What is the purpose of the CNO’s Professional Standards?

The purpose of the CNO’s Professional Standards is to outline the expectations for all nurses in Ontario regarding their practice. These standards are essential as they define the required knowledge, skill, and judgment that nurses must demonstrate in their roles, ensuring that they deliver safe, effective, and ethical care to their clients. By establishing clear guidelines around practice, the Professional Standards promote accountability among nurses and serve as a foundation for evaluating nursing performance and practice standards. This clarity helps both nurses and the public understand the professional responsibilities and expectations in nursing care.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the Professional Standards. Financial guidelines, shift schedules, and training curriculums pertain to different administrative or educational aspects of nursing practice but do not encapsulate the standards that govern the professional behavior and skill set expected from nurses.