The College Connection Podcast

🚨 ALL NEW 🚨 The Duty to Report! A conversation about our responsibility to protect the public & uphold professional standards. When does a concern about another nurse become something you’re required to report? In this episode of College Connection Podcast, Michelle Carpenter and Wanda Squires sit down with Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review, to explore a nurse’s Duty to Report. They discuss what the Duty to Report means in practice, when a report to the College may be required, and why reporting certain concerns is an important part of protecting the public and maintaining trust in the nursing profession. As nurses, understanding your reporting responsibilities is an important part of professional nursing practice. If you see or become aware of something concerning, do you know when you have a Duty to Report? This episode helps nurses understand when that responsibility applies and what to do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before You Do It: Understanding Your Scope of Practice Am I educated? Am I authorized? Am I competent? When you’re faced with a nursing activity and find yourself wondering, “Is this within my scope?” the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. In this episode of College Connection, the College’s Practice Consultants break down one of the most important—and sometimes misunderstood—concepts in nursing: scope of practice. Rather than relying on a list of tasks nurses can or cannot perform, we’ll introduce a practical three-question check that can help guide your decision-making: Am I educated? Am I authorized? Am I competent? We’ll explore what each of those questions really means, how your individual scope of practice can differ from another nurse’s, and why being able to perform an activity doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Whether you’re an RN, NP, LPN or RPN, this episode will help you think differently about scope and make informed, safe decisions in your everyday practice. Find the Scope of Practice documents here: https://nlcn.ca/standards-and-practice/scope-of-practice/ Find the Considerations for Determining Assignment of Care here: https://nlcn.ca/standards-and-practice/practice-resources/considerations-for-determining-assignment-of-care/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What kinds of concerns are reported to the College, and what can nurses learn from them? In this episode of The College Connection Podcast, hosts Kelly Kean and Wanda Squires sit down with Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review, to discuss some of the more common allegations and complaints received by the NL College of Nurses. The conversation explores recurring areas of concern, what these complaints can tell us about professional expectations, and how nurses can use these lessons to support safe, ethical and accountable practice. It’s a practical look at professional conduct—not just what can go wrong, but what nurses can learn from the concerns that come before the College. The NL College of Nurses offers a Toolkit for Resolving Professional Practice Issues here: https://nlcn.ca/standards-and-practice/practice-resources/toolkit-for-resolving-professional-practice-issues/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Navigate the new NL College of Nurses Website The Newfoundland & Labrador College of Nurses has a brand-new website—and in this episode of The College Connection Podcast , we’re giving you a complete guided tour. Join hosts Kelly Kean , Michelle Carpenter , and Wanda Squires as they walk you through the website step by step, highlighting the features, tools, and resources designed to make it easier than ever for nurses and the public to find the information they need. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✔️ Navigate the website with confidence ✔️ Find registration and licensing information ✔️ Access standards, practice resources, and guidance documents ✔️ Locate complaints and conduct information ✔️ Search for news, notices, and important updates ✔️ Find the answers you’re looking for—quickly and easily Whether you’re a Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, a nursing student, employer, or member of the public, this episode will help you get the most from the College’s new online experience. 🌐 Explore the website: https://nlcn.ca 🎙️ The College Connection Podcast brings you conversations, updates, and insights about nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador, keeping you informed about the work of the NL College of Nurses and the issues that matter most to the nursing profession and the public. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to like, subscribe, and share so you never miss future episodes. #NLCollegeOfNurses #Nursing #NLNursing #NursingRegulation #NLNurses #CollegeConnectionPodcast #RN #LPN #NP #RPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ALL NEW! Join hosts Kelly Kean , Wanda Squires , and Michelle Carpenter as they sit down with Lynn Power , CEO/Registrar, and Wanda Wadman , Deputy Registrar, to discuss one of the most significant milestones in nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador—the establishment of the NL College of Nurses . In this episode, you’ll learn how the former College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL) came together to form a single, modern nursing regulator, and what has happened since the merger to integrate programs, policies, processes, and services while continuing to fulfill the College’s mandate of protecting the public. The conversation also explores the upcoming Board elections , including what’s new under the Nurses Act , the Board positions available, who is eligible to run, what serving on the Board involves, and how nurses can play an important role in the governance and strategic direction of the NL College of Nurses. