Registered Nurses (RNs) are widely recognized as the heart of healthcare. Whether they are in a hospital, school, clinic, or virtual care setting, RNs deliver critical care, manage patient needs, and serve as the bridge between patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

With more than four million active RNs in the U.S., their scope of practice is vast, and their role is essential. But what exactly defines an RN’s responsibilities, and how do continuing education and licensure rules shape the profession?

This blog explores the scope of practice for RNs, how it differs across states, and what professional development looks like through continuing education units (CEUs).

Core Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse

RNs are licensed professionals who have completed a state-approved education program (either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and passed the NCLEX-RN examination. Their duties vary by setting but typically include:

• Performing comprehensive patient assessments
• Developing and implementing care plans
• Administering medications and IV therapies
• Monitoring patient progress and coordinating with care teams
• Educating patients and families about health conditions
• Advocating for patient needs
• Supervising LPNs, CNAs, and sometimes other RNs

RNs work in nearly every setting in healthcare, from hospitals and surgical centers to home health, outpatient clinics, public health departments, correctional facilities, and telehealth platforms.

Scope of Practice: Defined by State

While national organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) provide guidance on standards of practice, the scope of practice for RNs is defined at the state level. Each State Board of Nursing outlines what RNs can and cannot do within that jurisdiction.

For example:

• In Florida, RNs are allowed to delegate tasks, assess and interpret data, and perform invasive procedures such as central line dressing changes.
• In Georgia, RNs follow similar guidelines but must be mindful of supervision requirements and certain advanced delegations.
• Some states also have expanded roles for RNs, such as independent nurse case management

It’s essential to check your state’s Nurse Practice Act regularly, especially if you work in compact states under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Key Differences Between RNs, LPNs, and APRNs

Understanding how RNs differ from LPNs and APRNs helps clarify scope and career growth:

RNs are often the pivot point in a care team: assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating care, all while ensuring safety and documentation compliance.

Legal and Ethical Boundaries

Scope of practice is not just about skills, it’s also about legal accountability. RNs are responsible for:

• Following HIPAA regulations and protecting patient privacy
• Staying within the bounds of licensure
• Accurately documenting care
• Advocating ethically for patients

Stepping outside your legal scope, even with good intentions, can result in disciplinary action, license suspension, or malpractice liability. CEUs focused on ethics, delegation, and nursing law help mitigate this risk.

CEUs and Ongoing Education Requirements

Most states require RNs to complete a set number of continuing education credits to renew their license every two or three years. These CEUs ensure that nurses stay current with:

• Medical advancements and best practices
• State and federal regulations
• Infection control protocols
• Patient safety and risk management
• Cultural competence and equity training

For example:

• Florida requires 24 CE hours, including laws and rules, human trafficking, and medical error prevention.
• Georgia mandates CE through board-approved providers and encourages CE in health equity and public health.

Online platforms such as CE Ready make it easier to complete online continuing education courses that align with your state board of nursing and personal growth goals.

Career Pathways and Growth for RNs

One of the most compelling parts of being an RN is the variety of directions you can take. Possible career paths include:

• Nurse Educator: Teaching in academic or clinical settings
• Case Manager: Coordinating long-term care for patients with chronic needs
• Informatics Nurse: Using data to improve healthcare delivery
• Charge Nurse or Unit Manager: Supervising teams and managing shift flow
• Forensic Nurse: Working in legal settings to support victims
• Home Health Nurse: Providing one-on-one care in patients’ homes

CE Ready supports these transitions by offering ANCC approved CE bundles tailored to professional advancement and specialty certification prep.

Common Misunderstandings About RN Scope

Despite being well-respected, there are often misconceptions about what RNs can legally do. Let’s clear up a few:

Myth: RNs can’t prescribe medication.
Truth: Most cannot — but APRN-level nurses can, and in some states, RNs can assist with prescriptive processes under collaborative care models.

Myth: RNs don’t make clinical decisions.
Truth: RNs assess, analyze, and prioritize care.  Clinical judgment is core to the role.

Myth: Scope is the same in every state.
Truth: Far from it. Always reference your local board.

Being confident in your scope of practice helps you provide better care, avoid liability, and feel more empowered on the job.

Real Stories: What It’s Like to Practice as an RN

Tasha, an RN in Florida, works in a high-volume emergency department. “You have to think fast. Delegation and teamwork are everything. Knowing my scope, and theirs, keeps us safe and efficient.”

Alex, an RN in Georgia, works in pediatric home health. “It’s all about patient education. Families need you to explain things clearly. I do a lot of teaching and follow-up, so CEUs in communication and ethics have helped me tremendously.”

Renee, an RN educator in Illinois, emphasizes continuing education: “The best RNs never stop learning. Whether it’s a CE on medication safety or legal updates, it all feeds into better care.”

Licensure and CEU Tips

Here are a few best practices for staying compliant:

• Track your CEUs in a spreadsheet or with a reporting service
• Double-check that your provider is board approved
• Set reminders six months before your renewal date
• Choose courses that align with your current role and where you want to grow

CE Ready offers flexible CEU packages designed to fit your schedule, whether you’re preparing for license renewal, building toward a new credential, or staying informed.