An Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia is a type of nurse who has completed a specific level of education and training to work in a range of health care settings. ENs play an important role in providing patient care, assisting with treatments and procedures, and working as part of a health care team.
Enrolled Nurse jobs work under the supervision of registered nurses and are responsible for tasks such as observing and monitoring patients, administering medication, and carrying out basic nursing procedures.
In Australia, ENs are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), which sets the standards and competencies for ENs and ensures that they provide safe and competent care.
To become an EN, you must complete an accredited EN course, register with the NMBA, and obtain professional indemnity insurance.
Enrolled nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers opportunities for professional growth and development, and the ability to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Meet the eligibility requirements: To become an EN, you must be at least 18 years old, have completed Year 12 or equivalent, and have an adequate level of English proficiency. You may also need to provide proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Complete an accredited EN course: You'll need to complete an accredited EN course, which typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete and includes both theoretical and practical components. You can find these courses at TAFEs (Technical and Further Education Institutes), private colleges, and universities in Australia.
Gain practical experience: You'll need to complete a certain amount of supervised clinical practice as part of your EN course. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a health care setting.
Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA): Once you've completed your EN course, you'll need to register with the NMBA, the national regulatory body for nurses and midwives in Australia. You'll also need to pay a fee and complete an online competency assessment.
Obtain professional indemnity insurance: As a registered EN, you'll be required to obtain professional indemnity insurance, which will protect you from any legal action in case of a patient's adverse outcome while in your care.
Once you've completed these steps, you'll be able to work as an Enrolled Nurse in Australia. You'll have the opportunity to provide patient care, assist with treatments and procedures, and work as part of a health care team.