Title: Scope of Practice and Capabilities of Nurses
Author: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
About
This fact sheet, released by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), provides an in-depth look at the scope and capabilities of nurses. It is designed to inform a range of stakeholders, including employers, health services, and the general public.
The fact sheet clarifies the roles of registered nurses (RNs), enrolled nurses (ENs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). It covers their educational paths and core activities. The document also focuses on the distinct competencies needed for each nursing category. It emphasises how a nurse's scope of practice evolves as they gain new skills and knowledge. The adaptation should meet the needs of the healthcare setting and reflect the individual nurse's competence.
Author
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery in Australia. It focuses on safeguarding public health and safety. This is done by setting high standards for education, practice, and conduct in these professions. The NMBA develops standards, codes, and guidelines. These frameworks define professional and safe practice for nurses and midwives across Australia.
Key Takeaways
- The roles of nurses vary with their category (RN, EN, NP) and work environment.
- Each nurse's practice is shaped by their education, competence, and confidence.
- Ongoing professional development is key for nurses to broaden their practice scope.
- The NMBA provides clear guidelines for nurse roles and capabilities, ensuring safety and quality care.
- Understanding the different roles of RNs, ENs, and NPs is vital for effective assignment of duties in healthcare.
Role of a Registered Nurse
The fact sheet details the specific roles of Registered Nurses (RNs). It notes that their practice is influenced by unique experiences, competencies, and the work environment.
RNs are responsible for patient care management. They conduct comprehensive assessments and develop care plans. RNs also coordinate resources. Their practice involves critical thinking and evidence-based approaches. They supervise other healthcare workers, including ENs and nursing students.
The NMBA highlights the need for RNs to continually advance their skills and knowledge, which is essential to adapt to the changing health needs of individuals and communities.
Related: What Is a Registered Nurse in Australia?
Role of an Enrolled Nurse
The scope of practice for ENs includes providing nursing care under RN or NP supervision. They gather and interpret patient data and are accountable for care delegated to them. Their role also involves collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and includes tasks such as personal care and interpreting clinical observations.
ENs contribute to care plans and can perform a variety of clinical tasks within their competence, as delegated by an RN or NP. They are equipped to recognise changes in patients' conditions and communicate these effectively to RNs to adjust care as needed.
ENs' practice is informed by evidence and centred on providing person-focused care. Their education prepares them to manage tasks and contingencies in their roles. They are educated to provide care that is both responsive and responsible within the context of their role and competence.
Related: How to Become an Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Program Requirements for Enrolled Nurses
According to the Fact Sheet, the qualification for an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia is the Diploma of Nursing (AQF 5). The study duration is a minimum of 18 months within the vocational education and training sector, delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTO).
EN students complete a minimum of 400 hours of clinical placement in various settings. The education framework for ENs is competency-based, equipping them with essential knowledge for managing and completing nursing care under RN, NP, or midwife supervision. The supervision can be either direct or indirect.
ENs are educated to provide person-centred, evidence-informed nursing care, manage delegated tasks, and handle contingencies in their role. They develop the ability to recognise normal and changing health conditions of people in their care.
Related: Diploma of Nursing Online in Australia: Pros and Cons
Role of Master of Advanced Nursing Practice
The NMBA Fact Sheet indirectly signals the significance of a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice by detailing the scope of nursing practice. This degree broadens nurses' clinical, leadership, and research abilities, aligning with the NMBA's vision for advanced practice.
Graduates gain a deeper understanding of complex case management and the integration of research into clinical decision-making. This qualification prepares nurses for higher autonomy in their roles and leadership within healthcare environments. It also provides a pathway to specialised roles. Nurses with this degree are prepared to enhance patient outcomes by driving improvements in care delivery and health service efficiency.
Advanced Nursing Practice by Nurse Practitioners
The advanced nursing practice role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), especially relative to Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), is highlighted in the fact sheet. NPs integrate theoretical and advanced practice knowledge, applying diagnostic reasoning to formulate diagnoses, which is a significant expansion of the RN scope of practice. They are authorised to practise independently and collaboratively at an advanced level, which includes providing or assisting with medical or surgical procedures and advanced care in various clinical areas.
NPs have additional responsibilities compared to RNs, such as advanced health assessment that encompasses ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic conditions, and independently prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Their practice also includes technical and procedural skills applied as part of managing complex healthcare requirements.
Furthermore, NPs engage in strategic roles to improve, manage, or prevent health issues, supporting community health using contemporary research for evidence-based care. Their involvement in policy development, initiation, and quality improvement activities demonstrates the broad scope and impact of their practice. This contrasts with the more focused scope of RNs, who are responsible for comprehensive assessments, developing care plans, and coordinating resources to provide nursing care, and ENs, who provide basic care and support under the guidance of RNs or NPs.