guideline (BPG) focuses on the prevention of falls and fall injuries in all adults at risk for falls – including those living in the community – who are receiving care from nurses or other health-care providers. 

December 2020

This best practice guideline (BPG) focuses on bladder and bowel management in adults (aged 18 years and older).

March 2008

The guideline contains recommendations for registered nurses and registered practical nurses on best nursing practices in the area of paediatric asthma. It is intended for nurses who may not be experts in asthma care and who work in a variety of practice settings across the continuum of care.

February 2012

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) related to the care of individuals who are at risk for behaviours that may result in harm to self/others and lead to the possible use of restraints (physical, chemical, environmental). Unless otherwise indicated in the guideline, the discussion focus is on physical restraint. 

June 2021

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses and other members of the interprofessional team with evidence-based recommendations on foundational, inclusive care practices for 2SLGBTQI+ people. 

June 2022

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses and the circle of care with evidence-based recommendations on culturally safe and meaningful ways to support smoking reduction and cessation with Indigenous Peoples of reproductive age, their support networks and communities to improve health and wellness.