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.

June 2017

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide best practices for tobacco interventions for nurses and other health-care providers across all care settings, with evidence-based recommendations related to assessment and interventions for adults who use tobacco.

May 2016

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide evidence-based recommendations that promote and sustain the undergraduate nursing student’s application of knowledge to practice in a variety of clinical learning environments. The guideline explores the relationships among and between students and nursing educators, nursing staff, preceptors and diverse health-care team members, and it considers their influence on the quality of practice education, professional socialization and nursing excellence. 

July 2019

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to enhance the safety of health service organizations and academic institutions through the adoption of evidence-based practices. Safe and healthy work environments are an enabler for nurses and other health workers to optimize clinical outcomes for those receiving care. Such environments also optimize teaching and learning in academic settings. Specifically, the guideline will address how to recognize, prevent, and manage violence, harassment and bullying in the workplace.

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. 

May 2014

The purpose of this best practice guideline (BPG) is to provide nurses across all practice settings with evidence-based practice, education, system, organization and policy recommendations for the primary prevention of obesity in infants, preschool, and elementary-school-aged children.

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.

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.

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.