How to Become an Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Becoming an enrolled nurse (EN) requires you to complete an 18-to-24-month Diploma of Nursing. You then need to register with the NMBA.
ENs form part of Australia’s nursing workforce. You’ll need a Diploma of Nursing to be one.
Becoming an enrolled nurse in Australia requires you to complete an 18-to-24-month Diploma of Nursing. You then need to register with the NMBA and seek EN jobs. Getting your first job can be challenging if there is an oversupply of diploma graduates.
The role of an EN is to support the nursing team under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs). They are more involved in direct patient care, while degree-qualified RNs manage complex tasks like treatment planning and care coordination.
ENs only account for around 6 per cent of Australia’s nursing workforce. Given that they also earn less than graduate RNs, this career pathway is not ideal for most nurse aspirants. However, exceptions exist and being an EN can be a pathway to becoming an RN.
Steps to Become an Enrolled Nurse
In a few steps, which include getting a nursing diploma, you can be working as an enrolled nurse.
1. Complete a Diploma of Nursing
The standard qualification for enrolled nurses in Australia is a Diploma of Nursing. This campus-based course usually spans 18 to 24 months full-time. It consists of 25 units focusing on essential skills such as health assessment, wound care, medication administration, infection control, and communication.
Related: Approved Programs of Study for Enrolled Nurse (Division 2)
2. Register with the NMBA
While completing your Diploma of Nursing or shortly after, you can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This step is essential to become a practicing Enrolled Nurse. You need to provide proof of your nursing education, undergo criminal history checks, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
3. Apply for nursing positions
Once registered, you can apply for enrolled nurse jobs. These are found across healthcare fields, and common specialisations include aged care, mental health, and perioperative nursing. You may need to do further study for some roles. For example, a Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology is required for anaesthetic nursing.
Difference Between an EN and an RN
Enrolled nurse (EN) and registered nurse (RN) have similar roles, with the key distinction being that ENs work under RN supervision. RNs are degree-qualified, typically holding a Bachelor of Nursing.
Daily tasks greatly overlap between these types of nurses, as they often work together in a unit. Nursing care is provided by the staff available, regardless of its composition.
ENs tend to focus more on direct patient care and support. While they participate in a range of nursing activities, RNs often take the lead in activities such as treatment planning, task delegation, and care coordination.
According to the NMBA Fact Sheet on Nurse Scope of Practice and Capabilities, ENs gather patient data, contribute to care plans, and perform clinical tasks within their competence.
Table 1. EN vs RN Standards for Practice
| EN Standard | RN Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1. Functions in accordance with law, policies, and procedures | 3. Maintains the capability for practice |
| 2. Practices nursing ensuring rights, confidentiality, dignity, and respect | 2. Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships |
| 3. Accepts accountability and responsibility for own actions | 3. Maintains the capability for practice |
| 4. Interprets information for care planning | 4. Comprehensively conducts assessments |
| 5. Collaborates in developing care plans | 5. Develops a plan for nursing practice |
| 6. Provides skilled care promoting independence and decision-making | 6. Provides safe, quality nursing practice |
| 7. Communicates and uses documentation for care | 7. Evaluates outcomes to inform practice |
| 8. Provides care informed by research | 6. Provides safe, quality nursing practice |
| 9. Practices within safety and quality guidelines | 6. Provides safe, quality nursing practice |
| 10. Engages in professional development | 3. Maintains the capability for practice |
Sources: NMBA Enrolled Nurse (EN) Standards for Practice, NMBA Standards for Registered Nurse (RN) Practice
Salary Comparisons
Table 2. EN vs RN Salaries
| Region | EN Year 1 | EN Year 5 | RN Year 1 | RN Year 8 | Pay premium* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $63,131 | $68,599 | $70,050 | $98,351 | 43% |
| Victoria | $59,791 | $65,891 | $67,759 | $95,706 | 45% |
| Queensland | $69,160 | $73,400 | $80,342 | $103,053 | 40% |
| Western Australia | $66,760 | $72,015 | $75,957 | $96,712 | 34% |
| South Australia | $66,438 | $72,729 | $74,831 | $102,103 | 40% |
| Tasmania | $63,083 | $69,835 | $69,835 | $89,272 | 28% |
| ACT | $65,934 | $70,443 | $72,698 | $97,112 | 38% |
| Northern Territory | $67,263 | $76,035 | $76,035 | $101,612 | 34% |
| Australia | $65,195 | $71,118 | $73,438 | $97,990 | 38% |
* Pay premium is the percentage difference between a mature RN salary and a mature EN salary. EN salaries typically peak in Year 5 or 6. RN salaries typically peak in Year 8 or 9. Sources: Public sector nurse and midwife award salaries in each state and territory. Refer to our nursing resources page.
In Australia, an EN’s starting salary is around $65,195, increasing to $71,118 after five years. In contrast, RNs start at $73,438 and see a significant rise to $97,990 by the eighth year. This demonstrates a 38% pay premium, which is the extra earnings of a mature RN compared to a mature EN.