Expanding Concepts of Care: Mental Health Nurses as Architects of Digital Health Transformation in Canada
Mental health nurses in Canada have an opportunity to be a leading force that drives health care innovation in 2025. How can we do collectively take the lead on this? The answer lies in strongly advocating for and embracing optimization of the scope of practice of Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners (who are also RNs) and increasingly integrating informatics into their work. As the country confronts evolving mental health needs and the growing complexity of health care systems, nurses who work in mental health have unique opportunities, and also responsibilities to shape informatics, elevate care quality, and assume leadership roles in digital transformation. Understanding “Mental Health Nurse” in Canada The term “mental health nurse” is inclusive of both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) who are educated and licensed to provide specialized care to people experiencing mental health issues an...