POSITION STATEMENT ON APPROPRIATE CARE PROVIDER IN MENTAL HEALTH

November 2007

The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta in its legislated mandate to protect and serve the public interest adamantly maintains that in the interest of public safety, health professionals providing mental health care must have reasonable and relevant mental health education preparation inclusive of theory and clinical components.

In a changing health care system, the acuity level of clients in both institutional and community settings have increased markedly. Registered Psychiatric Nurses are the preferred provider of direct nursing care for clients with complex, unstable or rapidly changing mental health status or situations.

As recognized leaders in mental health, Registered Psychiatric Nurses provide professional, effective, and competent mental health care and are uniquely prepared and positioned to provide leadership and serve as change agents in facilitating and strengthening mental health services.