To compare the policies and literature on scope of nurse practice in various countries, so as to provide reference for optimizing the expansion of scope of nurse practice in China.

Literature on nurse practice was systematically searched on PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, and nursing policy organization websites in various countries. The search period was from database establishment to June 2023.

A total of 19 articles from six countries were included. There were elements such as registration types and requirements, practice methods, prescription authority, supervision departments, and relevant laws. The inspiration for the hierarchical management of nurses in China mainly included four aspects: improving the hierarchical registration and management system, clarifying the job responsibilities of nurses; guiding the reasonable flow of nursing talents, encouraging multi-site practice in nurses; cultivating nurses' prescription ability and granting them prescription authority; improving supervision and legal protection to ensure that nurses practiced in accordance with the law.

It is urgent to expand the practice scope of the nursing team in our country, supplement grassroots medical and health talents, undertake the functions of case management for chronic patients, improve the quality of life of patients, and meet the important task of community and family nursing needs.

Review; Nurses; Scope of practice