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 2007

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is: to identify the concept of professionalism as a guiding tenet that enhances outcomes for nurses, patients, organizations and systems; to define the attributes of professionalism; to identify and discuss the evidence related to each attribute of professionalism; and to provide strategies for success.

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.

March 2007

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to support nurses as they help people with diabetes reduce their risk of foot complications. 

September 2011

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to assist nurses who work in diverse practice settings to identify adults who are at risk of pressure ulcers. This guideline further provides direction to nurses in defining early interventions for pressure ulcer prevention, and to manage Stage I pressure ulcers.

Publication date
2002
Define early interventions for pressure ulcer prevention, and to manage Stage I pressure ulcers. This best practice guideline assists nurses who work in diverse practice settings to identify adults who are at risk of pressure ulcers. This guideline focuses its recommendations on: Practice Recommendations including assessment, planning, intervention and discharge/transfer of care Educational...
September 2010

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for registered nurses and registered practical nurses in self-management support. These recommendations identify strategies and interventions that enhance an individual’s ability to manage their chronic health condition.

Publication date
2005
The RNAO Best Practice Guideline Stroke Assessment Across the Continuum of Care (2005, 2011) was retired in October 2020. Comprehensive and up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and management of stroke are available. RNAO encourages users of this guideline to review the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Canadian Stroke Best Practices: http://www....