What is the scope of practice of an RN?
In the United States, practice limits are determined by a set of laws known as the Nurse Practice Act of the state or territory in which an RN is licensed. Each state has its own laws, rules, and regulations governing nursing care. Usually, the making of the rules and regulations is delegated to a state board of nursing, which performs the day-to-day administration of these rules, qualifies candidates for licensure, licenses nurses and nursing assistants, and makes decisions on nursing issues. The scope of practice for a registered nurse is wider than for a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN or LVN) because of the level and content of education as well as what the Nurse Practice Act says about the respective roles of each. In the hospital setting, registered nurses are often assigned a supervisory role to oversee tasks performed by LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel, such as nursing assistants. However, the RN remains responsible for the safety and care of the patient. RN
Related Questions
- Is it within the scope of practice of the RN to administer paralytic agents and/or sedative analgesics/anesthetics during critical care transport of ventilator patients?
- Is it within the scope of practice of the RN to remove a femoral arterial sheath or a femoral venous sheath?
- Is it within the scope of practice of a RN to perform a medical screening examination (EMTALA/DOT)?
