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.

March 2006

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to address the therapeutic relationship and its central importance to nursing practice. Effective nursing practice is dependent on an effective therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. The guideline addresses the qualities and capacities of an effective therapeutic relationship, the state of knowledge, and the knowledge needed to be effective in a therapeutic relationship. 

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. 

May 2015

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

March 2006

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to assist nurses in promoting family health through interventions and supports provided during expected as well as unexpected life events. Expected life events may include birth, school, adolescence, aging, and death, while unexpected life events may include trauma/accidents, chronic illness, developmental delay and disability. 

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.