What it means
What a nurse may do, set by each state's nurse practice act and board of nursing, and shaped by education and agency policy. The scope differs for the registered nurseREJ-ih-sterd NURSA nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.Full entry , the licensed practical nurseLY-sunst PRAK-tih-kul NURSA nurse who has passed the NCLEX-PN and is licensed to give basic nursing care under an RN or other provider.Full entry and advanced practice nurses. A nurse is responsible for knowing their own scope and for working within it, and for delegating only what others are allowed to do.
For the nurse
If asked to do something outside your scope or training, decline, explain why, and tell your supervisor. On the exam, check whether a task fits the RN, the LPN/LVN or the UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | ámbito de práctica |
|---|---|
| Also written | scope-of-practice |
Related terms
UAP
Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
licensed practical nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-PN and is licensed to give basic nursing care under an RN or other provider.
competence
Having the knowledge, skill and judgment to do something well; in law, a person's ability to make their own decisions.
licensure
The granting of a license by a government body that gives a person legal permission to practice a profession.