All practicing nurses are accountable, under legislation, to self-assess their nursing practice every year. This includes reflecting on current practice, identifying learning needs, and completing a learning plan which clearly outlines activities to improve competence. We call this QA Everyday.
Each year, CNO randomly selects nurses for QA Assessment. There are two parts to QA Assessment: Part A: Knowledge Assessment and Part B: Practice Assessment. In Part A, nurses complete a set of learning modules about nursing practice and complete a knowledge check. In Part B, nurses are to submit their Learning Plan and other activities for review. Once submitted, a CNO trained QA Peer Coach reviews the submission and provides feedback. Nurses will have an opportunity to work individually with the QA Peer Coach to understand and apply their feedback to improve future practice, including strengthening their understanding and application of the Code of Conduct.
If a nurse chooses not to participate or does not demonstrate adequate knowledge skill and judgment, they may be directed by CNO’s QA Committee to complete additional activities.