What is an enrolled nurse?

Enrolled nurses work in many settings, including hospitals, elderly care, primary care services and assisted living facilities. Due to Australia’s rapidly aging population, nursing employment opportunities are rising at all entry levels.

A career as an enrolled nurse can be a fulfilling and dynamic path with numerous opportunities for professional growth. Enrolled nurses enjoy a wide range of career possibilities across diverse healthcare settings, allowing for flexibility and the chance to gain experience in various areas of practice.

This article explores the role of an enrolled nurse, the key differences between enrolled nurses and registered nurses, their responsibilities, and the pathways to becoming an enrolled nurse, including courses like South West TAFE’s Diploma of Nursing.

What is the difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse?

The two main types of nurses you usually encounter are 'enrolled' nurses and 'registered' nurses. Understanding the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role will help you recognise the unique aspects of both nursing positions.

Registered nurses and enrolled nurses work in similar environments and undertake similar duties, but the fundamental distinction between them is the level of education each has attained. Enrolled nurses complete a two-year Diploma of Nursing, whereas registered nurses undertake a three-year Bachelor of Nursing.

While the duties of enrolled nurses and registered nurses often overlap in patient care, the scope of practice differ. The scope of practice for each nurse is influenced by the specific settings in which they work. The primary distinction is that an enrolled nurse provides nursing care as part of the healthcare team and contributes to the development of care plans under the supervision of a registered nurse. In contrast, a registered nurse holds accountability for the overall management of patients under their care, conducting comprehensive assessments and coordinating other team members and resources to ensure the delivery of nursing care.

Enrolled nurses have the opportunity to advance their careers by transitioning to registered nurses through the completion of a Bachelor of Nursing. This pathway is an excellent option for those seeking to progress professionally. The experience gained as an enrolled nurse is invaluable during this transition, and individuals may be eligible for credit for the Diploma of Nursing units while pursuing the Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Both registered nurses and enrolled nurses play essential roles within the healthcare sector, and both are in high demand, regardless of the career path chosen.

What are the day-to-day duties of an enrolled nurse?

Enrolled nurses are important in bridging the gap between healthcare teams, such as doctors and registered nurses, and patients. An average day may include wound dressing, assisting with personal hygiene needs, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and recording and interpreting clinical observations.

Some of the other responsibilities an enrolled nurse might find themselves undertaking include:

• Observation, physical examination, and measurements, such as taking a client’s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, and reporting changes in the patient's condition to registered nurses and doctors.
• Assisting clients with rehab or exercise programs.
• Educating clients to lead healthier lifestyles.
• Promoting the safety of self and others in all aspects of nursing practice.
• Working to a care plan set by registered nurses, doctors and therapists.
• Writing detailed patient notes.
• Providing pre and post-operative nursing care.

An average day would differ depending on where an enrolled nurse works, as this role can be performed in various settings, including medical, surgical and even a patient’s home.

What can an enrolled nurse not do?

Enrolled nurses have limitations compared to registered nurses. Both enrolled nurses and registered nurses operate under distinct scopes of practice, with registered nurses qualified to perform more advanced procedures. This means there are specific tasks that an enrolled nurse is not permitted to undertake:

• Enrolled nurses must also work under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse at all times.
• Undertaking complex procedures like managing central intravenous lines or prescribing medications. Enrolled nurses are not eligible for clinically advanced positions, such as nurse specialist or nurse practitioner.
• Perform advanced Clinical Procedures: Enrolled Nurses cannot perform advanced procedures such as invasive surgeries, insertion of peripheral intravenous catheter or central lines.
• Supervise registered nurses: This role is managed by nurse managers and registered nurses.
• Independent decision-making in emergency situations: In critical or emergency situations, enrolled nurses cannot make independent decisions regarding advanced treatment or interventions; these decisions must be made by registered nurses or medical professionals.

Where can an enrolled nurse work?

There are no limits to the settings an enrolled nurse can work in. You could work in hospitals, private clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as aged care homes, schools, and community centres.

Examples of the different tasks an enrolled nurse undertakes in different locations include:

• EN working in oncology may monitor a patient’s progress, take vital signs, support patients and their families, and explain various medical procedures.
• In paediatrics you work with children from infancy to teenage years. You perform physical examinations and explain the tests that the registered nurse administers.
• In orthopaedics, you assist the registered nurse with casting broken bones, administering pain relief and managing bone-related issues.

Who should become an enrolled nurse?

If you’re flexible, caring, and don’t mind physical work, working as an EN may be a great role. Several other key skills and qualities make a person ideal to pursue a career as an enrolled nurse:

• Communication skills: As an enrolled nurse, you interact with patients, doctors, and nurses, using strong communication and active listening skills to convey information and understand patient symptoms and concerns.
• Interpersonal skills: As an enrolled nurse, interpersonal skills are important for interacting and collaborating positively.
• Teamwork: As an enrolled nurse, you are part of the medical team that provides comprehensive patient care. Your teamwork skills enable effective collaboration and communication, allowing you to address any medical issues that arise.
• Empathy: It is critical for an enrolled nurse to be able to empathise and show compassion when working with patients who are sometimes in extreme pain and facing life-threatening conditions.
• Attention to detail: As an enrolled nurse, being detail-oriented and thorough with patient care is essential to prevent medical errors.

Why become an enrolled nurse?

Nursing is an incredibly fulfilling and exciting career, especially given the growing demand due to a rapidly aging population. Pursuing a career as an enrolled nurse in Australia offers numerous professional advantages, including:

• The chance to pursue further education to become a registered nurse, which involves completing a Bachelor of Nursing.
• The demand for healthcare professionals, such as enrolled nurses, is steadily increasing in Australia, providing job security and opportunities for career advancement.
• Enrolled nurses can select the healthcare setting that suits their interests and lifestyle. This allows them to gain experience in various healthcare areas while exploring specialties.
• Making a difference in people’s lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an enrolled nurse.
• Enrolled nurses can work in environments such as community clinics, schools, and residential care facilities. This role often entails a higher level of autonomy.

How much does an enrolled nurse earn?

The salary of an enrolled nurse can vary depending on experience and the sector you choose to work in. The average weekly earnings for enrolled nurses in Australia are $966, while in Victoria, they can start at $54,672 at ‘Pay Point 1’ and rise to $57,517 per year.

How do you become an enrolled nurse?

You require educational qualifications to become an enrolled nurse in Australia. The minimum requirement for enrolled nurses is a diploma in nursing, such as the Diploma of Nursing offered through South West TAFE. Through this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a safe and competent enrolled nurse in various healthcare environments, from aged care to acute hospital settings. You will learn to apply theory to practice through classroom lessons, simulation labs and clinical placements. Upon completing the Diploma of Nursing, you will be eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), allowing you to work as an enrolled nurse in Australia.

Working as an enrolled nurse is a rewarding and versatile career. You can work in a variety of settings from hospitals to aged care homes and even schools.. For further information on enrolled nursing courses, contact the team at South West TAFE.