Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses

The purpose of this document is to articulate the scope of practice of registered nurses (RNs) in Alberta, while outlining the boundaries of that practice for understanding by the public, clients, RNs and other stakeholders. Scope of practice refers to the interventions that RNs are authorized, educated and competent to perform. It further identifies and describes the domains of RN practice, as well as specific roles and responsibilities of RNs. 

RNs are autonomous health-care professionals who practise collaboratively with others to enable individuals, families, groups, communities and populations to achieve their optimal levels of health and well-being. RNs use their diverse knowledge to deliver direct health-care services, coordinate care, and support clients in managing their own health throughout the continuum of care and at all stages of life. RNs view people as being unique and complex. RNs assess clients in the context of the whole person, to understand and effectively promote health and well-being according to individual life experiences and circumstances, health needs and goals.

RNs contribute to the health-care system by using their full breadth and depth of nursing knowledge, skills and competence in supporting and enhancing client-centred, culturally safe and inclusive practice across a wide range of settings: in clinical practice, administration, education and research.