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Nurse - Enrolled

Also known as Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) and Nurse - Division 2.

Enrolled nurses, under the direction and supervision of registered nurses, assist with the provision of acute, preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing care in hospitals, aged-care facilities, the community and other healthcare settings.

Enrolled nurses may be required to work shifts involving nights, weekends and public holidays.

TASKS

Enrolled nurses may perform the following tasks:

assist with initial and ongoing health assessments and the maintenance of patients' health
observe, measure and record patients' conditions (their temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, for example)
report changes in patients' conditions
attend to patients' hygiene and comfort by assisting with bathing, showering, dressing and bed-making
assist patients with meals when required
assist patients with rehabilitation exercises and programmes
assist in the care of wounds
assist in emergency situations
assist in providing education on health and lifestyle issues
maintain a safe environment for patients and assist with the prevention of injuries

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication skills
tolerant, patient and tactful when dealing with people of different backgrounds, ages and cultures
able to follow instructions precisely
able to work as part of a team
able to cope with the physical and psychological demands of the job
able to solve problems and make decisions

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an enrolled nurse you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in nursing (enrolled/division 2 nursing). As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia before practising as an enrolled nurse in any state or territory of Australia. For full details, see the board's website.

Opportunities exist for enrolled nurses to build on their skills and training in specific nursing areas. Courses are conducted according to local needs and include acute care, child and family health, community nursing, rehabilitation nursing, wound management, perioperative nursing and disability nursing. Enrolled nurses may be entitled to special entry conditions when applying for undergraduate registered nursing courses.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Enrolled nurses may be employed in acute care; general and mental health hospitals; residential aged-care facilities; hostels; extended care facilities; and occasionally in community service settings.