Registered Nurse

 Definition from Registered Nurse Standards of Practice: 

“Scope of practice is that in which nurses are educated, competent to perform and permitted by law. The actual scope of practice is influenced by the context in which the nurse practises, the health needs of people, the level of competence and confidence of the nurse and the policy requirements of the service provider.” 

There is scope of professional practice and scope of the individuals practice:

• Professional Practice: The scope of the professional practice is set by legislation — professional standards such as competency standards, codes of ethics, conduct and practice and public need, demand and expectation. It may therefore be broader than that of any individual within the profession. To practice within the full scope of practice of the profession may require individuals to update or increase their knowledge, skills or competence.
• Individual Practice: The scope of practice of an individual Nurse also includes that which the individual is, Educated, Authorised and Competent & confident to perform. 

The actual scope of an individual’s practice is influenced by the:

• Context in which they practice such as Environment, Organisation, capacity and role related factors
• Exposure to various or particular Consumer health needs 
• Level of competence, education, qualifications and experience of the individual 
• Exposure to Service provider/s policy, quality and risk management 
• Framework and organisational culture.