Practice Reflection Resources

A focus of CNO’s Quality Assurance (QA) program is to encourage nurses to think about their experiences to help identify learning needs and ongoing professional development. The following resources have been developed to support you in reflecting on your practice.

SMART Learning Goals

Watch this video and use the guide to self-assessmentopen PDF linkOpens link in new window. to help you write specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-limited (SMART) learning goals for your learning plan.

Standards and Guidelines

CNO creates practice standards and guidelines to support nurses in providing the public safe, quality care. These documents, including CNO’s Code of Conduct, outline the expectations and accountabilities for nurses. They apply to all nurses, regardless of their role, job description or area of practice. Use these documents as part of your learning activities to enhance your knowledge and help you achieve your learning goals.

Entry-to-Practice Competencies

Developed in partnership with nursing regulators across the country, these documents describe what is expected of entry‐level registered nurses and registered practical nurses in order to provide safe and ethical nursing care in a variety of practice settings.

Resources for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse Practitioners must review the Nurse Practitioneropen PDF linkOpens link in new window. practice standard, the Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Nurse Practitionersopen PDF linkOpens link in new window. and the information in the NP Practice ResourcesOpens link in new window. section of this website.