University vs Vocational and Education Training
The scope of practice for an Enrolled nurse (EN) and Registered nurse (RN) are quite different. The main difference is the education qualification and work experience.
To become Enrolled Nurse, you are require to completes a Diploma of Nursing, which is a two-year course within the vocational education training (VET) sector
To become Registered Nurse, you are require to completes a Bachelor of Nursing, which is a three-year course within the University Tertiary Education
Enrolled Nurse
An Enrolled Nurse works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Enrolled Nurse’s report directly to their Registered Nurse at all times. Enrolled Nurses are usually a patient’s first point of contact, so their role in the healthcare system is vital.
When working in a healthcare environment, an Enrolled Nurse must follow the healthcare plan that has been created by the Registered Nurse in charge. The daily tasks of an Enrolled Nurse will include assessing patients, monitoring responses treatments and care plans.
An Enrolled Nurse’s duties:
- Work under the direct / indirect supervision of an Registered Nurse
- Perform holistic assessment including observation, physical examination and measurements for example taking a client’s temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, blood sugar levels, etc.
- Report any changes in a client’s condition to the Registered Nurse and doctors
- Assist with personal hygiene tasks and activities of daily living such as showering, bathing, dressing, eating and general comfort
- Assist clients with rehab or exercise programs where applicable
- Plan, implement and evaluate nursing care plan in collaboration with Registered Nurse and other health care team members to optimise patient outcome
- Assist with general first aid and emergencies
- Encourage and educate clients to lead a healthy lifestyle
- Administer medications based on the Enrolled Nurse scope of practice
- Promote the safety of self and others in all aspects of nursing practice
For more information about Diploma of Nursing for International Student:
Diploma of Nursing at Box Hill Institute
Diploma of Nursing at Holmesglen Institute
Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse will have more responsibility than an Enrolled Nurse, as well as a higher level of accountability. A Registered Nurse will have a team of Enrolled Nurse’s that they will work with to provide the best care for their patients. A Registered Nurse’s role will involve assessing, creating, facilitating, implementing and updating the healthcare plan of a patient. They will need to look at the emotional, physical, and mental needs of their patients and provide an adequate healthcare plan of action.
Registered Nurse will also be required to manage their team to ensure that all patients are look after adequately, administer medication to patients, anticipate, order supplies, and manage/supervise the Enrolled Nurse in their team wherever necessary.
The key responsibilities of a Registered Nurse include:
- Undertake comprehensive patient assessment
- Develop a nursing care plan in consultation with the multidisciplinary team and evaluate the outcome
- Undertake holistic care including emotional, psychological and spiritual support
- Administer medications and evaluate the outcome
- Operate in a critical and complex environment
- Works as a patient advocate, supervise and mentor Enrolled Nurse’s and junior Registered Nurse’s
- Work in consultation with the multidisciplinary team for the better outcome of the patient
- Participate and contribute to occupational health and safety activities to ensure a safe work environment for clients, family and colleagues Keeping a safe and clean work environment
- Participate in regular personal and professional development
For more information about Bachelor of Nursing for International Student:
Bachelor of Nursing at Swinburne University
Bachelor of Nursing at Latrobe University
Conclusion
Enrolled Nurses have endless career possibilities and can work in a variety of settings, so you will always have the opportunity to move around and work in different areas. Enrolled Nurses can also become Registered Nurse s by completing a Bachelor of Nursing, which is an excellent option for those who are looking to advance their career. The experience you gain as an Enrolled Nurse will be invaluable in this transition and you are likely to receive credit for the Diploma of Nursing units you studied towards the Bachelor of Nursing.
