Skip to main content

Putting items into body openings

Section 7: Restricted activities that require an order

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulati​​on, section 7(1)(c):

A registrant in the course of practising psychiatric nursing may put an instrument or a device, hand or finger

​​​​i.
 ​into the external ear canal, up to the eardrum​

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​

​None.​

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​ii.
 ​…beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow​​


BCCNM limits and Conditions

​None.

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​iii.
 …beyond the pharynx 

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​

1.
 RPNs must not carry out endotracheal intubation.​

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​iv.
 …beyond the opening of the urethra 

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​​

None.

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​v.
 …beyond the labia majora 

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​

1.

RP​Ns who carry out pelvic exams or cervical cancer screening must:

  • successfully complete additional education, and 

  • possess competencies outlined in Core Nursing Practice Competencies for Pelvic Exams1​ (for Registered Nurses) established by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) or equivalent approved by their employer​​

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​vi.
 …beyond the anal verge 

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​​

None.

Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation, section 7(1)(c)​:​

​​​​vii.
 …into an artificial opening into the body 

BCCNM limits and Conditions​​​​

None.

The Regulation makes a distinction between syringing ears using pressure no greater than the pressure created by the use of an ear bulb syringe and syringing ears using greater pressure.

Some of the nursing activities under this restricted activity could be done to assess or treat a condition within autonomous scope of practice and would, therefore, not require a client-specific order from a listed health professional (see part 5.1.7 Assessing Clients and Treating Conditions).

​​<< previ​​ous​    |    nex​t >>​

Footnotes​

​​​​1.
 Core Nursing Practice Competencies for Pelvic Exam. http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Communicable-Disease-Manual/Chapter%205%20-%20STI/STI_PHSA_Competencies_pelvic_exam.pdf