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

Ali Moloney; Kelsie Fletcher; Lydia Kaforau; Katie Croom; Relmah Harrington; Matt Mason

doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/CS735

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Working paper - Scoping Review Protocol

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

Ali Moloney, Kelsie Fletcher, Lydia Kaforau, Katie Croom, Relmah Harrington and Matt Mason

OSF Projects, Vol.27 August 2025

Centre for Open Science

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CS735

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Abstract

Nursing

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.

Details

Title: Global Review of Registered Nurse Scope of Practice: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Ali Moloney (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kelsie Fletcher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nursing
Lydia Kaforau (Author) - Solomon Islands National University
Katie Croom (Author) - Whitireia New Zealand
Relmah Harrington (Author) - Solomon Islands National University
Matt Mason (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nursing
Publication details: OSF Projects, Vol.27 August 2025
Publisher: Centre for Open Science
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/CS735
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health - Nursing
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991155037402621
Output Type: Working paper; Scoping Review Protocol

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