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Welcome to CNO
Congratulations on becoming a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
As a nurse, you play a vital role in delivering health care: the public trusts you to provide safe and competent health care services.
While it’s your responsibility to practice according to all of CNO’s standards and guidelines, we ensure you have the tools and resources necessary to meet your responsibilities. Here is some information to get you started.
What does CNO do?
CNO is the governing body for all Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Ontario. We ensure nurses in Ontario practice nursing in the best interest of the public. Throughout your career, CNO will establish quality standards and guidelines that support you in doing this.
CNO:
- sets requirements for entering practice
- articulates and promotes practice standards
- administers a Quality Assurance Program
- enforces standards of practice and conduct
We also ensure CNO practice standards and policies are in line with government law. That means analyzing proposed and current legislation that affects nurses, and providing government with a nursing perspective on proposed changes. From time to time, we submit our own legislative proposals to government for consideration.
How does CNO protect the public?
CNO protects the public by making sure only competent professionals are entitled to practice. We handle concerns about a nurse’s conduct from employers and members of the public.
Many cases can be resolved without a formal investigation. More serious cases of professional misconduct (such as cases involving patient harm) may be referred to a discipline hearing.
As nurses, you’re obligated to inform CNO if you:
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have been charged or found guilty of any offence in any jurisdiction
- are involved in disciplinary proceedings related to professional misconduct and incompetence, or other investigations related to nursing or any other profession in any jurisdiction
Find more information about our professional conduct processes.
What’s the first thing I should do as a member?
When you first applied to CNO, you created an online account that is still valid. As a new member, familiarize yourself with the options listed in Maintain Your Membership. There, you can change your place of employment or personal contact information.
For as long as you are a member, you must notify CNO of information changes in writing within 30 days. As well, all practicing nurses must have Professional Liability Protection.
When do I renew my membership?
You will need to renew your membership online with us every year by December 31. If you don't, you risk paying additional fees and having your membership suspended. Make sure the email address you provide to CNO is always valid, so we can send you notices of important renewal dates every year.
What is the Quality Assurance Program?
The Quality Assurance (QA) Program aims to assure the public that nurses are committed to continuing competence and quality improvement. It does this by assessing your knowledge, skill and judgment.
Every year, you must reflect on your practice and develop a Learning Plan of activities to achieve your learning goals. This helps you maintain your competence.
Learn more about CNO's QA program requirements.
What resources does CNO offer?
CNO has different publications to inform members, employers and the public about issues involving nursing regulation.
As a member, you'll receive The Standard, our online magazine, by email every month. You'll also have access to other magazines and newsletters. As well, we offer educational tools to help you understand and apply standards and guidelines to your daily practice. See more about these and other resources at www.cno.org/learning.
Do you have a practice-related inquiry? Our Practice Support Staff will help answer your question and direct you to other resources.
Once my career is underway, how can I get involved with CNO?
In the future, consider getting more involved with us:
Volunteer your experience: We frequently invite nurses to develop programs, review standards and participate in surveys and focus groups.
Join a committee: We have several statutory, standing and ad hoc committees. They’re comprised of Council members and nurses who volunteer to serve as committee members.
Run for Council: Council, which is our governing body, is made up of 14 RNs, seven RPNs, and 14 to 18 public members. Council meets quarterly to shape policy and debate issues that influence the quality of nursing care in Ontario.
Consider a career with us: We post career opportunities for various positions.
Who can I contact for other questions?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, reach us directly at www.cno.org/contact.
