Regulation in nursing is different from state to state and country to country. To become a nurse, one must take an exam. This exam is the first step in regulation. It ensures that all nurses are as competent as possible before they begin caring for patients. Of course, this exam only ensures that the nurse has the book knowledge to do the job, and does not ensure that his or her bedside manner is going to be what it should be for every job.
The different degrees of schooling also work as a regulatory factor. Because someone must get an associates degree, bachelor degree, or even a masters degree to work in the nursing field this does ensure that those who are getting into the profession are serious about it since they are spending the time necessary to go to school to get the education need to take and pass the nursing exam in their state and/or country.
Nursing is actually governed by laws that help to define the scope of practice. The scope of practice is mandated by the political legislature that oversees the area in which the nurse works. Each and every nurse is legally responsible and accountable for everything that they do in a nursing capacity. This is the reason that the nursing standard of care is known as the “prudent nurse” and anything less than this is not acceptable.