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the College’s evolution, the work taking place following the merger, or considering putting your name forward for the Board, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the College Connection Podcast so you never miss an episode. Resources: 🌐 Learn more about the NL College of Nurses: https://nlcn.ca 🗳️ Learn more about Board elections and governance: https://nlcn.ca/about-us/board/ #NLCollegeOfNurses #CollegeConnectionPodcast #Nursing #Nurses #RegisteredNurses #LicensedPracticalNurses #NursePractitioners #RegisteredPsychiatricNurses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⭐️ Season 5 Finale: Merger Update & The Role of Governance in Regulation This special season finale of The College Connection Podcast brings together two influential voices in nursing regulation: Tonya Ryan, Chair of CRNNL Council, and Chris Janes, Chair of the CLPNNL Board. Join hosts Kelly Kean and Wanda Squires as they explore how governance shapes the profession—and what nurses can expect as the CRNNL and CLPNNL officially move toward one unified college. Hear exclusive updates on: • The progress of the merger • Key leadership announcements • What the governance of the NL College of Nurses will look like in 2026 Don’t miss this important conversation as we wrap up Season 5 with insight, clarity, and a look ahead at what’s next for nurses across Newfoundland and Labrador. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The College Connection Podcast, we chat with Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review at the College of Registered Nurses, to discuss one of the most critical aspects of nursing practice: documentation. Brenda offers insights into why clear, timely, and accurate documentation is not just a professional obligation—but also a nurse’s strongest protection in the event of a complaint or investigation. From real-world examples to common documentation pitfalls, this episode empowers RNs with practical advice to ensure their records reflect safe, ethical, and competent care. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned RN, this is a must-listen episode that reinforces a fundamental truth: if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Honest, Open, and Transparent. In our latest episode, our hosts sit down with Collette Smith, Senior Director of Recruitment & Retention at NL Health Services, to discuss the pressing issue of nursing retention in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this timely conversation we dive deep into: • The frontline reality, how NLHS acknowledges heavy patient loads, frequent overtime, burnout, and moral distress are affecting nurses. • The shift from recruitment to retention: Rather than relying solely on travel nurses, NLHS is investing in keeping its current workforce engaged and supported . • Innovative strategies: Learning about flexible scheduling, mentorship programs, compassionate leadership training (including the EXTRA Fellow initiatives), and capacity management tools NLHS is implementing to enhance work–life balance . • Empowering nurses’ voices: how NLHS is actively listening to frontline nurses—through moral community-building, inclusion in decision-making, and formal leadership development—to shape policies that support their wellbeing . Tune in to hear how NLHS is tackling nurse retention from multiple angles—emotional, ethical, and operational. Whether you’re a healthcare leader, practitioner, or advocator, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating a sustainable and supportive nursing environment in Newfoundland and Labrador Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The College Connection Podcast sits down with Collette Smith, a Registered Nurse and the Senior Director of Recruitment, Retention, Education and Culture with NLHS. Collette answers our questions and explains what NLHS is doing to recruit RNs and address the workforce challenges that many nurses in NL experience. Don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The College Connection Podcast, we sit down with guest and cohost Kelly Kean to explore the newly released Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador, which takes effect on June 1, 2025. Kelly shares the background behind this important regulatory document, offers key highlights from the new Code, and underscores what it means for safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice. Tune in as we break down the six guiding principles, how they support professional decision-making, and the resources available to help nurses across the province integrate the Code into everyday practice. Whether you’re a frontline nurse, educator, policy leader, or health partner, this episode offers essential information on this fundamental regulatory document. For more information, visit CRNNL.ca or contact the Practice Team at practice@crnnl.ca . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Glyn George, a dedicated public representative on the Council of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL). With a background in engineering and a passion for public service, Dr. George brings a unique perspective to the regulatory landscape of nursing. Whether you’re a nurse or a member of the public, this conversation offers insight into the importance of public representation in professional regulation. If you or someone you know is interested in opportunities to serve as a public representative, visit https://www.iacnl.ca/opportunities/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2! Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the health care system and the people of our province, but one area in particular that has seen exponential growth is in virtual nursing. Our guests for this 2-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed, a NL healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much, much more! If you've ever been interested in virtual nursing practice you won't want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare system and the people of our province. One area in particular that has seen exponential growth is virtual nursing. Our guests for this two-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed , a Newfoundland healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much more. If you’ve ever been interested in virtual nursing practice, you won’t want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of this 2-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey. Don't miss this honest and open discussion with the CEO of NL Health Services on matters such as travel nurses, elements for an efficient and effective health care system, incivility amongst health care providers, the importance of health regulation. Check it out today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The College Connection Podcast Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services. In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services, for a conversation which highlights a career spanning medicine, research, and public policy. We dive into how his journey led him to the helm of the province’s largest public organizations, NLHS. Dr. Parfrey brings a wealth of insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our health care system today and shares his thoughts on the evolving role of NLHS, the impacts of the social determinants of health, and how the NL Health Accord can reimagine the future of health care in our province. Stay tuned to this platform for Part 2 on Tuesday, April 22nd, where we go deeper into a strategic vision for lasting change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SEASON 5 PREMIERE !! MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: In December of 2024, the Nursing Act was passed in the House of Assembly. This legislation paves the way for The College of Registered Nurses and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to merge into one entity. The NL College of Nurses , will soon become the largest health care regulator in the province. Our guests for the Season 5 are Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses and Wanda Wadman, the CEO and Registrar of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to discuss this major announcement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode of the podcast is all about renewal ! Get first hand answers and commentary related to renewing your license in Alinity. Podcast host and nursing consultant Kelly Kean chats with Brad Walsh and Julie Wells as they navigate the Alinity platform and cover a wide-range of topics and FAQs that all RNs and NPs will need to know. Audiences who listen to audio only are encouraged to visit the College YouTube channel for step-by-step video instructions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The College of Registered Nurses (as with most regulatory bodies) can sometimes get confused with an association, advocacy group, or even a union, but the College (regulator) has a role that is vitally important to professionals and the public! In this episode, we speak with Ms. Melanie Venables with the Professional Standards Authority in the United Kingdom to discuss: What is Regulation? For more info on the Professional Standards Authority visit https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PART III ( finale ): You Ask, We Answer! The College Connection Podcast Presents: ASK PRACTICE! All New! Ask Practice is series of three episodes which features our College practice consultants, Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter answering various questions submitted from RNs and NPs. In Part I, II, and III you’ll get to hear a wide variety of questions on a multitude of different topics that have been submitted to communications@crnnl.ca Find out what NPs and RNs want to know and the answers to questions which may surprise you. If you have questions or would like to submit a question for any future Ask Practice episodes, email communications@crnnl.ca . The College will not publish the name of the individual submitting the question and makes every attempt to answer all questions submitted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PART II: You Ask, We Answer! The College Connection Podcast Presents: ASK PRACTICE! All New! Ask Practice is series of three episodes which features our College practice consultants, Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter answering various questions submitted from RNs and NPs. In Part I, II, and III you’ll get to hear a wide variety of questions on a multitude of different topics that have been submitted to communications@crnnl.ca Find out what NPs and RNs want to know and the answers to questions which may surprise you. If you have questions or would like to submit a question for any future Ask Practice episodes, email communications@crnnl.ca . The College will not publish the name of the individual submitting the question and makes every attempt to answer all questions submitted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.