How to become an enrolled nurse
This article on how to become an enrolled nurse article could help you to explore whether this could be the career path for you. Do you have a natural compassion for people, the ability to keep calm under pressure and the focus to follow instructions accurately?
What is an enrolled nurse?
Enrolled nurses work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, to provide all types of nursing care. They observe, measure and record patients’ conditions and report any changes to doctors.
As an enrolled nurse you would be responsible for your patient’s hygiene, safety and comfort. You would help maintain a safe environment and minimise the possibility of injuries. You may be asked to assist with bathing, dressing, bed-making and feeding when required. You may also provide support during rehabilitation, helping with exercises and different physical programs.
Enrolled nurses need to have excellent knowledge of first aid so they can provide assistance during emergency situations. They also need to know how to take temperatures, pulses, check respiration and blood pressure. Aside from their technical duties, enrolled nurses may help educate patients on different health and lifestyle issues.
Being an enrolled nurse would require you to be able to follow instructions carefully, multitask and have good teamwork skills. Since you would be dealing with other medical and healthcare professionals you need to have good teamwork and communication skills.
A key element of being an enrolled nurse is that you need to be tactful, calm and reassuring as you would look after people from different backgrounds, ages and cultures.
Hours and conditions:
Enrolled nurses are employed full time, part time or on a contractual basis in hospitals, medical centers, home healthcare services, aged care facilities and other healthcare settings. They may also find work in correctional facilities, schools or in the armed forces.
Enrolled nurses would work shifts that involve nights, weekends and public holidays. The job and work environment may be demanding so nurses need to be able to cope with the different physical and psychological challenges involved.
How to become an enrolled nurse: Qualifications
To become an enrolled nurse, you need to complete an 18 month or 2 year VET qualification to obtain a diploma in enrolled nursing. In order to undertake clinical placements, a nursing student must first have a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate and have had the necessary immunisations.
Before you can practice as an enrolled nurse in any state or territory of Australia you are legally required to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
To look at courses that will help you find a role as an enrolled nurse, check out
https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database
The job outlook for enrolled nurses is strong and employment of these healthcare professionals is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. There is an increasing demand for healthcare services because of factors like growing affluence, the large aging baby boomer population and an increased focus on preventive care. All these open more job opportunities for nurses across different specialties.
https://careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/319/nurse-enfrolled