Fact sheet: Registered nurse standards for practice

The Registered nurse standards for practice are the core practice standards that provide the framework for assessing RN practice. The standards:

• communicate to the general public the standards that can be expected of RNs
• determine the eligibility for registration of people who have completed an RN program of study in Australia
• determine the eligibility for registration of RNs who wish to practise in Australia but have completed courses elsewhere
• assess RNs who wish to return to work after being out of the workforce for a defined period, and
• assess RNs who need to show that they are competent to practise.

These standards replace the National competency standards for the registered nurse that were first published in 2006 by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) and adopted by the NMBA at the start of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) in 2010.

The standards have been developed following extensive literature and evidence reviews, gap analysis, a survey of RNs, interviews with RNs, observations of RNs in practice, and consultation with consumers and other stakeholders including education providers.

Research suggested that confusion existed between the use of the term ‘competency-based assessment’ in the vocational education and training (VET) sector and use of the term ‘competency’ in other settings.

The Registered nurse standards for practice:

• comprise seven standards that are interconnected
  • each standard has criteria that specify how the standard is demonstrated
  • the criteria are to be interpreted in the context of an individual RN’s practice
  • the criteria are not exhaustive and enable rather than limit the development of an individual RN’s scope of practice
• are founded on person-centred and evidenced-based practice
• are for all RNs across all areas of practice
• are designed to be read in conjunction with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines, and
• the glossary is also important to understanding how key terms are used in the standards.

Yes. The standards are for all RNs across all areas and contexts of practice. The standards have been tested through observations of RN practice in a range of locations and settings. They are to be read in conjunction with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines available on the NMBA website.

Yes. The standards are for all RNs and are the core standards expected of an RN regardless of their context of practice. Specialty standards do not replace and should be consistent with the Registered nurse standards for practice. 

Yes. The standards clearly indicate the standard of practice expected of an RN in relation to accountability, delegation and supervision. It is essential that the standards, and the definitions taken from the glossary in the standards as provided below, are read in conjunction with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines.

The following definitions are taken from the glossary of the Registered nurse standards for practice. These definitions relate to the use of these terms in the standards.

Accountability means that nurses answer to the people in their care, the nursing regulatory authority, their employers and the public. Nurses are accountable for their decisions, actions, behaviours and the responsibilities that are inherent in their nursing roles including documentation. Accountability cannot be delegated. The registered nurse who delegates activities to be undertaken by another person remains accountable for the decision to delegate, for monitoring the level of performance by the other person, and for evaluating the outcomes of what has been delegated.

Delegation is the relationship that exists when an RN delegates aspects of their nursing practice to another person such as an enrolled nurse, a student nurse or a person who is not a nurse. Delegations are made to meet peoples’ needs and to enable access to health care services, that is, the right person is available at the right time to provide the right service. The RN who is delegating retains accountability for the decision to delegate. They are also accountable for monitoring of the communication of the delegation to the relevant persons and for the practice outcomes. Both parties share the responsibility of making the delegation decision, which includes assessment of the risks and capabilities. In some instances delegation may be preceded by teaching and competence assessment.

Enrolled nurse is a person who provides nursing care under the direct or indirect supervision of an RN. They have completed the prescribed education preparation, and demonstrate competence to practise under the National Law as an enrolled nurse in Australia. Enrolled nurses are accountable for their own practice and remain responsible to an RN for the delegated care.

Supervision includes managerial supervision, professional supervision and clinically focused supervision.

• Registered nurse standards for practice
• Audit information on the NMBA website
• Lodge an online enquiry form
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (in Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers)