Explore the interesting and rewarding role of the enrolled nurse.
Enrolled nurses (ENs) work as part of a skilled team of professionals providing compassionate care for patients and consumers.
Enrolled nursing is meaningful, interesting and rewarding. Every day brings new opportunities to make a real difference for patients and their experience of healthcare.
ENs practice under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). As an EN, you’ll assist, protect and promote the health of people under your care including providing physical and emotional care, monitoring patient care, administering medication, maintaining infection prevention and control, performing clinical assessments and contributing to care planning.
ENs can work in a range of different clinical specialties including medical, surgical, mental health, paediatrics, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, oncology, operating theatres, rural and remote, emergency, ambulatory care and community health care settings.
To become an EN you’ll need to complete a Diploma of Nursing and then gain registration. The diploma takes 18-24 months and is offered by various registered training organisations, including TAFE NSW. Registration to practice as an EN is by application to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
We support people to become ENs through the NSW Health Enrolled Nurse Scholarships. The scholarships include a position in the Diploma of Nursing program and the offer of employment as an EN within NSW Health when registered.
Graduate ENs can apply for a transition program offered by various health services. Transition programs include structured support and facilitated skill development for graduate nurses.
ENs have access to a range of education and development opportunities provided by their place of work.
The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) offers a range of education, training and professional development opportunities for all nurses, at all career stages.
ENs working in mental health and in rural areas can access specific career resources to support and fast-track clinical expertise.
Development and education are also available through the Australian College of Nursing and other providers.
An EN can become a registered nurse (RN) with the completion of a Bachelor of Nursing. Many universities offer a Bachelor of Nursing to ENs, recognising previous learning and experience.
For more information on the types of employment opportunities available for enrolled nurses in the NSW public health system, you can go to Careers in NSW Health.
Become an enrolled nurse and see the difference you make, every day.
Ashley finished school and started her enrolled nurse course. She loves being a nurse and contributing to the lives of her patients. Watch Ashley’s story about how her workplace supported her in completing the NSW Health Enrolled Nurse Scholarship Program.
Transcript: Enrolled nurse scholarships: Ashley Gamble.
