ABOUT CRPNA

The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) is the legislated regulatory body that regulates the psychiatric nursing profession in a manner that protects and serves the public.

Our mandate is to ensure that our registrants provide safe, ethical, and competent services to the public; through the exercise of the regulatory powers granted to the College under the Health Professions Act, Regulations, and Bylaws.

Protect

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) regulates psychiatric nursing and exists to protect the public. This is done by setting standards for psychiatric nursing practice, supporting Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) in meeting the standards and taking action when the standards are not met. The CRPNA:

  • establishes and maintains a registration process that ensures those who practice as a RPN are qualified and competent;
  • sets and maintains the standards of psychiatric nursing practice that a RPN must meet every day to ensure safe, competent and ethical registered psychiatric nursing care;
  • approves psychiatric nursing education programs in Alberta to ensure RPNs get the education they need to perform the competencies of a RPN;
  • receives and investigates complaints about the practice of a RPN and directs appropriate remedial or disciplinary actions as required.

The purpose of regulation is to ensure that RPNs practice in a safe, competent and ethical manner. To that end, self-regulation involves three overall principles: promoting good practice, preventing undesirable practice, and intervening when necessary.

MISSION STATEMENT

Protect and serve the public interest by ensuring registrants provide safe, competent and ethical practice, and address the needs of registrants and the public through education and regulation.

VISION STATEMENT

The CRPNA is an innovative, proactive, recognized leader in mental health ensuring the people of Alberta have accessible, effective, efficient health delivery systems that fully utilize the skills and expertise of Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs).

CRPNA COUNCIL

Provincial council is mandated by the Health Professions Act to manage and conduct the business affairs of CRPNA. Council consists of twelve (12) members, including six (6) appointed Registered Psychiatric Nurses (Chair, Vice-Chair, four (4) councillors), and six (6) public representatives appointed by the Minister of Health.

The College’s council meets regularly throughout the year. A RPN with an active-practicing license with the College (in good standing) is eligible to run for council. The term of office for council members is four years.

MEET OUR COUNCIL

To contact a council member, please email crpna@crpna.ab.ca

Tonya Ratushniak

Chair

Judy Negrey

Chair Elect

Chika Dike

Councillor

Sharon Martin

Councillor

Richard Duncan

Councillor

Michaela Vermeulen

Councillor

Dr. Hany Abdelhady

Public Member

Joseph Zelmer

Public Member

Dr. Adetoyese Oyedun

Public Member

Dianne Johnston

Public Member

Robert Kruchten

Public Member

Vacant

Public Member

About Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)

A Legacy of Care Since the 1920s, Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) have been vital to Alberta’s psychiatric and mental health services. Over the past 100+ years, RPNs have consistently delivered high-quality, compassionate care to individuals facing medical, mental, or emotional challenges.

A Growing Profession Canada boasts over 6,400 RPNs, with 1500 practicing in Alberta. Psychiatric nursing is recognized as a distinct health care profession not only in Canada but globally. This field is continually evolving to address the ever-changing needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities as well as the health care system.

The Largest Group of Mental Health Professionals In Alberta, RPNs represent the largest single group of mental health professionals, dedicated to providing expert care and support.

What Is A RPN? A RPN is a nurse who integrates the mind, body, and spirit in their approach to caring for individuals, groups, communities, and populations.

What Do RPNs Do? RPNs possess a strong foundation in general nursing and medical/surgical skills and knowledge. However, it is the depth and breadth in psychiatric nursing, mental health and addictions, as well as advanced therapeutic relationships and communication skills, that distinguish them from other healthcare professionals.

RPNs understand the intricate connections between emotional, developmental, physical, and mental health, and consider the impact of social factors, culture, and spirituality on illness and recovery.

RPN Regulators Psychiatric Nursing is regulated in Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, North West Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island and, Newfoundland and Labrador. To practice, Psychiatric Nurses (PN) must be regulated members within their jurisdiction.

Practice Context RPNs begin their careers in a variety of settings, working with diverse populations. RPNs are accountable for adhering to their legislated scope of practice, regulatory standards, employer requirements, and personal competencies.

Educational Pathways For those interested in pursuing a career in psychiatric nursing, information on educational programs is available here to guide your journey.

Professional Regulation The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) regulates 1500 RPNs in Alberta, ensuring the profession's standards and practices are upheld.

A Unique Career Psychiatric Nursing is a distinctive and growing field, recognized globally for its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of individuals, groups, communities, and populations. RPNs are dedicated to considering the comprehensive well-being of the public, including their physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual needs.

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CRPNA

The College complies with Canada’s anti-spam legislation (CASL). CRPNA must be able to contact individuals about all regulatory functions as required under the Health Professions Act. The Colleges main form of correspondence is via electronic communication.

201, 9711 - 45 Avenue,
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 5V8
Toll Free: 1-877-234-7666
T: (780) 434-7666
E: crpna@crpna.ab.ca

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Regulating Psychiatric Nurses in the Public Interest

CRPNA acknowledges we are on traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people, the CRPNA office is within Treaty 6 Territory and we recognize our members on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Through our work, we strive to respect, honour and celebrate the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada.
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