Duties and Responsibilities
Some of the duties and responsibilities of an enrolled nurse include*:
- Providing personal care and hygiene needs such as showering, dressing and assisting with meals.
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Recording and interpreting clinical observations including
- temperature, pulse and blood pressure
- urinalysis
- blood glucose and other tests used in specific areas of practice.
- Performing ECGs.
- Recognising and communicating changes in the person’s condition to a Registered Nurse and with the Registered Nurse, formulate the next steps of care.
- Providing basic care for those with acute and chronic physical and mental health needs.
- Providing wound care including simple wound assessment, removing sutures and staples, dressing a simple wound and compiling a wound care chart.
- Undertaking numerous patient assessments including neurological, neurovascular, pain and health assessments.
- Post operative care and management.
- Caring for those at the end of their life and for the deceased.
- Administering and monitoring medicines and intravenous therapy.
- Supporting basic nutrition advice and education responding to people’s health and care needs.
- Assisting with the compilation of disability plans.
*This is a sample of the duties of an enrolled nurse; duties and responsibilities vary depending on experience, location of work etc.
Is the Enrolled Nursing Industry right for you?
Enrolled nurses in full-time positions work in shift schedules. That means you are likely to work between eight and twelve hours. Since shifts are rotational, you sometimes work early mornings or night shifts. You also work on holidays and weekends. Additionally, when the hospital has emergency situations to handle, you may be required to work overtime.
As an enrolled nurse, you work closely with patients, which means you need empathy and compassion to excel in the role. You should also be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and be physically fit to spend long shifts on your feet. The ability to manage stressful situations is also very helpful for those considering a career as an enrolled nurse.
Skills required to work in the Enrolled Nursing industry
Communication
Patience and Empathy
Team Work
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Helpful Industry Links
Find out more about the Enrolled Nursing Industry:
Did you know?
The word ‘nurse’ came from the Latin word ‘nutrix’ which means to nourish. A nurse was described to be someone who nourished, fostered, and protects patients and citizens.
There are around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives in Australia, making it the largest clinical workforce in the country.
Common workplace requirements
- Working with Vulnerable People’s check
- Police Check
- Manual Handling for Nursing
- CPR and immunisations
Career Opportunities
Enrolled nurses may be employed in acute care, general and mental health hospitals, residential aged-care facilities, hostels, extended care facilities and in community service settings.
Enrolled Nurses(ENs) have opportunities for career growth, primarily focused on enhancing their scope of practice and transitioning into Registered Nursing roles:
- Further Study: ENs can undertake further study in nursing offered by many Australian universities. These programs often recognise prior learning and experience, allowing ENs to achieve their Bachelor of Nursing degree in a shorter period.
- Specialised Training: ENs can pursue additional training in specific areas of care, such as aged care, wound management or palliative care, to enhance their skills and job prospects.
- Supervisory Roles: Experienced ENs may take on supervisory roles within their scope of practice, overseeing less experienced ENs or healthcare assistants.
Career Pathways
HLT54121 - Diploma of Nursing
To work as an enrolled nurse (EN) you must be enrolled with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) on completion of your studies. To register with the NMBA you must possess the ability to meet the physical demands of nursing work, in particular the requirements of manual handling and meet the NMBA's English language skills registration standard.