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.

February 2026

The purpose of this healthy work environment guideline is to address anti-Black racism in nursing and improve inclusivity and retention of Black nurses and Black nursing students in health and social service organizations and academic institutions. This BPG highlights the harmful history of marginalization and discrimination experienced by Black nurses and Black nursing students, illuminating the impact of systemic racism in the nursing profession.

April 2007

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to promote a healthy work environment for nurses by identifying best practices for embracing diversity within health care organizations. 

September 2012

The aim of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and other health-care providers to facilitate client-centred learning that promotes and enables clients to take action for their health. 

September 2025

This guideline promotes evidence-based practices to help nurses and members of their interdisciplinary teams become more adept at practising people-centred care. This evidence-based approach, combined with a perspective that recognizes the place of people at the centre of health care, will improve individuals’ experience of and satisfaction with the care and services provided within the health system. 

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.

June 2023

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for nurses and members of the interprofessional team, organizations and the health system. These recommendations support safe and effective transitions in care for pediatric and adult persons and their support network.