Standing medical orders (SMOs) and standing delegated orders (SDOs) enable nurses to practice at the height of their licensure while allowing providers to prioritize direct patient care. SDOs are prepared by a physician and provide authority and a plan for use with patients presenting prior to examination or evaluation, while SMOs are prepared by a physician and provide authority and direction for established patients. Both SMOs and SDOs may include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. We will discuss how at a large academic medical center, an opportunity for SMO utilization was noted that could allow for more autonomous and efficient practice among ambulatory care nurses. When utilized appropriately, SMOs support nurses in adhering to their scope of practice, enhance collaboration with medical practitioners, and minimize reliance on less formal means of order communication.