Global Review of Registered Nurse Scope of Practice: A Scoping Review.

Registered nurses (RNs) represent the largest group of healthcare professionals globally and are fundamental to the delivery of high-quality and safe care across all healthcare settings (World Health Organization, 2025a). Their scope of practice however is not uniform, and can significantly vary between regions, countries and even within healthcare systems. Scope of practice is generally in reference to the range of roles, functions, responsibilities and clinical or direct care activities that nurses are educated, competent and authorised to perform. This scope is determined by regulatory authorities, professional standards, and workplace policies. Finally, scope of practice is dynamic, and responding to evolving health needs, technology and knowledge (International Council of Nurses, 2013, 2021). While there are common elements to nursing practice worldwide, contextual factors often shape the extent of professional autonomy and authority afforded to RNs.