Scope of Practice
A nurse’s scope of practice defines the activities they are educated, authorized, and competent to perform within their role. It is shaped by legislation, standards, and the individual nurse’s knowledge, skill, and judgment.
Scope of practice is not the same for all nurses—it varies depending on designation, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs).
Each designation has a distinct role and level of responsibility, and nurses are expected to practise within the limits of their individual competence and the requirements set by the College.
LPN Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) describes the range of roles, responsibilities, and activities they are educated, authorized, and competent to perform. It provides a structured framework to support safe, competent, and ethical nursing care. This helps LPNs, employers, and the public determine whether a particular activity is appropriate within both the profession and an individual nurse’s practice.
An LPN’s scope of practice is guided by legislation, standards, and competencies, and evolves over time with experience, education, and the changing needs of clients and the health system.
View the LPN Scope of Practice (PDF)
RN and NP Scope of Practice
Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners provide nursing care across the lifespan, focusing on health promotion, illness prevention, and the treatment and management of health conditions.
- RNs deliver and coordinate care, assess and monitor patients, and work collaboratively within healthcare teams to support safe, competent care.
- NPs build on the RN role with advanced education and have an expanded scope that includes diagnosing conditions, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications.
The overall scope of practice for both roles is shaped by legislation, standards, and the nurse’s individual education, competence, and authorization, and may vary depending on practice setting and experience.
View the RN and NP Scope of Practice (PDF)
RPN Scope of Practice
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) provide nursing care focused on mental health and addictions across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. Their scope of practice includes assessing mental and physical health, developing and implementing care plans, providing therapeutic interventions, and supporting recovery and well-being.
RPNs work both independently and as part of a healthcare team, using clinical judgment to respond to changing client needs. Like all nurses, their individual scope of practice depends on what they are educated, competent, and authorized to do, and it evolves over time with experience and additional learning.