What does an enrolled nurse do?

The duties of an enrolled nurse can range from physically supporting a patient to more complex degrees of care. The type of hospital and region may mean that your specific job responsibilities will vary, but the underlying responsibilities are the same from hospital to hospital. Tasks will be delegated by the registered nurse responsible for you, and you will be expected to administer medication, use medical equipment, observe patients and support their families, while working with other medical professionals such as registered nurses, specialist nurses, physiotherapists and others. Below are the main responsibilities of enrolled nurses throughout Australia:

Tasks:

  • Work closely with doctors, registered nurses and other hospital staff
  • Administer treatments
  • Correctly use medical instruments
  • Provide support and information to patients and their families

What skills do I need to be an enrolled nurse?

A career as an enrolled nurse can be demanding yet highly rewarding. You get the chance to have a direct effect on the quality of people's lives. To become an enrolled nurse it is important that you are a compassionate person, and you value the health and well being of all in your care. Along with this you need to be patient, have great time management skills, and an exceptional eye for detail.

Skills/attributes
  • Compassionate and caring attitude
  • Eye for detail
  • Excellent time management
  • Clear and concise communication skills
  • Able to work effectively under pressure
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Specialisations

The position of an enrolled nurse encompasses many different areas. From mental health to remote care, there are many different specialisations available for enrolled nurses to branch into. Below are some specialisations that you can pursue, but there are many more roles available.

Registered Nurse

Qualifying as an enrolled nurse may be the first step towards becoming a registered nurse. A registered nurse has completed their Bachelor of Nursing, is registered with the NMBA, and is therefore able to work unsupervised, providing care and information to patients and their families.

Remote Area Nurse

Remote area nurses are in high demand. It is the responsibility of these nurses to operate in rural areas where health care facilities are usually scarce. You will need three years' experience in nursing practice before becoming a remote nurse. Postings can include working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

Mental Health Nurse

Mental health nurses are trained to be experts in assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders. There is the opportunity to specialise in treating a specific age group, such as children or the elderly. Applications are dependent on clinical experience, and a residency may be required as part of further training and education.

Study pathways for enrolled nurses

There are many career opportunities available for an enrolled nurse. From entry-level roles to specialised fields, enrolled nurses play a vital part in patient care and administering treatment.

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Getting Started

Vocational courses will provide you with the basic level of training and are the first step towards a career in enrolled nursing.

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Skill Building

Undergraduate and honours courses can provide opportunity for career advancement and skill specialisation as you become an enrolled nurse. Study involves a combination of clinical theory and practice.

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Professional Development

These courses provide you with the ability to apply for high-level employment options that are far more specialised and targeted.

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Industry Recognition

You must enrol with your state authority in order to practise as an enrolled nurse.

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Getting a job after graduation

Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your nursing career. Take a look at our sample resume and cover letter and put your best foot forward when you apply for nursing jobs.

Job Prospects and Salaries

There is never a better time to become an enrolled nurse than now. With enrolled nursing jobs in demand in many different areas, begin your study today and start a rewarding and exciting career with the opportunity to progress.

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