How registered nurses determine their scope of practice: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Regulation

Background:

• The term "scope of practice" is frequently used in professional nursing but lacks clear definition globally and within Australia.
• Understanding how nurses determine their scope of practice is crucial for professional development and healthcare system efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing how registered nurses in Australia determine their scope of practice.
• To identify the primary resources and influences Australian nurses utilize when defining their professional boundaries.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, cross-sectional online survey (Scope-QAu) was administered to a national sample of Australian registered nurses.
• Data were collected from 1231 registered nurses regarding their methods for determining their scope of practice.

Main Results:

• Registered nurses' scope of practice is shaped by professional publications, guidelines, standards, peer input, and personal judgment.
• Few demographic factors were found to predict how nurses determined their scope of practice.
• Nurses commonly referenced professional publications, peers, and line managers to establish their individual scope of practice.

Conclusions:

• Australian registered nurses' scope of practice determination is multifactorial, relying on a combination of formal and informal sources.
• Professional guidelines and regulatory frameworks are not the sole determinants of nursing scope of practice; personal judgment and collegial input play significant roles.