Registration FAQ's
1. What does the term "registered" mean?
You have met the requirements to be recognized as a "nurse" and have been entered into an official register of the Association, in accordance with government legislation.
2. What does the term "licenced" mean?
You have been issued a licence to practise nursing, in accordance with the Registered Nurses Act, 1988.
3. What does it mean to be a self-regulating profession?
Nurses govern themselves. They decide who can be licenced and what the standards need to be and that it is nurses who enforce the requirements for conduct and competence in practice, according to the government legislation and Association bylaws and policies.
4. What steps do I have to take to become initially "registered" and "licenced" to practise as a registered nurse?
The Act and Bylaws of the SRNA require that you produce satisfactory evidence of the following:
- that you have successfully completed an approved nursing education program.
- that you have passed the nurse registration licensure examination
- that you are of good character
- that you have complied with the registration bylaws which require that you complete the required forms, pay the required fees, and provide the required documentation
- that, within the past five years, you have completed one of the following:
- 1125 hours of practice as a RN in SRNA approved nursing activities; or
- an approved basic nursing education program
- an approved nurse re-entry program
5. How does the SRNA "regulate" the practice of nursing in Saskatchewan?
Through registration, the issuance of licences, prescribing special categories of practice, approval of nursing education programs, the setting of standards, adoption of a code of ethics, investigation of complaints, and discipline of its members and establishment of policies and guidelines.
6. Why do I have to be licenced to practise nursing?
To protect the public from unsafe practice. To promote and ensure safe nursing and to practise within the law and bylaws of the SRNA.
7. Why do I have to be licenced initially in Saskatchewan if I don't plan on practising here?
This is a regulatory mechanism used by all Canadian, and many worldwide jurisdictions. This requirement is intended to prevent fraudulent practice and to ensure that a nurse meets the requirements to practise nursing, including being a member in good standing! Registration by endorsement in other jurisdictions is thus enhanced and tracing mechanisms for registration suspensions from other jurisdictions due to incompetent or unprofessional nursing practice are in place.
8. What benefits accompany my licence to practise nursing?
- the right to practise nursing and to use the title "registered nurse" or "nurse"
- professional liability protection: $1,000,000 per incident, up to a maximum of three incidents within the registration year
- to participate and be eligible to hold office with the SRNA Council, to access consulting and counseling services of the SRNA, to receive the news bulletin, and to receive all privileges of membership in affiliated national and international associations (i.e., Canadian Nurses Association and the International Council of Nurses)
9. What responsibilities accompany my licence to practise nursing?
To adhere to the Code of Ethics and to practise competently according to SRNA standards, codes and guidelines.
10. Can I practise nursing in another jurisdiction?
Only if you are licenced as a nurse by the licencing body in that jurisdiction. Your right to practise with a Saskatchewan licence does not extend beyond the provincial borders.
11. How do I go about establishing registration/licensure in another jurisdiction?
You need to contact the licencing body in that jurisdiction. Commonly, these jurisdictions will require documentation from your original jurisdiction, Saskatchewan, verifying that you are in fact, a graduate of an approved program who has established initial registration in this province and who was in good standing when last registered. There is a small fee for the completion of this documentation. You can contact the SRNA for phone numbers of other jurisdictions.
12. When should I establish initial registration?
You should establish initial registration as soon as possible following graduation, so that licences and verification of registration documents can be completed in an accurate, timely manner.
13. For how long is my licence valid?
Nurse licensure in Saskatchewan is for up to a one year period, based on the membership year, which currently is December 01-November 30.
14. How do I know about SRNA standards, codes and guidelines?
When you establish initial registration, a package containing standards, codes, guidelines and continuing competence documents will be mailed to you. These documents are also available on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions from SRNA Brochure
1. Can I let my registration lapse?
If you do not plan on practising nursing until later (ie: maternity leave, job search, etc) you may elect to return your membership renewal inventory form at a later date. There is no penalty. Please note, however, if you have practised nursing outside Saskatchewan in the meantime, a verification of registration from the jurisdiction you last practised in will be required. It is critical that you renew your registration/licensure prior to recommencing any employment or volunteer work as a RN in Saskatchewan.
2. Can I save money if I re-register later in a membership year?
Yes, if you register after June 1st, fees are prorated at 60% and 40% after September 1st. See Section 17 on the back of your renewal form. Again, it is critical that you renew your registration/licensure prior to recommencing any employment or volunteer work as a RN.
3. Can I get a refund?
If you HAVE NOT PRACTISED on your current licence, refunds may be available. Your request - in writing - should be addressed to the Registrar, indicating that you have not practised on your current licence. At the same time, please return your current licence and official income tax receipt. When all information is received and reviewed, a refund may be processed. There is a $20.00 service fee for administering refunds. If you have practised on your current licence contact our office regarding the availability of a refund and the documentation required.
For Initial Registrants refunds are only available in exceptional circumstances.
4. If I'm not working or not doing volunteer RN work, do I have to take out practising membership?
No, for those who do not plan on practising nursing in the immediate future, there are two options:
Option 1: You may take out a non-practising membership which can be converted to a practising membership later in the registration year upon payment of the fee differential, verification of out of province RN practice, and completion of another membership renewal inventory form; or
Option 2: You may simply choose to let your membership lapse and remain inactive at this time.
5. What happens if I take out a non-practising membership and then decide to get a practising membership at a later date?
Simply call the SRNA office and we will send you another membership inventory form. Complete the form and return it along with your fee. Your fee will be reduced by $35.00 + GST (the price of your non-practising membership). If you have practised outside Saskatchewan, however, we will require a verification of registration from that RN jurisdiction.
6. How many hours do I have to work as a RN to maintain my registration?
You must have worked at least 1125 hours in SRNA approved nursing activities in the five-year period immediately preceding the current registration year to be eligible for registration/licence renewal. For example, for the current membership year, you must have worked at least 1125 hours in the previous 5 membership years.
7. Does the SRNA grant extensions?
Can I still get a practising membership? In exceptional circumstances, members can request an extension to the five-year / 1125 practice hours requirement. Consideration may be given when a person is close to meeting the hourly bylaw requirement and when an employer can guarantee the required hours within a short period of time. Please note, however, that requests are considered on an individual basis. Requests are forwarded to the SRNA for review by the Registration Membership Committee. For further information, please contact the Registrar.
8. Is there any other way I can increase my approved RN hours?
Yes, there are several ways including participation at most CNE workshops or when pursuing a certificate or degree in nursing. For further information, call the SRNA and obtain our brochure, Guidelines to Maintain Eligibility for Registration with the SRNA.
9. How does the SRNA keep track of the hours I work?
The SRNA records the hours as you report them on your membership renewal inventory form. Be sure to provide your 2006 approved practice hours on the bottom portion of your form (see Section 13). In the event you wish to correct or revise hours for any membership year, simply draw a line through the old amount, and write down the revised hours. Submitted hours are routinely audited.
10. What is Practising Membership?
This membership is limited to those persons who are eligible for registration and licensure as a registered nurse. Practising members are entitled to all the privileges of membership including, but not limited to, the right to use the title "registered nurse" and "nurse" and/or to practise as a registered nurse in Saskatchewan.
12. What is Non-Practising Membership?
This membership is limited to those persons who have at one time been a practising member of the Association. Non-practising members are entitled to vote and to hold office at membership unit level; to receive the news bulletin of the Association. Non-practising members are not entitled to use the registered nurse title or practise nursing in Saskatchewan.
Last Updated: May 4, 2008