Nurses supporting public health measures

Public health protection measures, such as handwashing, masking, social distancing and vaccinations are effective strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, CNO is taking this opportunity to make its expectations about providing advice on evidence-based public health protection and prevention measures clear to nurses in Ontario.

CNO’s statement

Nurses are leaders in the community and the public’s trust in nurses may extend to their views on health matters communicated on social media and other forums. Statements made by nurses in public forums have the potential to impact the health and safety of the public.

Nurses have a professional accountability to:

• use accurate sources of information based in scientific theory and evidence, to inform their professional service and practice
• support patients and the public to make informed health care decisions, including decisions about public health prevention and protection measures
• role model and follow public health directives that keep patients and the public safe.

CNO’s expectations are outlined in the Code of Conduct.

CNO’s practice standards do not apply to all aspects of a nurse’s private life. However, when a nurse communicates with the public and identifies as a nurse, they invoke their professional position as a nurse and are accountable to CNO and the public it protects.

Nurses are expected to adhere to the standards of practice in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Nurses have a professional responsibility to not publicly communicate anti-vaccination, anti-masking and anti-distancing statements that contradict the available scientific evidence. Doing so may result in an investigation by CNO, and disciplinary proceedings when warranted.

Additional resources

Social media

• Social Media Use: Common Expectations for Nurses.
• CNO Social Media: Reflect Before You Post

General Public Health resources for COVID-19

• Ontario Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Stop the Spread
• Public Health Ontario: COVID-19 Public Resources
• Public Health Ontario: COVID-19 Health Care Resources

COVID-19 vaccine resources

• Public Health Ontario: Vaccine Safety
• Ontario Ministry of Health:  COVID-19 Vaccines for Ontario
• Government of Canada – COVID-19 Vaccines (for Public)
• Government of Canada: COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Portal (for Health Care Professionals)

Page last reviewed July 01, 2023