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Putting items into body openings

7

(1)

(c)

put an instrument or a device, hand or finger

 

 

 

(i)

into the external ear canal, up to the eardrum,

 

 

 

(ii)

beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow,

 

 

 

(iii)

beyond the pharynx,

 

 

 

(iv)

beyond the opening of the urethra,

 

 

 

(v)

beyond the labia majora,

 

 

 

(vi)

beyond the anal verge, or

 

 

 

(vii)

into an artificial opening into the body

The Regulation states that, with an order from a listed health professional, registered nurses may put items (such as fingers and instruments) into natural and artificial openings in the body.

Many of these nursing activities could be done within autonomous scope of practice to assess or treat a condition and would therefore not require a client-specific order from a listed health professional. In other circumstances, a client-specific order from a listed health professional is appropriate (e.g., passing a tube or instrument past a fresh surgical site). In these cases, employer policies may require registered nurses to receive a client-specific order from a listed health professional before carrying out the restricted activity.

BCCNM Limits and Conditions

Registered nurses may not carry out endotracheal intubation.

Endotracheal intubation is not currently considered to be within the scope of practice of registered nurses in B.C. Registrants who are interested in carrying out endotracheal intubation should contact BCCNM for direction.

Registered nurses who carry out pelvic exams or cervical cancer screening must possess the competencies established by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and follow decision support tools established by PHSA.

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We acknowledge the rights and title of the First Nations on whose collective unceded territories encompass the land base colonially known as British Columbia. We give specific thanks to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking Peoples the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), on whose unceded territories BCCNM’s office is located. We also give thanks for the medicines of these territories and recognize that laws, governance, and health systems tied to these lands and waters have existed here for over 9000 years.

We also acknowledge the unique and distinct rights, including rights to health and wellness, of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from elsewhere in Canada who now live in British Columbia. As leaders in the settler health system, we acknowledge our responsibilities to these rights under international, national, and provincial law.​