Do you want to become a registered or enrolled nurse in Australia? The difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse will help you to choose the best one according to your eligibility.
One of the most practically and personally satisfying careers you can pursue is nursing course in Australia.
Australia already has 450,000 registered nurses. The number of nurses employed in Australia in 2020 was over 337,000 licensed and 72,000 enrolled. You must possess the necessary qualifications to become a nurse in Australia.
As a member of a team of skilled experts, nurses have the chance to assist patients during pivotal times in their life.
A career in nursing will provide you with ongoing support, education, fulfilling professional relationships, and the opportunity to work in various settings while earning a good salary.
Difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse
There are distinctions between the skill level, jobs, and obligations of these main health professions, yet both registered nurses and enrolled nurses work in similar settings and perform similar tasks. The qualification, which includes education preparation and experience, is a major difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse.
In this blog, we’ll examine the primary differences between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse and the characteristics, qualifications, and skills you can focus on to succeed in each position.
What are Enrolled Nurses?
Nurses with at least a diploma qualification are known as enrolled nurses. An enrolled nurse performs a significant job but is given less authority in a hospital. They will serve more as a team member than as supervisors.
They are regarded by many as the backbone of nursing. Under a registered nurse’s direction, delegation, and supervision, enrolled nurses provide nursing care.
What are Registered Nurses?
A registered nurse has earned a bachelor of nursing courses and degree or graduated from university.
The Nursing Act competency standards are followed in the training and licensing of these nurses. It allows nurses to make decisions independently, accept heavy responsibilities, and carry out different medical procedures.
The registered nurses are at the next professional level to enrolled nurses, where they have a more comprehensive understanding of all parts of the profession.
Let’s discuss the few main differences between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse.
Qualification
This is the primary difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse.
A Registered Nurse must have at least a bachelor’s degree, whereas an Enrolled Nurse must have a diploma-level education.
This means that both positions enter the field with varying duration of formal education; enrolled nurses must complete at least two years of schooling, while registered nurses must complete three years of university.
Scope of Practice
The 2nd major difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse is the area of their work. Listed in the scope of practice are the procedures, actions, and duties a medical professional can perform.
Enrolled Nurses typically have fewer duties than Registered Nurses since they lack the training to provide more advanced medical treatment.
Registered Nurses typically carry out medical treatments and more complex tasks like diagnostic procedures and medication administration. They perform under the direction of a doctor.
Enrolled Nurses carry out only specific medical functions.
A Registered Nurse is tasked with providing assessments of the patient. An enrolled nurse assists patients with feeding, bathing, dressing, and keeping an eye on their vitals, such as glucose and blood pressure.
Authority
Registered Nurses in clinical settings are in charge of enrolled nurses due to their degree of training and education. They can provide instructions and assign responsibilities to Enrolled Nurses.
Registered nurses can also tell doctors and specialists about any issues. This difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse can also not be neglected.
Annual Income
Most of the time, a registered nurse typically earns more than an enrolled nurse.
A Registered Nurse makes, on average, $76,873 a year, whereas an Enrolled Nurse earns $62,418 a year. Experience may have an impact on their salary.
Decision-making obligations
A Registered Nurse has more flexibility over the amount and type of care given to patients because of the additional years of education. They might include the results of their evaluations in a care or treatment plan.
Enrolled Nurses play a small role in creating these plans but must execute the recommended steps.
Why choose Nursing in Australia?
The benefits of nursing in Australia are
- Australia’s educational institutions are renowned worldwide for their nursing programs. According to the QS Rankings, Australia has 50 top nursing institutions.
- Health care services will increase in demand in Australia as the population ages. It is the fastest-growing industry in Australia.
- There is no surprise that nursing is a highly sought-after career because it is stable and rewarding. Nursing professionals experience a high level of job satisfaction due to the aid they provide to patients.
- Overall, being able to work anywhere in Australia and throughout the world is the biggest benefit of studying nursing in Australia.
- You can join the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency once you have earned your nursing degree. The primary advantages of joining such an organization are networking with other experts and improving job prospects.
- You will also be acknowledged for your professional qualifications and be allowed to keep developing your knowledge and skills.
Watch
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia 2022 | Episode 1| Step by Step Career Pathway
How to transform from an enrolled nurse to a registered nurse?
As discussed above, the important difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse is the qualification.
Enrolled nurses hold diplomas in nursing. They already have some of the knowledge and experience of a registered nurse. So, a full three-year bachelor’s degree is typically not necessary to upgrade the skills of an enrolled nurse.
Many institutions offer specialized degrees created with your present experience level in mind if you are currently an enrolled nurse. Depending on your background, it is typically lowered to a two-year degree or less.
Difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse – Final Words!
Whether you work as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, you have a wide range of excellent nursing employment options in Australia’s nursing industry.
The primary difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a registered nurse is the required qualification.
- If you are a graduate, you can apply for a registered nurse.
- If you have a nursing diploma, you can be an Enrolled Nurse.
Want additional details on beginning a career as an enrolled nurse or a registered nurse? Consult our registered agent in Australia.
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I, Muhammad Azeem, am a seasoned content writer specializing in visa and immigration services. Passionate about making the immigration process smoother and more accessible, I combine thorough research with clear and engaging writing.
When not writing, I enjoy exploring new cultures and staying updated on the latest trends in immigration policy.