Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with the education and extensive experience required to perform in an advanced clinical role. A nurse practitioner's scope of practice extends beyond that of the registered nurse. Nurse practitioners were first introduced in New South Wales in 2000, and now there are about 370 around Australia. The title of 'nurse practitioner', like those of 'registered nurse', 'enrolled nurse' and 'midwife', is protected by state and territory nursing legislation. Only those authorised by their nursing and midwifery regulatory authority (NMRA) are able to call themselves a nurse practitioner. The NMRA also determines their scope of practice.

Download PDF