Standards of Practice are developed by the profession to define and advance practice in Occupational Health Nursing across Canada. A standard as an authoritative statement that describes the required behavior of every nurse and is used to evaluate individual performance. Documented standards delineate professional practice expectations, enable sound decision making, support effective communication and always apply. 
 
Practice standards change to reflect changing practice; therefore, this document represents the present scope of Occupational Health Nursing practice in Canada. However, with the ever-changing role of OHNs, these standards are reviewed and revised on a regular basis.
 
This document does not address competencies or program standards.
 
The purpose of this document is to:
Define the scope of Occupational Health Nursing practice in Canada.
Establish criteria and expectations for acceptable Occupational Health Nursing practice in Canada.
Provide criteria for measuring Occupational Health Nursing in Canada.
Support the evolution and development of the field of Occupational Health Nursing in Canada. 
Promote Occupational Health Nursing as a nursing specialty in Canada.
Inspire excellence in Occupational Health Nursing in Canada.
Establish guidance and a benchmark for new Occupational Health Nurses in Canada.