In Ontario, Registered Nurses (RNs) have achieved a significant milestone in healthcare. As of November 6, 2023, RNs in the General Class are authorized to communicate diagnoses and prescribe specific medications to patients.
RN PRESCRIBING PRACTICE:
- Prescribing is not within the standard competencies of entry-level registered nurses (RNs).
- RNs must undergo specific prescribing education approved by the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to gain the authority to prescribe medication and communicate diagnoses for prescribing purposes.
- The prescribing education ensures RNs can prescribe safely, effectively, and ethically.
- Upon successful completion of the prescribing education, the RN’s profile on the CNO’s public Register, Find a Nurse, is updated.
- This update confirms that the RN meets all requirements and has the authority to prescribe specified medications as outlined under the Nursing Act.
After successfully completing the prescribing education, the RN’s information on the CNO’s public Register, Find a Nurse, is revised to reflect their newly acquired prescribing authority.
RNs with prescribing authority can prescribe approved medications.
- Immunization
- Contraception
- Travel health.
- Topical wound care
- Smoking cessation
- Anesthetics (topical only)
- Epinephrine for anaphylaxis
- Over-the-counter medication
| CATEGORY | MEDICATIONS |
| Immunization | Any vaccines for prevention of bacterial and viral disease |
| Contraception | a. Any hormonal contraceptives for systemic use (For example, oral and injectable) b. Any intravaginal contraceptives |
| Travel health | For Malaria prevention, any of the following: Aminoquinolines Biguanides Methanol quinolines Doxycycline For the prevention and/or treatment of traveler’s diarrhea, any of the following: Norfloxacin Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin Azithromycin Rifaximin |
| Topical wound care | A combination of all three medications for cracked nipple care: Betamethasone 0.1% Mupirocin 2% ointment Miconazole powder to a final concentration of 2% Metronidazole for topical use for symptom management of odorous wounds Any antibiotics for topical use |
| Smoking cessation | Bupropion hydrochloride Varenicline tartrate |
| Anesthetics (topical only) | Any anesthetics used topically for pain relief |
| Epinephrine for anaphylaxis | Epinephrine for anaphylaxis |
| Over-the-counter medication | Any drug or substance that may lawfully be purchased |
Institutions for RN Prescribing programs
RN Prescribing Education Programs (cno.org)
CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK to know more about the RN prescribing programs.
LISTS OF INSTITUTIONS WHO PROVIDE RN PRESCRIBING PROGRAMS ARE:
- Humber College
- Georgian College
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Western University
- University of Windsor (Delivery University)
- York University
- St. Lawrence College
- Cambrian College
- Confederation College
- Northern College
- Sault College
If you have any questions regarding RN prescribing education programs, please reach out to the respective schools directly for assistance.
Click on the following link to know more in detail about RN Prescribing.
Lee Turley is the first RN in Ontario to obtain a novel credential enabling him to prescribe medication and convey diagnoses specifically for prescribing purposes to patients.
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