This essay provides a comprehensive overview of professional nursing practice, highlighting the importance of nursing theories, historical figures, and functional roles. It discusses Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory and its application in promoting patient independence and well-being. The contributions of historical figures like Henderson and Dorothea Orem are examined, emphasizing self-care management and patient autonomy. The essay also explores the roles of nursing organizations such as the State Board of Nursing and the American Nurses Association in safeguarding patient health. Furthermore, it delves into the functional differences between regulatory agencies like the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Nurse Practice Act in North Carolina is discussed, along with various nursing roles, ethical provisions, and leadership qualities essential for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, clinical competency, and responsibility in professional nursing practice.